Arabic (ARAB)
This course, designed for students with no previous study of Arabic, introduces the students of the script system of Arabic language, ensures the acquisition of basic speaking, listening, reading and writing in Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) and an introduction to the Arab culture around the world. Five class hours weekly. One and one-quarter units.
Prerequisite: Placement score of ARAB 99-LG
GPA units: 1.25
Common Area: Language Studies
Typically Offered: Fall
This course focuses on the basic linguistic and cultural fundamentals of Arabic in a communicative approach that allows the students to increase their linguistic abilities in reading, writing, listening and speaking in uncomplicated situations.
Prerequisite: ARAB 101 or equivalent
GPA units: 1.25
Common Area: Language Studies
Typically Offered: Spring
This course introduces students to the basic aspects of Arabic culture. Through primary sources, literature and visual materials, the course focuses on the major themes and issues crucial to comprehending the culture of the Arab world. Among the topics students will explore are Arabic language and dialects, religion, food and cuisine, familial ties, customs and traditions, cinema and TV, major trends in modern poetry and novel, music, migration and diaspora. The class is conducted in English and no previous knowledge of Arabic is required. This course is intended solely for students who have no prior knowledge of Arab culture.
GPA units: 1
Common Area: Cross-Cultural Studies
This course reviews and expands the fundamentals of the language through oral and written expression accompanied by readings and culture.
Prerequisite: Elementary Arabic 2
GPA units: 1.25
Common Area: Language Studies
Typically Offered: Fall
This course presents more complex structures and embraces cultural competence by means of discussing TV shows and current newspapers.
Prerequisite: ARAB 201 or equivalent
GPA units: 1.25
Common Area: Language Studies
Typically Offered: Spring
This course will introduce students to the modern literature of the Arab world. It will examine works by writers from different nationalities in the Arab world, all written in or translated into English. We will touch upon themes such as Nahda, colonialism and post-colonialism, nationalism, globalization, diversity, memory, and tradition. As we are exploring the primary readings, we will focus on two broad topics: modern Arab literature between the East and the West and the scene after the Arab Spring. This course constitutes an interdisciplinary exploration of Arab culture, society and thought through reading fiction works. It investigates identity formation and cultural construction, as well as politics and ideology in literature. The course examines how texts construct and perpetuate an often-problematic version of cultural identity. We will explore how unique histories, traditions, and politics are significant factors in reading and analyzing literature. We will investigate how literature addressed to the western reader often perpetuates a stereotypical version of the Arab Middle East that homogenizes its populations and fails to account for its complexity. The course will conclude with literary work during and in the aftermath of Arab Spring Revolutions.
GPA units: 1
Common Area: Cross-Cultural Studies, Literature
Focus on the continued development of spoken Modern Standard Arabic and written Arabic through text and multi-media resources.
Prerequisite: ARAB 202 or permission of instructor.
GPA units: 1
Common Area: Language Studies
Typically Offered: Fall
GPA units: 1
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
GPA units: 1
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
GPA units: 1
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring