ARBC 313 Advanced Arabic Syllabus
Goals and Objectives
The Arabic 101-202 sequence is designed to provide an introduction to Arabic as it is spoken and written in Arabic speaking cultures. By the end of the four-semester sequence, you should be able to understand and speak enough Arabic to communicate at a basic level with a native speaker on a variety of topics. You should be able to write simple texts on everyday themes and read uncomplicated authentic texts, such as a newspaper article on a familiar topic. YOu will also be introduced to aspects of contemporary life and culture in twenty two Arab countries.
Grading
| Five Quizzes | 25% |
| Midterm Exam | 20% |
| Classwork & Homework | 25% |
| Final Exam | 30% |
| A | = 93-100 |
| B+ | = 90-92 |
| B | = 83-89 |
| C+ | = 80-82 |
| C | = 73-79 |
| D | = 70-72 |
| F | = 0-69 |
Week |
Chapter |
|---|---|
| One | INTRODUCTION AND FOCUS ON SPEAKING SHORT STORY “CRAZY JOHN” (p. 229) Assignment A: Address any questions or problems Assignment B: Discuss syllabus and course plan |
| Two | KHALIL GIBRAN (p. 351) Assignment A: Write about your summer vacation Assignment B: Read first chapter of “Crazy John” (p. 229-240) |
| Three | “UNCLE FRIDAY”, edited by MAHMUD TAMUR (p. 70) Assignment A: prepare two chapters of “Uncle Friday” (pp. 70-80) Assignment B: Prepare for test TEST #1 |
| Four | CONTINUATION OF “UNCLE FRIDAY” Assignment A: Translate passage (p. 43) Assignment B: Write summary for love story (p. 231) |
| Five | A WEDDING IN A JORDANIAN VILLAGE (p. 750) DISCUSSION ABOUT THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MARRIAGE IN THE MIDDLE EAST AND THE U.S.A. Assignment A: Describe a wedding in the U.S.A. Assignment B: Compare it to the Jordanian one (use the text as guideline for you) |
| Six | LOVE STORY (p. 231) DIFFERENCES BETWEEN DATING IN THE MIDDLE EAST AND THE U.S.A. Assignment: Write a letter introducing yourself to someone in an Arab country |
| Seven | THE ARAB FAMILY Assignment A: Write an article about the differences in style between Arabic family and American family Assignment B: Prepare for test TEST #2 |
| Eight | A VISIT TO JERUSALEM (p. 106) DISCUSSION ABOUT ISLAM, CHRISTIANITY AND JUDAISM Assignments A & B: Write about the holy city of Jerusalem |
| Nine | A VISIT FROM THE AMERICAN SECRETARY OF STATE TO THE MIDDLE EAST (p. 527) Assignment A: Write about the duty of our secretary of state in the Middle East Assignment B: Prepare for test TEST #3 |
| Ten | AN OPINION ABOUT THE STATUS OF WOMEN IN THE MIDDLE EAST (P. 426) Assignment A: Write an article about the role of women in Arab countries Assignment B: Compare it to the role of women in America |
| Eleven | DISCUSSION ABOUT THE WOMEN IN THE MIDDLE EAST AND THE U.S.A. AMERICAN VISITORS COMMENT ABOUT THE MIDDLE EAST (p. 148) Assignments A & B: Use the text to write about terrorism |
| Twelve | TAHA HUSEIN – FAMOUS WRITER (p. 225) Assignment A: Write a biography of Taha Husein Assignment B: Prepare for test TEST #4 |
| Thirteen | AHMAD SHOKEY (p. 253) Assignment A: Write a biography of Ahmad Shokey Assignment B: Prepare for final exam |
| Fourteen | THE SYSTEMS OF GOVERNMENT AND THE PARTIES OF THE ARAB WORLD (p. 193) FINAL EXAM: Date & Time TBA; Room ECTR 223 |