ARBC 314 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%
Grade Scale
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 OF THE COURSE
WORDS OF WISDOM (p. 482)
Assignment A: Address any questions or problems
Assignment B: Discuss syllabus and course plan
Two SPEECH OF THE DEAN (p. 492
WRITING BRIEFLY IN ARABIC AND ENGLISH ABOUT THE DEAN’S SPEECH
Assignment A: Thinking vs. Speaking
Assignment B: Rights vs. Privileges
Three THE STORY OF SUSANNE ALI, by Al-Tayib Salih (p. 497)
CONTINUATION OF THE STORY AND COMMENTS
Assignment A: Prepare three chapters of above story
Assignment B: Prepare for test
TEST #1
Four A LETTER TO A FRIEND DESCRIBING LIFE IN HIS COUNTRY
Assignment A: Write a letter describing the traditions and culture in an Arab country
Assignment B: Prepare chapters four and five from the foreign report in Tunis
Five A FOREIGN REPORTER IN TUNIS (p. 373)
Assignment A: Describe the differences between life in Tunis and life in the U.S.A.
Assignment B: Prepare for the Bedouins (p. 358)
Six READING FIRST TWO CHAPTERS OF THE BEDOUINS
Assignment A: Conversation regarding life in the desert (in the Middle East)
Assignment B: Prepare for test
Seven ELECTIONS IN THE USA / COMPARISONS BETWEN OUR ELECTIONS & ELECTIONS IN THE MIDDLE EAST
Assignment A: Write essay comparing elections in the U.S.A. and some of the countries in the Middle East
Assignment B: Review grammar
TEST #2
Eight ARAB OIL
Assignment A: Discuss results/ Answer questions from Test #2
Assignment B: Discuss how Arab oil affects U.S.A.
Nine THE UNITED NATIONS ORGANIZATION
Assignment A: Write essay about the role of the U.N.
Assignment B: Present the essay in class/Prepare for test
Ten SADAM HUSSEIN AND THE CONFLICT IN THE GULF
Assignment A: Discuss the conflict between the U.S.A. and the Iraqi leader
Assignment B: Write article about the role of USA in the Gulf
TEST #3
Eleven “AL AHRAM” (READING THE ARABIC NEWSPAPER)
Assignment A: Write an article explaining why fundamentalist Muslims hate the U.S.A
Assignment B: Student presentations of articles/ Prepare for test
Twelve POEM BY MIKHAIL NUAYMI (p. 816)
Assignment A: Write essay about the poet in Arab countries
Assignment B: Read additional Arabic poems by Nuaymi
TEST #4
Thirteen THE STORY OF GOHA (p. 785) BY ANIS FRAYHA
Assignment A: Read the first three chapters
Assignment B: Review
Fourteen COMPLETION OF THE STORY OF GOHA
Assignment A: Presentation of the above story
Assignment B: Review
FINAL EXAM:Date & Time TBA; Room ECTR223