This course (Arabic 121, 122, 123) is designed to introduce you to the Modern Standard Arabic language (MSA) used throughout the Arab World. In addition, each Arab country has its dialect, which is derived from the MSA. This course is geared toward writing Arabic Alphabet, pronunciation, and basic grammar using: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. This involves intensive classroom interaction and out-of-class assignments.
The course objective is to develop fluency in pronunciation and writing of Arabic letters, acquire basic language structure and vocabulary, and learn about the culture and diversity in the Arab-speaking World.
Learning Arabic is challenging but a highly rewarded process that requires patience and practice.
Class Descriptions
ARAB 121: Arabic I 5 cr.
First part of a three-quarter sequence introducing Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) designed for students with no prior knowledge of Arabic. Students gain a foundation in the Arabic script and sound system while learning basic grammatical structures and high-frequency vocabulary. Emphasis is placed on developing proficiency in the four core skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing, with a particular focus on accurate pronunciation and the ability to engage in simple, everyday conversations. Cultural topics related to the Arab world are integrated throughout the course to provide context for language learning. This course requires real-time interactive language practice. Recommended: This course is for students with no prior experience studying Arabic.
ARAB 122: Arabic II 5 cr.
Continues ARAB 121, further developing skills in Modern Standard Arabic (MSA). This course reviews and reinforces the foundational knowledge from the first course while introducing more complex grammatical structures, such as the past tense, reported speech, future, and new vocabulary themes. Students will continue to build communicative competence through interactive activities, short readings, and composition exercises. The course also begins to introduce common phrases and structures from a major spoken dialect to enhance students’ ability to understand authentic, informal communication. This course requires real-time interactive language practice. Recommended: ARAB 121 or equivalent or instructor permission.
ARAB 123: Arabic III 5 cr.
Continues ARAB 122. This final course in first-year Modern Standard Arabic consolidates students’ grasp of fundamental grammar and significantly expands their active vocabulary. Emphasis is placed on moving from sentence-level production to connected discourse in both speaking and writing. Grammatical topics include the future tense, an introduction to derived verb forms, and the subjunctive mood. The integration of a spoken dialect continues to parallel the MSA curriculum, improving functional communication skills. This course requires real-time interactive language practice. Recommended: ARAB 122 or equivalent or instructor permission
Last Updated July 11, 2023