Phoebe Carter

This is the first half of a yearlong course for students who are beginning the study of Arabic and have minimal or no prior exposure to the language. The first semester introduces students to the Arabic language and culture in all four modalities: speaking, reading, listening and writing across the three communicative modes: interpretive, interpersonal and presentational. Part of the first semester concentrates on the Arabic alphabetic writing system, pronunciation, basic conversation and an introduction to basic Arabic grammar. Classwork includes dictation, group conversations, listening exercises and activities focused on developing reading and writing skills. There is increased focus on vocabulary and grammar during the second half of the semester. Online audio and visual materials are used to reinforce communication and vocabulary building, to expose students to authentic language resources and to help them practice inside and outside of the class. Students are also expected to complete assignments outside of class. Instruction includes an introduction to the customs and cultures of the Arabic-speaking world. This course follows the integrated approach teaching model (Modern Standard Arabic and the Levantine dialect) and includes required practice sessions with a teaching assistant. Students enrolled in this course are automatically enrolled in ARBC 112Y for the spring semester. No prerequisite. Offered every fall semester.

This is the second half of a yearlong course, a continuation of ARBC 111Y. As in the first semester, the work includes practice of the Arabic language in all four modalities: speaking, writing, reading and listening across the three communicative modes: interpretive, interpersonal and presentational. This course develops students’ communicative competence in the Arabic language and their understanding of the Arabic culture. Classwork includes reading comprehension activities, vocabulary building activities, giving presentations in Arabic, listening to authentic audio, and guided class discussion in the target language. As in the first-half course, this class follows the integrated approach teaching model (Modern Standard Arabic and the Levantine dialect). Students are expected to use online and extracurricular resources (some provided by the instructor) to help improve their skills and complete assignments outside of class. This course includes required practice sessions with a teaching assistant. Prerequisite: ARBC 111Y or equivalent with permission of instructor. Offered every spring semester.

The second half of a yearlong course is a continuation of ARBC 213Y. The second semester continues to build a solid foundation in the Arabic language while developing communication skills in Arabic. By the end of the course, students will have learned all the basic grammar of Modern Standard Arabic and the cumulative of about 400 words. Classwork includes reading authentic texts, vocabulary building, presenting research in Arabic, listening to authentic media (such as news, films and television programs) and class discussion in the target language. Students are expected to use online and extracurricular resources to improve their skills and complete assignments outside of class. The class follows the integrated approach of teaching model (MSA and the Levantine dialect) and includes required practice sessions with a teaching assistant. Prerequisite: ARBC 213Y or equivalent with the permission of instructor. Offered every spring semester.