Arabic

Introduction to Colloquial and Standard Arabic

This course takes an integrating approach in teaching Arabic, combining both Modern Standard Arabic (hereafter MSA) and colloquial (Palestinian) Arabic (hereafter PA) in order to reflect the use of the language by native speakers. The goal of this course is to introduce students to the basic foundations of both speaking an Arabic dialect and reading in MSA. Please see the course description here.

Students will be provided with the following skills:

1. Basic grammar and vocabulary of both MSA and PA. Focus will be put on the shared aspects of these two varieties of Arabic, as well as the differences between them. The first lessons will be dedicated to learning the Arabic alphabet while introducing basic vocabulary and structures.
2. Understanding and actively participating in basic conversations.
3. Reading and translating basic texts.

This course meets from 8:30AM to 1:00PM, five days per week, Sunday through Thursday, and awards 4 college credits.

The course will serve as a basis for further courses. Emphasis is put on communication and on developing proficiency in the language by using it in meaningful contexts: greetings, education, home and family, work, politics and culture. Please see the Basic Arabic course description here.

Students who would like to participate in Advanced Arabic must receive prior permission from the professor. Please contact the U.S. office at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to make arrangements.

Combined Intensive Language

Students may choose to combine the basic Arabic course with the Track 2 Hebrew language course for a total of 6 credits.