ARAB1105: Jumpstart Beginning Arabic I

This course is designed for novice learners of Arabic who are not entirely new to the study of the language. Specifically, if you have learned the Arabic alphabet and are able to greet people and introduce yourself in Arabic, this beginning-level Arabic course is for you. It differs from ARAB 1101/ 4101, Beginning Arabic I, in that we skip learning the Arabic alphabet. As in ARAB 1101/4101, we cover lessons one through five in al-Kitaab Part I, and practice an Arabic colloquial once a week. While ARAB 1101/4101 meets five times per week, we meet four times a week. At the end of this course, you will be ready to take ARAB 1102/4102, Beginning Arabic II. Your Arabic study will focus on the fundamental skills of speaking, reading, writing, and listening, as well as on basic language skills needed to meet the demands of daily life. While Mondays through Wednesdays are focused on Modern Standard, our Thursday class periods will be dedicated to colloquial Arabic. Our work on both registers in this course will enable you to communicate efficiently in both informal and formal settings. Instruction will be in Arabic, with some English. Arabic is intended to be the main medium of communication in the classroom. The al-Kitaab textbook provides explanations about pronunciation and grammar in English. You will be responsible for studying these explanations at home and joining our class sessions prepared to ask and answer questions and ready to practice. Class time will be devoted to practicing Arabic. This class is taught following a communicative and interactive approach, which means that you will be expected to engage and participate intensively. As your instructor, I see it as my role to support not only the development of your linguistic abilities in Arabic, but also your familiarity with the rich cultures of the Arab world. Therefore, we will explore a variety of cultural and artistic materials. You can expect your class to be diverse, creative, and challenging.

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