Arabic III (211-3-20)
Instructors
Rana Raddawi
847/467-6350
Crowe 4-121
Dr. Rana Raddawi holds a PhD in Translation Studies from Sorbonne University in Paris, France. She masters five languages and has more than 15 years of teaching experience in the West and the Middle East at the undergraduate and graduate levels. She is the editor of the book Intercultural Communication with Arabs (published by Springer), and she is the translator of several books into Arabic such as "Happiness is a Serious Problem" and "Natural Medicine for Cold and Flu".
Meeting Info
Kresge 4531 MENA Seminar Rm: Mon, Wed, Fri 12:30PM - 1:50PM
Overview of class
Third-year Arabic will focus on the integrated approach which blends the standard Arabic, Fuṣḥā, and the dialect or colloquial language, āmmiyya, in a way that reflects the authentic practice of native Arabic speakers. We will develop reading and writing skills using Modern Standard Arabic and speaking and listening skills using an educated spoken version of the āmmiyya of the Levantine dialect. The integrated approach successfully teaches the reality of the Arabic sociolinguistic and diglossic situation and prepares students fully for the various settings and contexts of the Arab world. The course will enhance learners' ability to read, write, understand, and discuss challenging authentic texts from different sources.
This quarter, we will continue to use Arabiyyat al-Naas (Part Two, second edition) focusing on new useful vocabulary and phrases to communicate in a real-life context. Students will learn about the modern Arab world and its history and economy, culture and language. Different media tools will be used such as games, crosswords, songs, movies, interviews, and documentaries about the Arab world.
In the Spring Quarter, we will cover Unit 15 (festivals and Celebrations), Unit 16 (lMigrationa and Refugees), Unit 17 (The Environment), Unit 18 (Marriage).
Registration Requirements
Arabic 211-2 with a C- or equivalent; or instructor's consent.
Learning Objectives
After completing Third-Year Arabic, students will comprehend texts on familiar topics and outline the main ideas of unfamiliar authentic texts. Students will also have learned enough vocabulary and idioms in MSA that allows students to hold conversations with native speakers on familiar topics and discuss basic cultural ideas. Improved clarity and intonation will be clearly noticeable in students' pronunciation.
Teaching Method
Third-year Arabic uses a communicative, proficiency-oriented approach. This is a highly interactive class, focusing on developing reading, writing, and speaking skills. Special emphasis will be placed on listening skills and conversational skills through small interactive group work designed to increase accuracy and fluency. Advanced challenging grammar discussions in class will lead to a more nuanced understanding of the Arabic language. Students will be taught to develop techniques for thinking in Arabic, which will be reflected in increased fluency in writing.
Evaluation Method
Students will be assessed using a variety of input: Homework assignments based on weekly readings and class participation, presentations, several quizzes, writing projects, two midterm exams, and a final term writing paper.
Class Materials (Required)
Arabiyyat al-Naas Part Two, Second Edition: An Intermediate Course in Arabic. Younes, Al-Masri. (2022) Publisher: Routledge. Print ISBN: 9781138353114
Class Notes
This class is taught in Arabic. Attendance is mandatory and there is daily homework.
The course is taught in Arabic and speaking intensive. Attendance is mandatory and all students should plan on daily homework outside of class. There are tutoring sessions available to all students to accelerate their language practice.