We hope that you’ll pursue a study of Arabic with us here at UMW.
This program has formed an educational community and courses are taught by only the best.
The rigor and nature of the courses require that you complete them in the following order (note the prerequisite requirements listed in the descriptions). However, exceptions can be made to those who can place into and be successful in the upper-level courses. For more information on placement testing, please contact the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures. For specific questions related to Arabic, please contact the faculty.
ARAB 101 – Introductory Arabic I (3 credits)
An introduction to Modern Standard Arabic in both its spoken and written form. Course begins with the alphabet and sound system and covers greetings and simple sentences on a small range of topics. Equal emphasis on all five skill areas: reading, writing, listening, speaking and culture. No prerequisite.
ARAB 102 – Introductory Arabic II (3 credits)
Prerequisite: Arabic 101 or the equivalent skill set. An introduction to Modern Standard Arabic in both its spoken and written form. Course covers basic grammar of the language and requires students to make three presentations on topics of interest to novice speakers. Equal emphasis on all five skill areas: reading, writing, listening, speaking and culture.
ARAB 201 – Intermediate Arabic I (3 credits)
Prerequisite: Arabic 102 or the equivalent skill set. Further study of Modern Standard Arabic in both its spoken and written form. Course emphasizes vocabulary acquisition and the mastery of the root-pattern system that anchors Arabic grammar. Equal emphasis on all five skill areas: reading, writing, listening, speaking and culture. Required sessions in the language laboratory.
ARAB 202 – Intermediate Arabic II (3 credits)
Prerequisite: Arabic 201 or the equivalent skill set. Further study of Modern Standard Arabic in both its spoken and written form. Course emphasizes the extension of the root-pattern system to enable students to expand their skill set and requires students to make three presentations demonstrating their familiarity with issues important in the Arabic-speaking world. Equal emphasis on all five skill areas: reading, writing, listening, speaking and culture. Required sessions in the language laboratory. Beginning in the 2007-2008 academic year, Arabic 202 will fulfill the Speaking Intensive (SI) requirement in the Across the Curriculum system.
ARAB 301,302 – Advanced Arabic (3 credits each)
Prerequisite: Arabic 202 or the equivalent skill set. The third year of instruction in Modern Standard Arabic in both its spoken and written form. Equal emphasis on all five skill areas: speaking, listening, reading, writing, and cultural literacy. Required sessions in the language laboratory.
ARAB 310 – Topics in Arabic Culture (3 Credits)
This is a new course for students who have completed the intermediate language level or for students who are native or heritage speakers of Arabic. Topics will vary according to students interest and faculty expertise. The course will be taught entirely in Arabic.
ARAB 351 – Classical Arabic Literature in Translation (3 credits)
A survey of the major periods and modes of classical Arabic literature from the pre-Islamic to late ‘Abbasid periods. All readings in English translation. This course emphasizes integration of scholarly analysis into readings of literature. Multiple oral presentations are required as well as a final paper.
ARAB 352 – Modern Arabic Literature in Translation (3 credits)
A survey of the major periods and modes of modern Arabic literature of the 20th Century. All readings in English translation. The course emphasizes integration of scholarly analysis into readings of literature. Multiple short papers are required as well as a final paper.
ARAB 491,492 – Independent Study Arabic (3 credits each)
Students may undertake further independent study in Arabic with the permission of the instructor.
MDFL 201 – World Literature in Cultural Context: Topics in Arabic Literature (3)
No prerequisite. An introduction to Arabic literature in translation. In English. This course uses 20th century Arabic fiction in English translation to introduce basic trends and themes in modern Arabic literature. This course fulfills the literature component of Goal 4 of the General Education program.