Department of Modern Foreign Languages

Leonard R. Koos, Chair

Faculty
Associate Professor
Shoukri B. Abed

The Arabic Program

The Arabic language is a key element for understanding a group of 22 nations and 200 million native Arabic speakers. There are also over 1 billion Muslims who use Arabic as their liturgical language. The UMW Arabic program offers courses in beginning, intermediate, and advanced Arabic language. Students can complement their study of the Arabic language with related courses in geography, history, international affairs, linguistics, religion, and political science, as well as Arabic literature in translation. In addition, the Arabic program at UMW offers summer study abroad opportunities in Amman, Jordan. Students can spend six weeks studying intensive Arabic in this beautiful city. The program is open to students in first, second, or third-year Arabic, as well as for more advanced study of standard Arabic or study of the Moroccan dialect.

*For information regarding general education language requirements for students not currently majoring in Modern Foreign Languages, please see page 81-82 in this Catalog.

Arabic Course Offerings (ARAB)

101, 102 – Beginning Arabic (3, 3)

An introduction to Modern Standard Arabic in both its spoken and written form. Equal emphasis on all five skill areas: speaking, listening, reading, writing, and culture. Required sessions in the language laboratory. Students with credit for a higher level course in Arabic may not take this course.

201, 202 – Intermediate Arabic (3, 3)

The second 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 culture. Required sessions in the language laboratory. Students with credit for a higher level course in Arabic may not take this course.

301, 302 – Advanced Arabic (3, 3)

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 culture. Required sessions in the language laboratory.

351 – Classical Arabic Literature in Translation (3)

A survey of the major periods and modes of classical Arabic literature from the pre-Islamic to late ’Abbāsid periods. All readings in English translation. Course emphasizes integration of scholarly analysis into readings of literature. Multiple oral presentations required as well as final paper.

352 – Modern Arabic Literature in Translation (3)

A survey of the major periods and modes of modern Arabic literature of the 20th century. All readings in English translation. Course emphasizes integration of scholarly analysis into readings of literature. Multiple short papers required as well as final paper.

401, 402 – Fourth-Year Arabic (3, 3)

The fourth 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 culture. Required sessions in the language laboratory.

491, 492 – Independent Study Arabic (3, 3)

Students may undertake further independent study in Arabic with the permission of the instructor.

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