Arabic 001

By the end of this language course, students should be able to say:

Interpretive Listening

Interpretive Reading

Interpersonal Speaking

Presentational Speaking

Presentational Writing

I can recognize letters of the alphabet when spoken or the spoken version of written characters. I can recognize words used repeatedly in the classroom context, e.g., words used to greet and say goodbye to others, numbers, etc.

I can identify letters of the alphabet or frequently used written characters, e.g., Pinyin or Romanji. I can identify words that I have seen and used frequently.

I can exchange greetings with and say goodbye to others. I can introduce myself and express basic information about myself using phrasing I have memorized. I can express uncertainty and ask for clarification

I can accurately pronounce the letters of the alphabet or basic written characters when, for example, spelling my name. I can describe things using colors, numbers, etc

I can accurately write the letters of the alphabet or basic writing system. I can write basic words and phrases that I have memorized. If asked, I can write these letters, characters, basic words, and memorized phrases when I hear them.

Goals for Cultural Competence

The goals for cultural competence are not organized hierarchically as are the linguistic goals for the course. By the end of the semester, I will be able to to say that I can:

  • Identify, discuss, and analyze such intangible products of the culture I am studying, as social, economic, and political institutions, and explore relationships among these institutions and the perspectives of the culture;
  • Give examples of social behaviors that express the target cultures underlying value system;
  • Interpret social phenomena within the context of the target culture;
  • Describe instances of major change within the culture I am studying.

Fall 2007 Textbook(s)

Alif Baa: Introduction to Arabic Letters and Sounds. 2nd ed
Brustad, Kristen, Abbas Al-Tonsi, and Mahmoud Al-Batal
Washington, D.C.: Georgetown University Press, 2004.
ISBN: 1589011023

Al-Kitaab Fi Ta'allum Al-Arabiyya. Part I. 2nd ed.
Brustad, Kristen, Abbas Al-Tonsi, and Mahmoud Al-Batal
Washington, D.C.: Georgetown University Press, 2004.
ISBN: 158901104X