Course Descriptions
For more information on Language Learning, please review our Proficiency Goals specific to each language.
Arabic Language Courses
ARABIC 111-1, 2, 3: First-Year Arabic (Fall 2022, Winter 2023, Spring 2023)
First-Year Arabic is a three-quarter sequence providing a thorough grounding for listening, speaking, reading, and writing Arabic. The course follows 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. To develop reading and writing skills, we will be using Modern Standard Written Arabic called Fuṣḥā. To develop speaking and listening skills, we will be using an educated spoken version of the āmmiyya of the Levantine dialect. The integrated approach is an effective, logical, and economical method of instruction that successfully teaches the complexities of the Arabic sociolinguistic and diglossic situation and prepares students fully for the realities of the Arabic world.
Course Prerequisite: None. Students with prior knowledge of Arabic (learned either though school or at home) will need to take the Arabic placement exam before being allowed to register.
ARABIC 121-1, 2, 3: Second-Year Arabic (Fall 2022, Winter 2023, Spring 2023)
Second-Year Arabic is a three-quarter sequence which builds on skills acquired in first-year Arabic. The course follows 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. To develop reading and writing skills, we will be using Modern Standard Written Arabic called Fuṣḥā. To develop speaking and listening skills, we will be using an educated spoken version of the āmmiyya of the Levantine dialect. The integrated approach is an effective, logical, and economical method of instruction that successfully teaches the complexities of the Arabic sociolinguistic and diglossic situation and prepares students fully for the realities of the Arabic world.
Course Prerequisite: Arabic 111-3 with a C- or equivalent, or permission of the instructor.
ARABIC 211-1, 2,3: Third-Year Arabic (Fall 2022, Winter 2023, Spring 2023)
Third-Year Arabic is an intermediate level two-quarter course in which students will continue to advance their proficiency in Arabic language and learn more about the culture and the people of the Middle East. The course follows 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. The integrated approach is an effective, logical, and economical method of instruction that successfully teaches the complexities of the Arabic sociolinguistic and diglossic situation and prepares students fully for the realities of the Arabic world. The course will enhance learners’ ability to read, write, understand and discuss challenging authentic Arabic text from different sources. This will include a variety of textual resources from newspapers, magazines, journal articles, audio and video clips, short stories and other relevant material.
Course Prerequisite: Arabic 121-3 with a C- or equivalent, or permission of the instructor.
ARABIC 216-0: Language and Culture: Cairo and its Seven Layers of Civilization (Winter 2023)
Cairo is an intermediate leven course in which students will learn about the history and intricacies of the Arab culture through the specific examples of Cairo. Moving away from a traditional textbook based model to a content-based course, it incorporates authentic texts and literary sources as well as external voices into classes through Video, Skype, or Zoom. The course incorporates creative language learning exercises designed to help students to function across different registers and genres.
Course Prerequisite: Arabic 211-2 (or excellent performance in Arabic 121-3) or permission of the instructor.
ARABIC 245-0: Current Events in the Middle East: Arab Society through Online News Media (Fall 2022)
This course engages students in learning about current events in the Middle East. In-depth explorations of a variety of news topics through online news media such as newspaper articles, blogs and videos help students build a comprehensive vocabulary and explore the specialized language of Media Arabic as well as learn to respect alternative topics, ideas and diversity of views as expressed in the media sources. There is a clear shift in readership trends in the MENA region, especially since young people across the Arab world have become socially and politically active online, as well as through contributions to media and newspaper columns. And although newspapers and online social media are two very different platforms, it is clear that both continue to play a role in shaping the way news and public opinion are disseminated and shared.
Course Prerequisite: 211-2 or equivalent, or permission of the instructor.
ARABIC 304-0: Translation in Practice: A Bridge to the Future (Fall 2022)
This unique foundational course introduces students to translation skills to provide them with a competitive edge on the job market where professional translation is in high demand in every sector of the global economy. Translation has always been a crucial means of communication in spreading and preserving ideas and information. The Bible has been translated into more than five hundred languages and no matter what each of us believe, the impact on history and culture is undeniable. Translation enables people all over the world speaking diverse languages to communicate and understand each other through their own cultural lens, hence building bridges between cultures and societies. Being able to translate with linguistic precision and cultural accuracy from one language to another is an important skill to cater to the high demand of professional translation necessary to the development of a global economy. Translation is also important for personal enrichment and academic advancement.
Course Prerequisite: 211-2 or equivalent, or permission of the instructor.
ARABIC 316-2: Topics in Arabic Prose: One Thousand and One Nights (Spring 2023)
This course offers a valuable chance to students who want to explore the Arabic prose of One Thousand and One Nights in depth. It also provides foundational skills for students who want to pursue graduate careers in Arabic literature of Middle Eastern Studies.
Course Prerequisite: Arabic 211-2 or equivalent, or permission of the instructor.
Literature & Fine Arts Distro Area.
ARABIC 316-3: Topics in Arabic Literature: Arab Women and the search for a voice (Winter 2023)
This course offers a valuable chance to students who want to explore Arabic literary prose in depth. It also provides foundational skills for students who want to pursue graduate careers in Arabic literature of Middle Eastern Studies. The course will survey excerpts and selections of Arabic literary prose with emphasis on different styles of analyzing literary work from the early 20th century to the present.
Course Prerequisite: Arabic 211-2 or equivalent, or permission of the instructor.
Literature & Fine Arts Distro Area.
Hebrew language courses
HEBREW 111-1, 2, 3: First-Year Hebrew (Fall 2022, Winter 2023, Spring 2023)
First-Year Hebrew is a three-quarter course designed to develop all four language skills (speaking, writing, listening, and reading) as well as provide a cultural foundation. The course is based on Hebrew from Scratch, a comprehensive textbook with grammar and interactive exercise for the beginning adult learner. The instructions for the exercises as well as the translations of the vocabulary lists are in English. Otherwise, the course is all in Hebrew, creating an important immersive environment for the students throughout the year.
Course Prerequisite: None. Students with prior knowledge of Hebrew (learned either though school or at home) will need to take the Hebrew placement exam to be placed in the correct class.
HEBREW 121-1, 2, 3: Second-Year Hebrew (Fall 2022, Winter 2023, Spring 2023)
Second-Year Hebrew is a three-quarter sequence which will cover comprehensive grammar explanations and examples as well as cultural themes. The purpose of the course is to enlarge the student’s vocabulary, reinforce and expand their knowledge of Hebrew grammar, and deepen their knowledge of Israeli culture. Class will consist of interactive exercises for the intermediate learner, readings in a level-appropriate difficulty with more information on Israeli daily life and reality, and listening in the form of songs and clips in Hebrew.
Course Prerequisite: Hebrew 111-3 or equivalent, or permission of the instructor. Students with prior knowledge of Hebrew (learned either though school or at home) will need to take the Hebrew placement exam to be placed in the correct class.
HEBREW 211-1: Third-Year Hebrew (Fall 2022)
Third-Year Hebrew is a one-quarter course offered in the Fall which bridges Second-Year Hebrew and the more advanced Hebrew courses which will be offered in the Winter and Spring quarters.
Course Prerequisite: Hebrew 121-3 or equivalent, or permission of the instructor.
HEBREW 216-2: Topics in Hebrew Literature: Parents and Children in Israeli Society (Winter 2023)
This class explores the universal topic of relationships between parents and children as it is reflected in Israeli society. We will examine this topic through the lens of various genres, such as short stories, blogs, films, parental guides and TV shows, and we will even taste a bit of creative writing. As we discuss the complexities and dilemmas of the relationships we encounter and ask ourselves if there is something like "Israeli parenthood" or "Israeli childhood", we will also pay close attention to the varied language levels and styles, grammar structures, and vocabulary.
Course Prerequisite: Hebrew 121-3, or permission of the instructor.
Language & Fine Arts Distro Area
HEBREW 216-3: Topics in Hebrew Literature: The Four-Dimensional Jerusalem (Spring 2023)
In this course, students will gain a deeper understanding of some of the complexities of Israeli culture through the specific example of Jerusalem. In this class we will learn about the dramatic history of Jerusalem - one of the most ancient cities in the world - and how this history affects the current intricacies of this unique city. We will read and watch a poetry slam performance about Jerusalem, a short story that takes place in the Machane Yehuda Market, and we will also dive into a unique art project that took place in Jerusalem and we will converse (in Hebrew!) with the Jerusalemite artist that created this project. Another topic we will explore is the relationship between Jews and Arabs in Jerusalem. The thread running through all the people, projects and places we will encounter in this class is the diverse community of people in this city and the fragile and complex circumstances in which they coexist.
Course Prerequisite: Hebrew 121-3, or permission of the instructor.
Language and Fine Arts Distro Area.
Persian language courses
Persian will not be offered in 2022-2023. Please contact the the MENA Languages Program Director for further information about when Persion will be offered.
Turkish language courses
TURKISH 111-1, 2, 3: First-Year Turkish (Fall 2022, Winter 2023, Spring 2023)
First-year Turkish is a three-quarter introductory course in modern Turkish. This course aims to introduce students to the essential points of modern Turkish grammar and vocabulary to develop basic reading, writing, speaking and listening skills. The course also provides insights into modern Turkish culture through the language. With this in mind, the textbook is supplemented by additional printed and audio-visual materials provided by the instructor.
Course Prerequisite: None. Students with prior knowledge of Turkish (learned either though school or at home) will need to take the Turkish placement exam before being allowed to register.
TURKISH 121-1, 2, 3: Second-Year Turkish (Fall 2022, Winter 2023, Spring 2023)
Second-Year Turkish is a three-quarter intermediate course in modern Turkish. This course aims to continue basic Turkish grammar, and to further develop reading, writing, speaking and listening skills acquired in elementary Turkish through the use of printed and audio-visual materials. The course also provides insights into modern Turkish culture through the language.
Course Prerequisite: Turkish 111-3 or equivalent, or permission of the instructor.