Arabic

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Arabic

Arabic Language Program at the University of Virginia

The Arabic Language Program at the University of Virginia was established in the mid 1970s; it ranks one of the highest in student numbers among foreign languages at the University. Sixteen courses are offered each semester with enrollment of about 250 students. At present, there are six full time faculty members whose offerings cover various aspects of language, literature, and culture.

Currently, the program offers four years of Modern Standard Arabic, fusha, in addition to courses in dialectal Arabic. Such offerings enable undergraduate and graduate students to matriculate in required language courses required by various University departments such as Religious Studies, Politics, and History, among others. The program's Arabic courses cover classical Arabic, Arabic grammar and modern literature and culture, in addition to courses taught in English that deal with Arabic literature and culture.

Students enjoy the opportunity of studying Arabic in various Arab countries, especially in Morocco, through a U.Va. sponsored program: The UVA in Morroco program.

FAQ

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Q: I am a complete beginner. I cannot read the Arabic Alphabet and I do not have any knowledge of vocabulary. Is there a class in your program for a student like me?

A: Of course! ARAB 1010 is intended for beginners. Please note that this course is offered only in the Fall semester. If you do not take the first semester in the fall, you will have to wait until next fall.

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Q: I learned Arabic many years ago. I forgot most of my Arabic. Which class should I take?

A: You have the option of enrolling in ARAB 1010, or taking a placement test. Check with the Arabic Language Program Coordinator to arrange for this test.

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Q: I am a transfer student. At my previous college, I took Arabic courses. Am I exempt from U.Va.'s Language Requirement in Arabic?

A: The University of Virginia requires you to complete four semesters of Arabic (total of sixteen credits), in which classes meet five hours a week. If you took the same number of hours in your previous college with the same materials covered, you may be exempt. Please present your transcript from your previous college to the Arabic Language Program Coordinator.

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Q: I was born outside the Arab World, but my family speaks Arabic at home. I speak Arabic also, but I do not read or write Arabic well. For which class should I register?

A: You are strongly advised to enroll in ARAB 1010. Please speak to the Arabic Language Program Coordinator.

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Q: I am a graduate student and passed the first three years of Arabic. Does this count for credit?

A: Completing the first three years of Arabic is a requirement for the Master's students of Middle Eastern Studies and these classes do not count for credit.

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Course Descriptions

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ARAB 1010 - Elementary Arabic

Introduction to the sound and writing systems of Arabic, including basic sentence structure and morphological patterns. A combination of the direct, audio-lingual, proficiency-based, and translation methods is used. The format consists of classroom discussions of a certain grammatical point followed by intensive practice.

Credits: 4

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ARAB 2010 - Intermediate Arabic

Continues training in modern standard Arabic, with emphasis on speaking, comprehension, writing, and reading. The method of teaching primarily follows the proficiency-based approach to language learning. Prerequisite: for ARAB 2010: ARAB 1020 or equivalent, or instructor permission; for ARAB 2020: ARAB 2010 or equivalent, or instructor permission.

Credits: 4

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ARAB 2250 - Conversational Arabic

Introduces students to spoken Arabic, with oral production highly emphasized. Prerequisite: ARAB 2020 or equivalent, or instructor permission.

Credits: 3

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ARAB 3010 - Advanced Arabic I

The goal of this course is to increase the student's knowledge of the Arabic language and culture via a communicative-based approach, meaning that though the students will be expected to learn grammatical structures emphasis will be placed on the functional usage of the language and on communication in context. Prerequisites: ARAB 2020 or equivalent, or instructor permission.

Credits: 3

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ARAB 4010 - Advanced Arabic III

The main goal at this stage is to reach a superior level of Modern Standard Arabic with due attention paid to all four language skills: speaking, listening, reading and writing in addition to culture. Acquisition of more advanced grammatical structures will take place primarily through directed in-class drilling, coupled with an emphasis on the functional use of language through communication in context. Prerequisite: ARAB 3020 or equivalent, or instructor permission.

Credits: 3

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ARAB 4245 - Readings in Classical Arabic Prose

Students will gain insight and learn to appreciate some of the most influential "Arab" literary figures and some of the most celebrated classical Arabic prose masterpieces. Students will also broaden their critical and comparative perspectives with regard to some of the most important literary and cultural issues related to the overall poetics and politics of the Arabic-Islamic heritage. Prereq: ARAB 3020 or Instructor Permission.

Credits: 3

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ARAB 5245 - Readings in Classical Arabic Prose

Students will gain insight and learn to appreciate some of the most influential 'Arab' literary figures and some of the most celebrated classical Arabic prose masterpieces. Students will also broaden their critical and comparative perspectives with regard to some of the most important literary and cultural issues related to the overall poetics and politics of the Arabic-Islamic heritage.

Credits: 3

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ARAB 5410 - Advanced Arabic III

The main goal at this stage is to reach a superior level of Modern Standard Arabic with due attention paid to all four language skills: speaking, listening, reading and writing in addition to culture. Acquisition of more advanced grammatical structures will take place primarily through directed in-class drilling, coupled with an emphasis on the functional use of language through communication in context. Prerequisites: ARAB 3020 or equivalent, or instructor permission.

Credits: 3

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ARAB 7120 - Introduction to Arabic Drama

This course introduces students to modern Arabic drama from the early pioneers' period in the 20th century to the contemporary era. We will study different forms of this genre including: musicals, traditional, experimental, feminist, and social drama. Further, students become acquainted with different schools of modern Arabic literary criticism and learn to analyze dramatic texts using critical analysis and specific theoretical terminology. Prerequisites: ARAB 5830 or 5840, or instructor's permission.

Credits: 3