Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2020 - ARAB 101 D100

Introduction to Arabic II (3)

Class Number: 5139

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2020: Tue, Thu, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 21, 2020
    Tue, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    ARAB 100 (or ARAB 134) or equivalent.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

ARAB 101 is the continuation of ARAB 100. Continues to develop basic oral and written skills. Includes the study of Modern Standard Arabic language, including grammar, syntax and vocabulary. Also exposes students to the modern Arabic language and some major aspects of Middle Eastern/Arab culture. Students with credit for ARAB 148 or LANG 148 under the title "Introductory Arabic II" may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

Note: This course cannot be taken for credit by native Arabic speakers. Students who are discovered to have a control of the Arabic language beyond the content of this course will be required to withdraw.

Students who are unsure about their language level or are not sure if this class is appropriate for them should contact the course chair to arrange a placement interview: rmehri@sfu.ca

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Arabic is the largest member of the Semitic branch of the language family–itself a member of a larger Afro-Asiatic languages – and is closely related to ancient Akkadian, Hebrew, Aramaic (the language of Jesus) and Ethiopic. It is spoken in the Arab world and is widely studied and known throughout the greater Islamic world. Arabic has been the literary language of the Middle East and North Africa since the seventh century and is the liturgical language of Islam. The spread of the Arabic language is closely linked to the rise and spread of Islam as a world’s major religion.

There are two forms of Arabic used daily: spoken and literary or written Arabic (also known as Modern Standard Arabic). Unlike literary Arabic, spoken Arabic varies greatly from one country or region to another. An Arabic-speaker in Beirut may find it difficult–if not impossible–to comprehend a fellow Arab from Morocco as their dialect are radically different. It is through literary or written Arabic, however, that all individuals are enabled to communicate with one another through the written form, provided that they are able to read and write.

ARAB 134 will include the study of Arabic language, its grammar and vocabulary, and it will provide students with basic written skills in Standard and Classical Arabic. This course will also provide students with a history of Classical Arabic texts and expose them to the (modern) Arabic language and some major aspects of Middle Eastern/Arab culture.

Grading

  • Quizzes 40%
  • Midterm Exam 20%
  • Written Final Exam 30%
  • Attendance, homework and participation 10%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Course package (available for purchase from SFU Bookstore).

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS