Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2021 - ARAB 100 D100

Introduction to Arabic I (3)

Class Number: 5902

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Wed, Fri, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 20, 2021
    Tue, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Includes the study of the modern standard Arabic language, its grammar and vocabulary, and provide students with basic written and oral skills. Provide students with a history of Arabic literature, texts and expose them to the (modern) language, and to some major aspects of the Middle Eastern and North African cultures. Students with credit for LANG 134 or ARAB 134 may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

ARAB 100 will include the study of Modern Standard Arabic language, its grammar and vocabulary, and it will provide students with basic written skills in Standard 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.

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 100 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.

PLEASE NOTE: Students are expected to be available on the scheduled days and times set for the course. Instruction will be delivered remotely during the set class times.

STUDENT SUITABILITY FOR THIS COURSE

ARAB 100 is an introductory course designed for students with no background in Arabic language. 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 and suitability for this course may contact the Course Chair to arrange for a placement interview: rmehri@sfu.ca

Grading

  • Quizzes (x4) 40%
  • Midterm 20%
  • Final Exam 30%
  • Assignments and Class Participation 10%

NOTES:

GRADING SCALE

 A+  96-100          B+  83-86                  C+  70-74             D  50-                               
 A    91 - 95          B    79-82                   C    65-69             F  0- 49
 A-   87 - 90          B-   75-78                  C-   59-64

ARAB 100-3 may be applied to the Asia-Canada Extended Minor or the Certificate in Liberal Arts.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

The Course Package for this course will be made available on SFU CANVAS.
(Mehri, Rastin, 2018. An Introduction to Modern Standard Arabic.)

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

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

TEACHING AT SFU IN SPRING 2021

Teaching at SFU in spring 2021 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).