ARBC 101, 102, 103: Elementary Arabic

This course sequence introduces non-Arabic speakers to the sounds, script, and basic grammar of Arabic-the language of 200 million speakers in the Arab world and the liturgical language of over a billion Muslims. Students will develop basic listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in Modern Standard Arabic, and will be introduced to colloquial dialects (Egyptian and Levantine Arabic). Classes will incorporate readings and audio-visual material from contemporary Arabic media, as well as popular music. 6; Does not fulfill a distribution requirement; offered Fall 2009, Winter 2010, Spring 2010 -- Y. Klein, S. Bayadsy

ARBC 204, 205: Intermediate Arabic

In this course sequence students will continue to develop their reading, writing, listening and speaking skills, while building a solid foundation of Arabic grammar (morphology and syntax). Students will develop their ability to express ideas in Modern Standard Arabic by writing essays and preparing oral presentations. Classes will incorporate readings and audio-visual material from contemporary Arabic media, as well as popular music. Students will also extend their familiarity with Egyptian and Levantine colloquial dialects. Prerequisites: Arabic 103 for 204, or 204 for 205, or language placement test indication. 6; Does not fulfill a distribution requirement; offered Fall 2009, Winter 2010 -- Y. Klein

ARBC 222: Contemporary Music in the Middle East: From Umm Kulthum to Nancy Ajrami

The Middle East is the home of a great number of musical styles, genres and traditions. Regional, ideological, and cultural diversity, national identity, as well as cross-cultural encounters--all express themselves in music. In this class we will explore some of the various musical traditions in the Arab world, Turkey and Iran, from the beginning of the twentieth century to the present. Class discussions will involve readings (in English) and guided listening. No prior music knowledge is required. 6; Arts and Literature, Recognition and Affirmation of Difference Requirement; offered Spring 2010 -- Y. Klein

ARBC 231: Classical Arabic Literature (adab) in the Making

This introductory course to Classical Arabic Literature will focus on the emergence and formation of Medieval Arabic belles-lettres (adab). We will read excerpts from adab literature (in translation), and discuss the socio-historical forces and institutions that shaped it: the rise of the urban elite in Abbāsid Baghdad, the patronage supporting scholars, the intellectual gatherings of scholars (the majlis), the book shop, as well as the introduction of paper. We will discuss which materials were admitted into adab, and which were left out (e.g.: A Thousand and One Nights). 6; Arts and Literature, Recognition and Affirmation of Difference Requirement; offered Winter 2010 -- Y. Klein