Drew University
Middle East Studies Program
Intermediate Modern Standard Arabic I
ARBC.201.Z // CRN: 10897
Fall 2022
Instructor: Irene Siegel isiegel@drew.edu
Classroom: Brothers College 102
Time: Tues/Thurs 2:40 PM - 3:55 PM
Office Hours: By appointment only
Course Description
Intermediate Arabic 1 is the continuation of Modern Standard Arabic 101/103-102/104. This course aims to develop and expand skills in listening, reading, speaking and writing Modern Standard Arabic to attain low- to mid-Intermediate level competence in the language . We will also consider the relationship between MSA and some of the many regional dialects. The course will continue our explorations of various aspects of Arab culture through written and audio-visual materials, placing the Arabic language in historical and social context. Students will develop skills in the language through a combination of interactive classroom activities, take-home assignments and group work.
Textbooks
* We will begin with review from: Al-Kitaab fii Ta'allum al-'Arabiyya - A Textbook for Beginning Arabic: Part One (Paperback, Third Edition, With DVD).
* We will then move onto Al-Kitaab fii Ta'allum al-'Arabiyya - A Textbook for Beginning Arabic: Part Two (Paperback, Third Edition, With DVD). You may purchase your copy of this book at the Drew University Bookstore, or through many other booksellers. Like Part 1, the book includes DVDs &/or audiofiles
* You should also have The Hans Wehr Dictionary of Modern Written Arabic. Ed. J.M. Cowan. 4th edition. Wiesbaden: Harrassowitz, 1994. ISBN 0-87950-003-4
Hans Wehr 3rd edition is currently also available online in PDF form at this link. https://www.ghazali.org/books/wehr-cowan-76.pdf
Grading breakdown:
Class Attendance/participation 15%
Pop-quizzes 10%
Homework Assignments 20%
Chapter tests 20%
Midterm exam 15%
Final Exam 15%
Oral presentation 5%
-------------------------------------------------------
Total 100%
Grading and class expectations:
Attendance:
Language learning is a collective endeavor. It requires reinforcement and practice, so your consistent attendance is crucial both to your progress in the course, and to that of your colleagues. Participation in class-discussions, in-class activities and pop-quizzes are all crucial to your success in the class— you can’t participate if you are not present. Consistent attendance will positively impact your grade; while more than 2 unexcused absences will have a negative impact on your grade. In accordance with university policy, if you miss more than 10 classes, for whatever reason, it’s just not possible to pass the class.
Please also note: Latenesses, leaving class early or leaving in the middle of class will add up to absences as well and be included in the above calculations. Go to the bathroom, get coffee and so on before class.
Class Participation and Etiquette
Coming to every class prepared to fully participate may be the single most important key to successfully mastering this language. The practice that you will gain through your presence in class is essential to your learning, and that of your fellow classmates. The quality and frequency of your class participation will impact your learning, as well as your final grade.
Full participation means:
Thoroughly and thoughtfully doing the homework and bringing it to every class, written out according to my instructions. (see below under Homework)
Keeping focused on the language in class. Class time is a rare chance to practice using the language. When asking questions, doing group work activities, etc, speak only Arabic as much as possible!
Take risks – you can only learn a language through practice and through making mistakes. If you don’t try new things and make mistakes, you don’t learn. That is literally how our brains work! (Isn’t that great?!)
Pay attention to corrections – both yours and fellow students’. You should never be bored or distracted in class. If it is not your turn, listen carefully to what others are saying and internally practice along. Listening as much and as closely as possible is essential to absorbing a new language.
Always turn off cell phones, computers, tablets, PDA’s, tv’s, radios, microwaves and any other electronic or non-electronic distractions when you’re in class. I repeat: NO texting or web surfing in class please. Unless expressly directed for a class activity, phones should be set to silent and put away out of sight during our sessions. Failure to do so will result in a loss of participation points.
Homework:
There will be homework every day in this class, and it will constitute the basis of each in-class session. We will use class time to build on what you have already learned in your homework, not to learn the material from scratch. Therefore homework must be done thoroughly and thoughtfully for each class, and handed in on time. Late homework will only be accepted under rare circumstances, and subject to loss of points.
In the very rare and unlikely event that you are absent, it’s up to you to 1) get the homework assignment and notes on what was learned in class from fellow classmates; and 2) hand in the homework no later than the following class. Regardless of the reason, students are responsible for all material covered during their absence. Please get the contact information of fellow students so you can check in with them for homework and class notes in the unlikely event of an absence.
Remember: Preparing a lesson means doing the drills thoroughly and carefully, writing them out in the book, or on a separate sheet of paper which you bring with you to class. It also means looking up all words you don’t understand. (This is a great opportunity for consistent vocabulary-review, as virtually all terms in each exercise are drawn from the chapter vocabulary lists for which you’re responsible.)
Make sure to get the contact information of at least 2-3 classmates to study together and keep up to date on assignments.
You must include the following heading at the top of each page of homework you hand in, written only in Arabic
1-Full name
2-Unit number
3-Drill number
4-Date
Tests and Quizzes – 30%
There will be a long quiz at the end of each Al-Kitaab chapter. There will also be spot-quizzes on vocabulary and grammar, which cannot be made up.
The lowest quiz grade will be dropped in calculating this portion of your grade. If you miss a quiz, that is the grade that will be dropped.
Midterm Exam – 15%
To test knowledge of material covered up to the middle of the semester.
Oral presentation – 5%
A 10 minute, recorded presentation on a topic of your choice. Longer group presentations are also possible – and encouraged. You’re encouraged to be as creative as you can. You’ll communicate using the vocabulary pool and grammar we’ve developed in class, paying close attention to proper pronunciation, grammar and vocabulary usage. Past presentations have included short films, plays, radio-programs, cartoons, stories and staged interviews. All topics must be submitted and approved by me in advance. Finished projects due on the last day of class.
Final Exam – 15%
To test all material covered during the entire semester.
Prerequisites
Arabic 101/102; 103/104
Affordable Textbook Resources
The Gabriella D. Ramirez Textbook Lending Library, housed in the Drew University Library, is student-developed resource to assist with textbook access for students who have financial constraints. For information regarding eligibility status, please review the request form located on the Lending Library webpage. For questions, please contact the University Library at library@drew.edu.
Final Exam Policy Statement
The final exam schedule is visible on the Registrar’s website by the beginning of each semester. Changes can occur, so check for updates prior to the start of the exam period. Students are expected to schedule travel plans for AFTER their final exams. If extenuating circumstances occur, students may submit a Final Exam Reschedule request for review by the Associate Provost. Students may not negotiate a make-up date directly with the course instructor. The deadline to submit a reschedule request is the last day of classes for the term. The following circumstances apply for requesting to reschedule an exam:
Two final exams scheduled at the same time, serious illness, or personal emergency (note that the student is required to present documentation to validate).
Three finals are scheduled in one calendar day: one of the exams should be rescheduled at the convenience of the instructor and the student.
Please refer to the undergraduate CLA 2022-2023 Academic Calendar OR the graduate
CSGS 2022-2023 Academic Calendar for other important semester dates.
Academic Accommodations Statement
Your experience in this class is important to me. If you have already established accommodations with the Office of Accessibility Resources (OAR), please provide me with a copy of your accommodation letter at your earliest convenience so we can discuss your needs in this course.
If you have not yet established services through the Office of Accessibility Resources (OAR), but have a temporary health condition or permanent disability that requires accommodations (conditions include but not limited to; mental health, attention-related, learning, vision, hearing, physical or health impacts), you are encouraged to contact OAR. OAR offers resources and coordinates reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities and/or temporary health conditions.
Although a disclosure may take place at any time during the semester, students are encouraged to do so early in the semester, because, in general, accommodations are not implemented retroactively. For additional information, visit: http://www.drew.edu/academic-services/disabilityservices.
Returning Students with Approved Accommodations: Requests for previously approved accommodations for the current semester should be sent to Accessibility Resources ideally within the first two weeks of class. This allows the office sufficient lead-time to process the request. Please call: (973) 408-3962, email: disabilityserv@drew.edu, or complete the online accommodations request at: http://www.drew.edu/center-academic-excellence/about-us/accessibility-resources/forms/#requestforacademicaccomodations
Students are eligible for accommodations for online courses.
Office of Accessibility Resources contact information: Director-Dana Giroux Location-Brothers College, Room 119B Phone: 973-408-3962 Email: dgiroux@drew.edu, disabilityserv@drew.edu
Academic Integrity Policy Statement
All students are required to uphold the highest academic standards. Any case of academic dishonesty will be dealt with according to the guidelines and procedures outlined in Drew University's “Standards of Academic Integrity: Guidelines and Procedures,” which is located in the academic policies section of the catalog.
In an online environment, academic policies indicate that you are also expected to:
seek permission if video capturing a course, a faculty member, or a student
use only allowable resources on exams or other related assignments
refrain from using professional online tutoring services for exams or similar assignments
submit only work that is generated by you for evaluation or grading purposes
Absence Policy Statement
In addition to the course attendance policy, students should be aware of their rights and responsibilities regarding absences for legitimate reasons as described in the Absence Policy: Student Rights and Responsibilities, which is located in the Academic Policy section of Drew’s course catalog under Attendance.
COVID-19 Health & Safety Protocols
Students with questions or concerns about masking should email me directly to discuss. If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms you should contact Health Services. If you test positive for COVID-19 at any point during the semester, including through an off-campus or at-home test, you must notify Health Services. They will provide support and isolation instructions, as per current guidelines and policies, and your professors will be notified of the date you may return to class. If you are a close contact you should continue to attend classes. Students who are required by Drew policy to isolate will not be penalized for their absence as long as they have notified Health Services. If you are required to isolate and it may affect your coursework or attendance, please notify those instructors right away in case there is a delay in the official notification. To the extent possible, students should submit assignments electronically, stay up to date with assignments, and request notes from classmates. Students experiencing extended illnesses (i.e., greater than one week), due to the coronavirus, or other medical conditions, should contact the Associate Provost at cae-admin@drew.edu to discuss the best course of action. For more information on Drew’s covid policies, visit Drew's Health Services.
Student Learning Objectives
Upon successful completion of the course students will be able to comprehend, speak, read, write, and know about the cultural aspects of the Arabic Language at an Intermediate-Mid level as defined by the ACTFL Guidelines below.
Interpretive Mode:
Read authentic materials from Arabic texts and newspapers such as advertisements.
Become familiar with the measure system (verb forms).
Use basic Arabic grammar appropriately and accurately in written composition.
Able to read and understand Arabic text in context.
Spoken communication:
Speakers at the Intermediate Mid sublevel are able to handle successfully a variety of uncomplicated communicative tasks in straightforward social situations.They can converse in predictable and concrete exchanges necessary for survival in the target culture. These include personal information related to self, family, home, daily activities, interests and personal preferences, as well as physical and social needs, such as food, shopping, travel, and lodging.
Intermediate Mid speakers do well in responding to direct questions or requests for information. They are also capable of asking a variety of questions when necessary to obtain simple information to satisfy basic needs, such as directions, prices, and services.
Intermediate Mid speakers are also able to express personal meaning by creating with the language, in part by combining and recombining known elements and conversational input to produce responses typically consisting of sentences and strings of sentences.
Overall, Intermediate Mid speakers are at ease when performing Intermediate-level tasks and do so with significant quantity and quality of Intermediate-level language.
Written communication:
Writers at the Intermediate Mid sublevel are able to meet a number of practical writing needs. They can write short, simple communications, compositions, and requests for information in loosely connected texts about personal preferences, daily routines, common events, and other personal topics. Their writing is framed in present time but may contain references to other time frames. The writing style closely resembles oral discourse. Writers at the Intermediate Mid sublevel show evidence of control of basic sentence structure and verb forms, usually consisting of discrete sentences and/or questions loosely strung together.
Listening:
At the Intermediate Mid sublevel, listeners are able to understand simple, sentence-length speech, in a variety of basic personal and social contexts. Comprehension is most often accurate with highly familiar and predictable topics although a few misunderstandings may occur. Intermediate Mid listeners may get some meaning from oral texts typically understood by Advanced-level listeners.
Reading:
At the Intermediate Mid sublevel, readers are able to understand short, non-complex texts that convey basic information and deal with basic personal and social topics to which the reader brings personal interest or knowledge, although some misunderstandings may occur. Readers at this level may get some meaning from short connected texts featuring description and narration, dealing with familiar topics.
CULTURES/ COMMUNITIES
Students will build on their understanding of Arab identity.
The relationship between the practices (food, family relationships, youth life, campus life, etc.) and perspectives (values and beliefs) of the Arabic culture.
The relationship between the products (media, traditional objects, etc.) and perspectives (values and beliefs) that are often used to characterize the Arab culture.
Diversity in the Arabic language and culture (e.g., identify different language registers, dialects, and language/cultural differences.)
Using Arabic and appreciate Arabic culture in communities and activities outside the language classroom (e.g., watching films, eating food, participating in cultural events.)
CONNECTIONS
Students will reinforce and further their knowledge of other disciplines through the Arabic language.
Students will acquire information and recognize the distinctive viewpoints that are only available through the Arabic language and its culture.
COMPARISONS
Students will engage in class discussions as they compare and contrast language use and cultural practices between the Arabic language/culture and their own, in order to develop insight into language and culture.