The Arabic Language Program at Harvard University offers a unique two-track course of study that consists of four years [levels]: elementary, intermediate, advanced and fourth year. All students begin with Arabic A. In the second year students have the option to continue on (1) the classical track, or (2) the modern track.
(1) The classical track deals with Arabic texts of the pre-modern period and covers a wide range of primary sources that draw on the vast literature of the medieval Arabo-Islamic literary heritage. These texts span religious (Quran, hadith), legal, historical, literary, and philological topics and disciplines. Emphasis is placed on reading, translation, and grammar analysis. This track is strengthened by constant revisions in the curriculum to meet the specific research needs of students.
(2) The modern track aims at developing global proficiency in Modern Standard Arabic as it is currently used throughout the Arab world. Emphasis is equally placed on all four of the basic language skills: reading, listening comprehension, speaking, and writing. Most importantly, the courses draw on a broad cultural context that allows students to acquire basic knowledge of social, cultural and academic institutions that both complement and reinforce the language learning process.
Section A, B, C, D: MTWThF 9:00
Mostafa Atamnia & staff
Section E, F, G: MTWThF 10:00
Mostafa Atamnia & staff
Section H: MTWThF 11:00
Mostafa Atamnia & staff
This course introduces students to the phonology and script of classical/ modern standard Arabic and covers the basic morphology and syntax of the written language. Emphasis is placed on the development of the four (reading, speaking, listening and writing) skills at the earliest stages. Samples of modern (contemporary) and classical styles of writing will be introduced into the basic syllabus, as well as audio-visual material from the contemporary Arabic media.
Texts: Brustad et. al., Alif Baa' and al-Kitab: Vol.1
MTWThF 10:00
William E. Granara
This course will offer a thorough review of classical Arabic grammar and will emphasize reading and writing, although some discussion in Arabic will take place in the classroom for vocabulary and structure reinforcement. Readings will focus on medieval Arabic historiography: biographical dictionaries, chronicles, and geography/ "travel" literature. Contemporary texts that deal with "classical" themes may be integrated into the syllabus in order to help students develop better reading fluency.
Text: Thackston: Introduction to Quranic and Classical Arabic, plus reader of texts.
MTWThF 11:00
MTWThF 11:00
Khaled Al-Masri
This course will serve as a continuation of Elementary Arabic with equal emphasis on speaking, reading, oral and aural skills. The course will cover all aspects of advanced grammar and structure of modern written Arabic. Selected readings from contemporary Arabic culture and politics will be introduced into the curriculum and will serve as bases for reading and conversation.
Text: Brustad, et. al., al-Kitab: Vol. 2
TTh 11:30 - 1
Khaled El-Rouayheb
This course will concentrate on readings in classical Arabo-Islamic texts, with emphasis on Quran, hadith, tafsir and sira literature. Classes will consist of directed readings and textual analysis, with some attention to developing writing skills. The course will provide a review of advanced classical Arabic structure.
Text: Reader of selected texts
TTh 11:30 - 1:00
Khaled El-Rouayheb
Reading selections will be taken from the corpus of "Adab" (Belles-Lettres) literature, as well as various pieces of classical Arabic secular prose and poetry. Contemporary texts that treat "classical " themes may be introduced into the syllabus. The course will provide a review of classical Arabic morphology and syntax, with emphasis on medieval literary genres and stylistic devices.
Text: Reader of selected texts
M,T,W,Th, 1:00 Khaled Al-Masri
This course will include reading and discussion of selections from Arabic newspapers and journals on contemporary political, social, religious, and cultural issues in the Arab world. Emphasis will be placed on developing advanced reading and speaking skills, with some attention to writing and listening comprehension.
Text: Text: Brustad, et. al., al-Kitab: Vol. 3
M and W 3-5
This course constitutes an alternate track to Arabic 131 a and b, and it will emphasize the development of high intermediate to advanced speaking and comprehension skills with a small amount of reading reinforcement. Students will be exposed to the standard Arabic of the media and classes will revolve around oral presentations and directed conversation. Two years of classroom Arabic or the equivalent is required.
Text: Reader of selected texts
M,T,W,Th 12:00
Khaled Al-Masri
This course introduces students to standard Levantine (Jordan, Syria, Lebanon and Palestine) Arabic. The method of the course is based on a conversion from MSA to colloquial. Some texts written in Arabic script will be used, and therefore two years of classroom Arabic or the equivalent is required.
T 2 - 4
Khaled Al-Masri
This course constitutes the last year in the modern Arabic "language" track. Representative readings from contemporary history, literature and culture will be read and will form the basis of discussions on major themes in contemporary Arab society. Advanced proficiency in Arabic required since all readings and classroom discussion will be in Arabic.
T 2 - 4
Khaled Al-Masri
This course may serve as a continuation of 241 a, with consideration of theoretical issues facing contemporary Arabic fiction and non-fiction writing. Emphasis will be on advanced syntax, the various registers of Arabic, and on textual analysis. Advanced proficiency in Arabic required since all readings and classroom discussion will be in Arabic.
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