ARAB 1460 - Introduction to Arabic Language & Culture

Credit Hours: 4.00
(4 contact hrs)
(formerly ARAB 1460)
This course is designed to introduce students to the Arabic speaking world and Arabic vocabulary and grammatical structures necessary to express personal meaning on basic topics. Students will engage in these activities within contextualized cultural settings. The vocabulary and grammatical structures are integrated into interactive and communicative activities that emphasize all four language skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Students are required to use computer based technology to practice these skills. Note: Not open to native speakers of Arabic, or students with ARAB 1460 credit or its equivalent.

Prerequisites:
None

OUTCOMES AND OBJECTIVES
Outcome 1: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to demonstrate basic oral and written language skills.

Objectives:

Demonstrate approximate standard Arabic pronunciation (alphabet and phonology).
Initiate basic conversations with educated speakers of Arabic (fluency of speech).
Use basic vocabulary of Arabic (mastery of elementary lexical items).
Use basic grammar of Arabic (control of basic structures and forms).
Read and write simple sentences in Arabic.

Outcome 2: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to recognize and discuss aspects of Arabic culture.

Objectives:

Identify customs of Arabic people.
Compare cultural differences.

COMMON DEGREE OUTCOMES
(Bulleted outcomes apply to the course)

The graduate can integrate the knowledge and technological skills necessary to be a successful learner.

The graduate can demonstrate how to think competently.

3. The graduate can demonstrate how to employ mathematical knowledge.

4. The graduate can demonstrate how to communicate competently.

5. The graduate is sensitive to issues relating to a diverse, global society.

COURSE CONTENT OUTLINE

Introduction to the Arabic alphabet
1. Handout of the alphabet with pronunciation
2. Handwriting and drills
Handwriting and drills
1. Review
2. First quiz
Review
1. Connect letters to form your words
2. Group work and discussion “culture talks”
Handwriting and drills
1. Culture lesson on “Meeting and greeting People” in the Arab world
Review
1. New words used in daily life
2. Connecting letters to form your words
Handwriting and drills
1. How to address men and women in Arabic
2. Group work and conversation
Review
1. Handwriting and drills
2. Culture lesson on “respect among Arabic speaking people”
3. Group work and conversation
Review
1. New words to learn and days of the week
2. The seasons
Handwriting and drills
1. Culture lesson on greeting males and females
2. Verbs, nouns and adjectives
3. Class work: write your own sentences
4. Group work and conversation
Board work
1. Handwriting and drills
2. Writing numbers and names. Addressing envelops
3. Culture lesson on “Family and coffeehouses”
Board work
1. Drills
2. Group work: translation, conversation and writing short sentences
3. Handout on time and climate
Board work and group conversation
1. Handwriting and drills
2. Handout “In the city and at the Market”
3. Write short sentences and translation
4. Culture lesson on “Visiting and manners”
Board work and group conversation
1. Handwriting and drills
2. Handout on a list of adjectives, verbs and nouns
3. Group work: make your own sentences
4. Culture lesson on holidays and other occasions
Reading short passages
1. Writing sentences and connecting letters
Review for the final
1. Conversations and short sentences
Written and oral final exams

Primary Faculty
Rahmouni El Idrissi, Amine
Secondary Faculty

Associate Dean
Ternullo, Annette

Official Course Syllabus - Macomb Community College, 14500 E 12 Mile Road, Warren, MI 48088