Beginning Modern Standard Arabic I

USF Code: ARA 1120

Course Description:

This level is designed for those who have little or no background knowledge in Arabic. Students will learn to read and write using the Arabic alphabet; they will also learn to conduct simple conversations for use in everyday situations.

Course Objectives:

This level will provide students the opportunity:

• to learn the how to read and write the entire Arabic alphabet
• to learn correct pronunciation of the alphabet
• to broaden their knowledge of Arabic culture and traditions relating to family life and society in general
• to learn basic word constructions and the basic elements of sentence structure
• to compose a complete sentences
• to finish and understand the Alif Baa book and the first two chapters of the Al-Kitaab book.

Method and Approach:

In this program we will follow the steps of the Alif Baa book unit by unit until the end of the book followed by the first two chapters of the Al-Kitaab Part 1 book. Changes may be introduced if necessary.

The student will prepare the lessons at home, read vocabulary, do homework, practice exercises, listen to DVD dialogues, and write short sentences. Classroom work consists of further practice and clarification of the material.  Students will receive a weekly handout with vocabulary and dialogue regarding the topics. All handouts will relate to material covered in the Alif Baa and Al-Kitaab chapters of each week. 

Examples of Class Activities:

-Listening to the letters.
-Reading words and short sentences.
-Make a conversation with his classmates.
-Listening to songs and DVDs.
-Dictation.
-Learning grammatical rules in context.