This is the first of a two-term sequence in elementary Arabic. It is designed for students who want to study Arabic for academic and communication purposes. It starts with an introduction to the phonology and script of Modern Standard Arabic combined with oral basic communication practice. This is followed by combined training in listening, speaking, reading, and writing supported by audio cassettes and DVDs. The course follows the proficiency-communicative approach with special emphasis on functional language use. There is focus on simple interactive communicative tasks involving teacher-student, student-student, and group interactions. Reading and cultural skills are developed through simple short texts and situational dialogues.

Course requirements include daily attendance of classes, preparation of the basic texts, vocabulary, grammar, oral and written drills, listening and reading passages and writing answers to certain drills and questions based on the listening and reading passages as well as filling out forms and supplying biographical information.

Evaluation is based on active participation in all aspects of class, as well as all homework assignments, quizzes, midterm and exams.

Textbooks:

• Arabic Sounds and Letters. A Beginning Program Course, by R. Rammuny (Textbook and Manual).
• Al-Kitab, Part One, by K. Brustad et al. (Lessons 1-7).
• Hans Wehr's Dictionary of Modern Written Arabic.
• English Grammar for Students of Arabic by Ernest McCarus.