AVAILABLE COURSES
Courses below are six weeks in length. Students may also register for a 3-week course, which is the first three weeks of the courses listed below.
Those 3-week courses are designated with an "S" (short), MSA101S, MSA102S, etc. and are 60 hours.
MSA101: Beginning I (A1)
An entry-level course which uses a student-centered approach to introduce basic grammatical structures & sound patterns of Modern Standard Arabic, with attention to mastery of script, pronunciation and listening comprehension. No prior background in Arabic required. Text: Alif Baa (3rd ed), Al-Kitaab I (3rd ed) units 1-6, plus additional materials (Six weeks, 120 hours*)
MSA102: Beginning II (A2)
Aims to expand vocabulary and to further develop the four skills: listening, reading, writing and speaking. Lessons focus on reading comprehension and introducing more complex grammatical structures. Prerequisite: MSA101 or Academic Coordinator's approval. Text: Al-Kitaab I (3rd ed) units 7-13, plus additional materials (Six weeks, 120 hours*)
MSA160: Essentials of Arabic Grammar (A2)
The aim of the course is to equip students with the grammar skills necessary to comprehend and produce accurate sentences and paragraphs related to a variety of contexts. The course is designed to familiarize the students with the essential parts of simple and complex Arabic sentences. Prerequisite: MSA101 or Academic Coordinator's approval. (Six weeks, 120 hours*, Fall 2 only)
MSA191: Integrated Skills in Arabic I (A2/A2+)
An in-depth look at the four skills of listening, reading, writing and speaking. Focus on productive skills. Prerequisite: MSA101 or Academic Coordinator's approval. (Six weeks, 120 hours*, Spring 1 only)
MSA192: Integrated Skills in Arabic II (A2+/B1)
This action-oriented course takes the four skills to the next level, focusing on modes of communication including: production, reception, interaction, and mediation. Prerequisite: MSA102, MSA 191, or Academic Coordinator's approval. (Six weeks, 120 hours*, Spring 2 only)
MSA201: Intermediate I (B1)
Prepares students for independent study in MSA focusing on stylistic devices, vocabulary refinement, and communicative skills. This course also makes use of additional texts from various sources in order to reinforce the student's ability to read and comprehend complex writings. Prerequisite: MSA102 or Academic Coordinator's approval. Text: Al-Kitaab II units 1-5, plus supplementary materials (Six weeks, 120 hours*)
MSA202: Intermediate II (B1+)
Further develops students' skills learned in MSA201. Ideal for scholars wishing to hone their ability to comprehend Arabic university lectures and to express themselves on technical subjects in speech and in writing. Prerequisite: MSA201 or Academic Coordinator's approval. Text: Al-Kitaab II units 6-10, plus supplementary materials (Six weeks, 120 hours*)
MSA215(S): Translation: Theory & Practice (B1+)
This course focuses on English-to-Arabic and Arabic-to-English translation, primarily from a practical and methodological perspective rather than from a theoretical one. Through these translations, students examine the process of translation and identify prime problem areas. Students will capitalize on and consolidate their knowledge of Arabic sentence structure and enrich their lexical competencies, in addition to developing cultural awareness. Prerequisite: MSA201 or Academic Coordinator's approval. (Three weeks, 60 hours*)
MSA301: Advanced I (B2)
Focusing on stylistic aspects of different literary genres, this course uses a sampling of authentic texts drawn from both contemporary and classical sources, and involves substantial writing assignments. While Al-Kitaab fii Ta'allum al-'Arabiyya Volume III is used as the central text (units 1-5), course materials may be adjusted according to student interest. Prerequisite: MSA202 or Academic Coordinator's approval. (Six weeks, 120 hours*)
MSA302: Advanced II (C1)
A continuation of the skills learned in MSA301. Students will continue to gain expertise in fluency and accuracy in the language. This level is intended to help learners reach a superior level of proficiency by expanding vocabulary and providing paragraph-level activities in reading, writing, and speaking. Text: Al-Kitaab fii Ta'allum al-'Arabiyya Volume III (units 6-10) and additional materials based on student interest. Prerequisite: MSA301 or Academic Coordinator's approval. (Six weeks, 120 hours*)
*Please note: For all classes, there must be 3 or more students. If there are 2 students, hours of instruction will be reduced. If there is only one student, the course will be considered a private class.