Survival Arabic: Arabic Language and Culture of Lebanon, Jordan, and Palestine

ARABIC 99

Arabic 99 is a conversational course that will introduce students to the basics of Arabic language and culture, with highlights of the Shami and Darija dialects. The course focuses on both the communicative competencies and the linguistic functional ability needed for social and academic demands, and to facilitate integration in the host cultures. Course content ranges from basic vocabulary and sentence structure to basic dialogue. It features films, songs, guest speakers, role plays, and games. We invite heritage speakers, students who spent/will spend time in the Arab world and others interested in Arabic language and culture.  

Textbook: Alif Baa: Introduction to Arabic Letters and Sounds
by Kristen Brustad, Mahmoud Al-Batal, Abbas Al-Tonsi.

Learning the basic elements of the Arabic language and culture of in Jordan, Lebanon, and Palestine (Shami/Levantine Arabic); developing listening, speaking, reading, writing and cultural proficiencies of the spoken language of this region, memorizing basic survival and communication language skills, learning how to write and read the Arabic alphabet in Modern standard Arabic; Introducing aspects of daily life, society and culture of these three countries. Open to students who have no prior exposure to Arabic language instruction before coming to Duke, and to students who are interested in doing civic engagement or study abroad in the Arabic speaking world.

Notes

Instructors: Maha Houssami / Amal Boumaaza

Curriculum Codes
  • CCI
  • FL
Typically Offered
Spring Only