Arabic (ARAB)

Explanation of Course Descriptions, Symbols, and Terms

ARAB 101 First Semester Arabic (Units: 4)

Basic elementary Arabic. Conversation in the language, diction, reading, study of the fundamentals of grammar, simple oral and written exercises, and an introduction to Arabic-speaking cultures.

Course Attributes:

  • C2: Humanities
  • Am. Ethnic & Racial Minorities
  • Global Perspectives

ARAB 102 Second Semester Arabic (Units: 4)

Prerequisite: ARAB 101 or equivalent.

Continuation of First Semester Arabic.

Course Attributes:

  • C2: Humanities
  • Global Perspectives

ARAB 103 Third Semester Arabic (Units: 4)

Prerequisite: ARAB 102 or equivalent.

Understanding, speaking, reading, and writing Modern Standard Arabic at the intermediate level.

Course Attributes:

  • C2: Humanities
  • Global Perspectives

ARAB 104 Fourth Semester Arabic (Units: 4)

Prerequisite: ARAB 103 or permission of the instructor.

Continuation of Third Semester Arabic. Expansion of vocabulary, comprehension, and communicative and writing abilities in Modern Standard Arabic at the intermediate level with a rich cultural component.

Course Attributes:

  • C2: Humanities
  • Global Perspectives

ARAB 206 Intermediate Conversation (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: ARAB 101 or equivalent or permission of the instructor.

The development of conversational skills focusing on topic-structures drills and activities appropriate to the context in which the language will be spoken.

Course Attributes:

  • C2: Humanities
  • Global Perspectives

ARAB 260 Arab Culture and Identity in English (Units: 3)

Arab cultures in the context of the history of the Arab world through its religious and ethnic diversity, Arab family structures, values, traditions, and customs. Introduction to Arabic literatures and music. Taught in English.

Course Attributes:

  • C2: Humanities
  • Global Perspectives

ARAB 300 Reading Qur'anic Arabic (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: Completion of al-Kitaab Part 1 or equivalent, or at least four semesters of Arabic or equivalent. For native speakers, permission of the instructor.

An introduction to readings of the Qur'an, with an emphasis on oral quality and literary value.

ARAB 400 Islam and Fiction in English (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: Upper-division standing or permission of the instructor.

Introduction to various representations of Islam in modern fiction, both in the Islamic world and beyond. Focused on the literary-cultural influences portrayed in texts that address Islam and Muslims whether centrally or peripherally.
(This course is offered as ARAB 400 and RRS 400. Students may not repeat the course under an alternate prefix.)

ARAB 450 Contemporary Arabic and Arab American Literature (Units: 3)

Prerequisites: Restricted to upper-division standing; GE Areas A1*, A2*, A3*, and B4* all with grades of C- or better; or permission of the instructor.

Contemporary literature from Arab American and Arabic speaking communities and their diasporas. Exploration of the political and cultural context of the Arab region by using poetry and fiction as a foundation.
(This course is offered as RRS 450 and ARAB 450. Students may not repeat the course under an alternate prefix.)

Course Attributes:

  • UD-C: Arts and/or Humanities
  • Am. Ethnic & Racial Minorities
  • Global Perspectives

ARAB 510 History of Arabic Literature I: Classical Arabic Literature (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: Four semesters of lower-division Arabic or equivalent or permission of the instructor.

Introduction to major themes and ideas in classical Arabic literature focusing on major poetry and prose works from the pre-Islamic and early Caliphate eras.
(This course is offered as ARAB 510 and RRS 510. Students may not repeat the course under an alternate prefix.)

ARAB 511 History of Arabic Literature II: Modern Arabic Literature (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: Four semesters of lower-division Arabic or equivalent or permission of the instructor.

Introduction to major themes and ideas in modern and contemporary Arabic literature from various countries (e.g., Morocco, Algeria, Egypt, Syria, Sudan) focusing on major works from the late 19th century to the present.
(This course is offered as ARAB 511 and RRS 511. Students may not repeat the course under an alternate prefix.)

ARAB 600 Modern Arabic Literature and Film in English (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: GE Area E.

Fostering critical skills in reading literary texts and cultivating the appreciation of literary concepts through different textual media. Understanding the dynamics of exchange between modern Arabic fiction and film including narrative elements.

ARAB 650 Modern Arabic Fiction in English (Units: 3)

Prerequisite for ARAB 850: Graduate standing or permission of the instructor.
Prerequisites for ARAB 650: Upper-division standing; GPA of 3.0 or higher; or permission of the instructor.

Introduction to modern Arabic literature and the intertwining of fiction and history. [Taught in English]
(ARAB 850/ARAB 650 is a paired course offering. Students who complete the course at one level may not repeat the course at the other level.)

ARAB 850 Modern Arabic Fiction in English (Units: 3)

Prerequisite for ARAB 850: Graduate standing or permission of the instructor.
Prerequisites for ARAB 650: Upper-division standing; GPA of 3.0 or higher; or permission of the instructor.

Introduction to modern Arabic literature and the intertwining of fiction and history. [Taught in English]
(ARAB 850/ARAB 650 is a paired course offering. Students who complete the course at one level may not repeat the course at the other level.)