Although there are no prerequisites for this class, beginning Arabic classes often attract students who have had some exposure to the language or script. Some of you may already know languages like Persian and Urdu which use the Arabic script. Others may have an Arab background and are able to speak a dialect, but have never learned to read and write the language. For those of you who have no such background, rest assured that the pace of the course is geared towards you, and that if you are diligent about attending class, participating, and completing all assignments that you will likely succeed in this class. I do not grade on a curve, which means that you are in not in competition with your colleagues for grades.
Students can expect daily homework assignments.
During the first three weeks of the semester, homework will focus on learning to read and write using the Arabic alphabet. Once you have mastered the alphabet, your homework will consist of drills and exercises designed to teach vocabulary and structures and to develop reading and writing fluency. These will include guided writing and one-paragraph essays in which you will be asked to use particular structures and vocabulary to treat a given topic. At the conclusion of each lesson, students will be asked to prepare a review of all grammatical structures covered in the chapter and all vocabulary used which is not listed at the outset of each chapter. These outlines will serve you as useful study guides.