LING 201:
INTRODUCTION TO LANGUAGE & CULTURE—ARABIC
Instructor: Dr. Boulis Office: BSB 210
Assistant Professor of Mathematics
TEXTS:
Mughazy, Mustafa. Dardasha:
Egyptian Arabic.
Articles found on internet and/or other media.
UNIVERSITY MISSION STATEMENT:
CATALOG DESCRIPTION:
A course introducing students to the concept of the interaction of Arab language and culture. The course will also provide an introduction to Arabic and its use in specific contexts. This course meets the language requirement for Bachelor of Science students only. Course may be repeated once for elective credit, provided the topic is different than that taken the first time.
Credit Hours: 3
I. Purpose Statement
The purpose of this course is to provide the basic tools necessary for intercultural communication in the context of Arabic language and Arab culture.
II. Objectives of the Course
A. General Learning Objectives
This course seeks to:
1. Provide basic language instruction in Arabic.
2. Expose students to useful language acquisition techniques and communication strategies.
3. Provide individualized learning components/units designed for students with specific
cultural objectives (e.g. medical or business).
4. Heighten personal awareness of cross-cultural dimensions of language, thereby making
students more sensitive language users.
5. Enhance understanding of one's own and Arab cultural values as they are transmitted by language.
6. Introduce the framework of an inclusive learning community in which individual
differences are recognized and respected.
B. Specific Behavioral Objectives
As a result of the activities and study in this course, the students should be able to:
1. Communicate at the "novice level" of oral proficiency in Arabic (see ACTFL
Speaking Guidelines)
2. Use basic language acquisition techniques and appropriate communication strategies.
3. Apply specific linguistic and cultural knowledge to their particular area of interest or
discipline, when appropriate.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the cross-cultural dimensions of language and the
diversity of the world-wide Arab community.
5. Compare and contrast Arab cultural values as they are transmitted through the Arabic
language.
6. Identify and describe the concept of inclusive learning community through study of Arab
culture in North
III. Topics to be Covered
A. Arabic vocabulary sufficient for handling simple, elementary needs and expressing basic
courtesies.
B. Introduction to the basic phonetic system of Arabic.
C. Cultural variations likely to be encountered in travel and study in Arabic speaking areas.
D. Linguistic functions necessary to facilitate basic communication in Arabic, such as asking
questions, seeking information, expressing intentions, interpretation, and negotiation.
E. Language learning and communication strategies, such as organization, living with uncertainty,
use of mnemonics, making errors work, learning from context, making intelligent guesses,
production techniques, and language register.
F. Implications of "silent language" such as the use of space, bodily gestures, and perception and
use of time.
G. Christian responses to cultural and linguistic diversity.
H. Strategizing cross-cultural understanding and adaptability.
IV. Instructional Procedures
A. Language instruction, including proficiency-oriented activities such as oral drill, listening comprehension, role plays, paired practice, and use of current authentic materials.
B. Lectures, teacher presentation, panel discussions.
C. Class discussions based on articles, units found on internet, in film and other media.
D. Guest speakers and native representatives of Arab and/or Coptic Orthodox culture.
E. Student research, oral presentations and projects.
V. Course Requirements
A. Attend class meetings
B. Prepare regularly assigned readings for each session
C. Participate in class discussions
D. Complete oral presentations and/or projects
VI. Evaluation
A. Components and relative weights of evaluation activities
1.
2. Engaging in conversations with locals 20%
3. Vocabulary (evaluated through quizzes) 10%
4. Grammar (evaluated through quizzes) 10%
5. Pronunciation (evaluated through oral questions) 10%
6. Typed case studies/interviews 25%
B. Grading
|
A = 93% or above |
B+ = 87 – 89% |
C+ = 77 – 79% |
D+ = 68 – 69% |
|
A- = 90 – 92% |
B = 83 – 86% |
C = 73 – 76% |
D = 60 – 67% |
|
|
B- = 80 – 82% |
C- = 70 – 72% |
F = 0 – 59% |
VII. Students with Disabilities
VII. Reading List
A. Required reading: textbook.
B. Supplemental: articles found on internet and/or other media
a.
b. Culture of
c. Ancient
d. Religion in
e. History of the Jews in
f.
Coptic Orthodox Church of
g. Iskander, Lara and Jimmy Dunn.
An Overview of the Coptic Christians of
h. Islam in
i.
Islamic
j.
The Holy Family in
k. Dunn, Jimmy. An Introduction to
the Flight of the Holy Family in
l.
Dunn, Jimmy. The Sources of Egypt’s Traditions Related to
the Flight of the Holy Family. Tour
m. Harris, Catherine. Children in
Modern
n. El-Bialy, Maged. The Egyptian Wedding. Tour
o. Springer, Ilene. The Ancient
Egyptian Bride. Tour