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Arabic Summer Language Program

 

What Are You Studying in Each Program?

Arabic SLI Level 1 (ARAB 1016 and ARAB 1026)
At the Summer Language institute (SLI), Level 1 students will learn Modern Standard Arabic (MSA). Unlike the diversity of informal Arabic dialects, Modern Standard Arabic (fusha) is the form of Arabic common to all 22 Arab countries of the “League of Arab States” and used in modern literature, government, media, and educational institutions.

The first half of (Level 1 – ARAB 1016) is devoted to learning the Arabic alphabet as well as the basic grammar and vocabulary needed to formulate sentences and more extended discourse. The second half of this level focuses on developing proficiency through expanding knowledge of grammar, acquiring new vocabulary and refining skills in simulated real life situations and cultural contexts.
Please Note that this course is intended for students who have limited or no knowledge of the language. Native speakers of Arabic may not enroll in the Summer Language Institute. Non-native speakers, who have previously received informal instruction in Arabic, should consult with the SLI Arabic Program Director, Ahmad Z. Obiedat (ao7v@virginia.edu) to determine their level in the program.

Required Texts: 

  1. Brustad, Kristen, Mahmoud Al-Batal, and Abbas Al-Tonsi. Alif Baa: Introduction to Arabic Letters and Sounds, Second edition. Washington D.C.: Georgetown University Press, 2004.
  2. Brustad, Kristen, Mahmoud Al-Batal, and Abbas Al-Tonsi. Al-Kitaab fii Ta‘allum al 'Arabiyya: A Textbook for Beginning Arabic, Part One. Second edition. Washington D.C.: Georgetown University Press, 2004.
  3. Supplementary material to be distributed in class
  4. This course will cover Alif Baa, and lessons 1 - 13 from Al-Kitaab, Part One.

Arabic SLI Level 2 (ARAB 2016 and ARAB 2026)
At the Summer Language institute (SLI), Level 2 students will learn Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) language as well as explore the diverse cultures of the Arabic-speaking world. The programs aims at developing and advancing the four language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing at the intermediate level of proficiency, building on what students learned in ARAB 1010 and 1020.
Based on the communicative approach to language teaching and learning, our curriculum is designed to emphasize the functional usage of the language and on communication in context. All 4 language skills are important (speaking, reading, writing, listening) and they reinforce each other.
Please Note: Successful completion of ARAB 1020 or an equivalent proficiency level is required on the part of Level 2 applicants. Students who have NOT completed ARAB 1020 through UVa must consult with the SLI Arabic Program Director, Ahmad Z. Obiedat, (ao7v@virginia.edu ) prior to applying to Arabic SLI Level 2.
Required Texts and Material:

  1. Brustad, Kristen, Mahmoud Al-Batal, and Abbas Al-Tonsi. Al-Kitaab fii Ta‘allum al-‘Arabiyya: A Textbook for Beginning Arabic, Part One. Second edition. Washington D.C.: Georgetown University Press 2004.
  2. Brustad, Kristen, Mahmoud Al-Batal, and Abbas Al-Tonsi. Al-Kitaab fii Ta'allum al - ‘Arabiyya: A Textbook for Beginning Arabic, Part Two. Second edition. Washington D.C.: Georgetown University Press, 2004.
  3. Supplementary material to be distributed in class.
  4. The Level – 2 covers: lessons 14 - 20 from Al-Kitaab, Part One and lessons 1 - 5 from Al-Kitaab, Part Two.

Program Structure

Program meets five days a week for eight weeks from June 10 - August 3, 2012.
Daily meeting schedule is:
Morning Session: 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 
Afternoon Session:   2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Project Go Funding for ROTC Students:
ROTC cadets admitted to the SLI to study Chinese, Russian or Arabic, languages classified as "critical" for U.S. national security, may be eligible to receive financial support through Project Go, a D0D-funded initiative.  For more details, contact Professor Rich Cohen rjc8s@Virginia.EDU  or LTC Timothy Leroux tpl6n@Virginia.EDU.