Arabic Program
The Arabic Program at Kalamazoo College introduces students to both Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), the written lingua franca of the Arab World, and at least one colloquial dialect (Egyptian and/or Levantine). The three-course sequence emphasizes reading and writing in MSA and listening comprehension and speaking in both MSA and dialect, in addition to introducing students to the history, geography and cultures of the Arabophone region through authentic media and diverse projects. Students also have the opportunity for service learning initiatives serving the Arab refugee population of Kalamazoo. Successful completion of the sequence fulfills the college’s language requirement, prepares students for the college’s new study abroad program​ in Amman, Jordan, and provides them with a rare ability to engage with Arabic-speaking communities in Michigan and elsewhere.
Arabic Courses
ARBC
101
Beginning Arabic I
This is a beginning course in Modern Standard Arabic (written) and colloquial Arabic (spoken), and the first in a three-course sequence. The first quarter of study will cover the Arabic alphabet and phonology, basic morphology and syntax, and introductory conversational skills, as well as an introduction to the geography and cultures of the Arabophone region. Students will demonstrate their beginning skills largely through oral presentations and dictation.
ARBC
102
Beginning Arabic II
This is the second course in a three-course sequence in Beginning Arabic, with continuing instruction of Modern Standard and colloquial Arabic. This course emphasizes vocabulary acquisition and foundational grammar (gender and number agreement, subject and object pronouns, present-tense verb conjugation), building toward simple narration in compositions and presentations. Students will explore Arab cultures as well as practice reading and listening skills through a variety of authentic media.
ARBC-101
ARBC
103
Beginning Arabic III
This course completes the three-course sequence in Beginning Arabic. Students will continue intensive vocabulary building and move on to grammatical topics including gerunds, superlatives, past and future tense verb conjugation, conditional and comparative phrases, as well as Arabic's dazzling verb pattern system. Students will continue to explore Arab cultures and practice reading and listening through a variety of authentic media, and develop their composition and presentation skills through written and oral projects.
ARBC-102; ARBC-103L must be taken concurrently
ARBC
600
Teaching Assistantship
