Course Description

This course introduces students to the phonological, morphological, and syntactical fundamentals of Koranic and Classical Arabic. The students will also read and translate selected Arabic texts.

Instructor

Course level

This course offers intensive, in-depth training in Koranic and Classical Arabic at the beginner level.

Course length

6 weeks

Dates

May 13-June 21

Class Meetings

Sessions are held Monday–Friday in the morning (3 hours) and afternoon (3 hours).

Total instruction time equals 165 hours (equivalent to four regular semesters).

Class Location

The Hidden Pearl Institute
7164 Alaska Ave NW
Washington, DC 20012

Prerequisite

Familiarity with the Arabic alphabet. See Preliminary Matters by W. M. Thackston.

In this course, students will:

1. Acquire an introduction to Koranic and Classical Arabic through careful study of the required textbook;
2. Work through text exercises, both Arabic into English and English into Classical Arabic;
3. Memorize the vocabularies at the end of each chapter;
4. Work through all supplemental exercises and selected Arabic texts;
5. And learn to read and write voweled and unvoweled Arabic texts.

Successful completion of the course will enable students to:

1. Have a basic grasp of the grammar and syntax of Koranic and Classical Arabic language;
2. Independently approach both vocalized and unvocalized Classical Arabic texts;
3. Vocalize Classical Arabic texts;
4. Confidently read and translate simple Classical Arabic into English with the aid of a dictionary.
5. And use online reference tools.

An Introduction to Koranic and Classical Arabic. W. M. Thackston. Bethesda: IBEX Publishers, 1995. ISBN ‎ 978-0936347400 paperback.
Available from:
https://www.abebooks.com/
and
https://www.amazon.com/

Class Participation

Students should be prepared to spend up to three hours of independent work in addition to contact hours each day.

Students should come prepared for and to participate in every class session. Preparation has three parts: (1) understanding the grammatical notions of the previous class session, (2) memorizing the vocabulary at the end of the chapter, and (3) preparing all the assigned translation exercises at the end of the chapter. Participation includes speaking and raising questions in class, paying close attention to all class lectures and discussions, reading assigned Arabic texts, and presenting translated texts.

THE INSTRUCTOR RESERVES the right to make changes to the course schedule in the event of class cancellations and other unforeseen events.

Registration

Registration is now closed!