ARAB 101. Beginning Arabic I. 4 Units.

The course introduces learners of Arabic to the sound and writing systems of this language and provides them with basic structural and lexical knowledge to enable them to say things in Arabic, such as greeting others, thanking someone, introducing oneself, describing one's background, seeking and providing info and so forth. The ability to perform these language functions in real-life or lifelike situations is developed by engaging the learner in structured functional activities and grammatical exercises.

ARAB 102. Beginning Arabic II. 4 Units.

ARAB 102 builds on the proficiency that students should have acquired in ARAB 101. The course follows a student-centered communicative approach in which class time is used in active learning through pair or group activities, role-play, games, selective listening and reading and other activities. The course emphasizes the four basic skills, reading, speaking, listening and writing. Students will be exposed to real audiovisual material in order to enhance comprehension and they will have to develop short oral and written responses about it. Aspects of culture across the Arab world will be included as an element of learning the language. Recommended preparation: ARAB 101

ARAB 201. Intermediate Arabic I. 4 Units.

Intensive review of grammar and conversational skills in modern Arabic through readings, discussions and other activities that explore contemporary Arab life and culture. Recommended preparation: ARAB 102 or equivalent.

ARAB 202. Intermediate Arabic II. 4 Units.

ARAB 202 is a continuation of ARAB 201 and will enable the students to develop advanced communicative skills for the use of Modern Arabic. It will focus on speaking, listening, reading and writing skills, and emphasize creative use of the language. Recommended preparation: ARAB 201 or equivalent.

ARAB 301. Advanced Arabic I. 3 Units.

This is a higher level of Arabic study. The course objectives are to enhance the student's language skills and to develop ability to use high-level Arabic effectively. It is designed to help students move from the intermediate level of proficiency, which centers on daily life and the immediate world, to the advanced, which broadens to include topics of general and professional interest. Recommended preparation: ARAB 202 or equivalent.

ARAB 303. Multicultural Spain: Christian, Jewish and Muslim Coexistence. 3 Units.

Why is Medieval Iberia so often depicted as an example of tolerant multiculturalism? What constituted tolerance in the Middle Ages? In what sense can we speak of medieval multiculturalism? Is Americo Castro's optimistic model of convivencia (coexistence) valid, or is Brian Catlos' idea of conveniencia (convenience) more accurate? In this course we will study cultural theory, medieval and modern historiography, and literature from medieval Castile to the present to approach an understanding of Medieval Iberian 'multiculturalism.' This class will allow students to get in contact with the history of Spain through the study of the presence and influence of the Roman Empire, the Jewish and Muslim cultures and religions in the Peninsula. Through literature, cinema and art students will learn how the Spanish civilization and culture developed through the years. The class will be offered during a regular semester, with a study abroad component at the end of it. Students will receive a handout about how to prepare for the class abroad. Offered as ARAB 303 and ETHS 303 and HBRW 303 and RLGN 303 and SPAN 301. Counts as a CAS Global & Cultural Diversity course. Counts as a Human Diversity & Commonality course. Counts as a Local & Global Engagement course. Counts as a Understanding Global Perspectives course.

ARAB 337. Women in the Arab World. 3 Units.

The purpose of this course is twofold: It is a course that allows students an in-depth look at the diverse women who represent a number of cultures in the Arab world in nations from the Mashrek to the Maghreb. The second primary goal of the course is to study such women through the eyes of leading Arab women theorists who have made an impact not only in their own countries, but also on disciplines intersecting with women's studies worldwide. We will study the Arab woman's place in her respective society, in political and economic systems, in education, and in the family. We will also analyze her contributions to art and literature as well as to the sciences. The course will provide an overview of the Arab woman throughout history, from her origins to her place within recent movements within the Arab Spring and other current world events. As Arab women are Muslim, Christian, and Jewish, views of women within these major world religions will also be taken into account as we study the Arab woman as well as religion's impact on culture in the Middle East and in the Maghreb in particular. In the course, we will utilize theoretical texts, but also case studies as well as examples from media and the arts. During the semester, we will take advantage of teleconferencing opportunities between CWRU and two major academic units for Women's Studies in the Arab world: The Institute for Women's Studies in the Arab World (IWSAW) in Beirut, Lebanon, and the University of Jordan's Center for Women's Studies in Amman. Offered as FRCH 337, FRCH 437, ARAB 337, ETHS 337 and WGST 337. Counts as a CAS Global & Cultural Diversity course.

ARAB 349. The Arab World Experience. 3 Units.

Taught and led by Case faculty, The Arab World Experience is a spring semester course with a spring break study abroad component in a Middle Eastern or North African country supplemented by course meetings before and after travel. It will rotate among countries such as Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, etc. and be taught by faculty with appropriate area expertise in Arabic, Women's and Gender Studies, and/or Ethnic Studies. The course focuses on topics such as history, politics, culture, and gender relations within the society of study. Workload and learning outcomes are commensurate with a semester-long three credit hour course. Guest lectures in the host country are an important component of the course as they bring a fresh, authentic perspective to the aforementioned topics discussed. There will be three three-hour meetings prior to travel, required reading, and one three-hour meeting after travel. In the host country, students will spend seven days (five-eight hours per day) in seminars, discussions, and site visits. Student grades are determined on the basis of participation, attendance, a daily experiential learning journal, interviews with guest speakers, and a final exam. Offered as ARAB 349, ETHS 349 and WGST 349. Counts as a CAS Global & Cultural Diversity course.

ARAB 399. Independent Study in Arabic. 1 - 3 Units.

Topics will be constructed to fit the interest of a student who has already taken an advanced course in Arabic. Prereq: ARAB 301.