Middle East and North African Languages

mena-languages.northwestern.edu

The MENA Languages Program offers an array of interesting language and culture courses in Arabic, Hebrew, and Turkish, in addition to tutoring services for enrolled students and regular cultural programming such as language tables, movie nights, and guest speakers. Students in the MENA languages program acquire important language skills and a fresh perspectives on the cultures and people of the MENA region (stretching from Morocco to Iran) which is a very diverse region with more than sixty languages being spoken throughout.

The MENA Languages Program aims to develop proficient and confident speakers, who, through exposure to a new language and its rich culture, will be able to extend the limits of how they see, understand, talk about, and interact with the world. The program pursues the following objectives:

  • Provide expert language instruction to ensure that communication in the foreign language is effective in a variety of academic, career-related, or personal situations, and for multiple purposes.
  • Provide opportunities to enrich students’ knowledge of the target culture by encouraging them to investigate, explain, and reflect on practices and perspectives.
  • Encourage students to make comparisons between the target culture and their own so that they can identify and understand similarities and differences.
  • Provide cultural events for students to make connections between the different cultures, and to learn to comprehend and accept diverse perspectives.
  • Encourage students to venture outside the classroom (for example, through study abroad) to apply and practice their linguistic and cultural skills by interacting and collaborating with and within communities of different ethnicities and cultures.

Study Abroad

The faculty in the MENA Languages Program works carefully with students to integrate a period of study abroad into their overall academic plans. By living in the new culture and  interacting with native  speakers of Arabic, Hebrew, and Turkish, students typically return with a much firmer grasp of both written and spoken language as well as a more balanced international perspective. Students who have special interests and needs are welcome to investigate programs and discuss opportunities  with the faculty.

Program of Study

Learning objectives for the Minor in Arabic

Our courses in Arabic use sources that are culturally rich encompassing social issues, artistic, literary, and historical traditions, including current events and elements of daily life. The Minor in Arabic was created with the following goals in mind: 

  • To become an effective communicator in Arabic
    Students who minor in Arabic are able to understand and create complex paragraph-length organized written and spoken text which is the hallmark of the advanced level of proficiency on the ACTFL scale. Students will have practiced in their studies all four language skills (reading, listening, writing, and speaking) using standard Arabic as well as examples of various Arabic dialects.
  • To gain cultural literacy and an understanding of the history of the Middle East
    Student who minor in Arabic are able to identify, understand, and appreciate the rich historical and contemporary Arabic cultural heritage representing diverse regions with an emphasis on intercultural understanding and empathy.
  • To develop an appreciation of Arabic literature and Arabic literary influences
    Student who minor in Arabic are able to understand and appreciate the rich Arabic literary traditions and its impact on the regional and world cultures.
  • To learn how to initiate and maintain global outreach and connections
    Student who minor in Arabic are able to connect the Arabic culture to world cultural context which will enable them to participate in and maintain cultural exchanges.

The courses leading to the Minor in Arabic are carefully scaffolded to encourage personal growth, to offer opportunities to travel and to provide professional skills necessary for such fields as immigration, healthcare, legal studies, business and media, among others.

Courses in Arabic, Hebrew, and Turkish are listed alphabetically, below.

ARABIC 111-1 Arabic I (1 Unit)   Three-course introduction to listening, speaking, reading, and writing Arabic. The course follows the integrated approach which blends the standard Arabic, Fuṣḥā (reading and writing) and the dialect/colloquial language, āmmiyya (speaking and listening) in a way that reflects the authentic practice of native Arabic speakers. Prerequisite: None or placement exam results.

ARABIC 111-2 Arabic I (1 Unit)   Three-course introduction to listening, speaking, reading, and writing Arabic. The course follows the integrated approach which blends the standard Arabic, Fuṣḥā (reading and writing) and the dialect/colloquial language, āmmiyya (speaking and listening) in a way that reflects the authentic practice of native Arabic speakers. Prerequisite: ARABIC 111-1 or equivalent.

ARABIC 111-3 Arabic I (1 Unit)   Three-course introduction to listening, speaking, reading, and writing Arabic. The course follows the integrated approach which blends the standard Arabic, Fuṣḥā (reading and writing) and the dialect/colloquial language, āmmiyya (speaking and listening) in a way that reflects the authentic practice of native Arabic speakers. Prerequisite: None or placement exam results. Prerequisite: ARABIC 111-2 or equivalent.

ARABIC 114-0 Conversation and Culture in the Arab World (1 Unit)   This course focuses one of the main dialects of Arabic (Egyptian, Levantine, Moroccan). This course is strongly recommended for students, undergraduate or graduate, who wish to further explore a spoken variety of Arabic. The course uses a communicative, proficiency-oriented approach with fully integrated audiovisual media to help students acquire a solid background on how to communicate using a dialect. Prerequisite: 121-2.

ARABIC 121-1 Arabic II (1 Unit)   Further development of grammar knowledge, reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. Completion of at least this level is recommended for students seeking functional proficiency for study abroad. Prerequisite: ARABIC 111-3 or equivalent.

ARABIC 121-2 Arabic II (1 Unit)   Further development of grammar knowledge, reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills as well as cultural knowledge. The course follows the integrated approach which blends the standard Arabic, Fuṣḥā (reading and writing) and the dialect/colloquial language, āmmiyya (speaking and listening) in a way that reflects the authentic practice of native Arabic speakers. Prerequisite: ARABIC 121-1 or equivalent.

ARABIC 121-3 Arabic II (1 Unit)   Further development of grammar knowledge, reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills as well as cultural knowledge. The course follows the integrated approach which blends the standard Arabic, Fuṣḥā (reading and writing) and the dialect/colloquial language, āmmiyya (speaking and listening) in a way that reflects the authentic practice of native Arabic speakers. Prerequisite: ARABIC 121-2 or equivalent.

ARABIC 125-0 Media Arabic (1 Unit)   Introduction to vocabulary, expressions, and terminology used in Arab print and broadcast media. Prerequisite: ARABIC 121-2 or equivalent.

ARABIC 211-1 Arabic III (1 Unit)   Continued skills development of grammar knowledge, reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills as well as cultural knowledge. The course follows the integrated approach which blends the standard Arabic, Fuṣḥā (reading and writing) and the dialect/colloquial language, āmmiyya (speaking and listening) in a way that reflects the authentic practice of native Arabic speakers. Prerequisite: ARABIC 121-3 or equivalent.

ARABIC 211-2 Arabic III (1 Unit)   Continued skills development of grammar knowledge, reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills as well as cultural knowledge. The course follows the integrated approach which blends the standard Arabic, Fuṣḥā (reading and writing) and the dialect/colloquial language, āmmiyya (speaking and listening) in a way that reflects the authentic practice of native Arabic speakers. Prerequisite: ARABIC 211-1 or equivalent.

ARABIC 211-3 Arabic III (1 Unit)   Continued skills development of grammar knowledge, reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills as well as cultural knowledge. The course follows the integrated approach which blends the standard Arabic, Fuṣḥā (reading and writing) and the dialect/colloquial language, āmmiyya (speaking and listening) in a way that reflects the authentic practice of native Arabic speakers. Prerequisite: ARABIC 211-2 or equivalent.

ARABIC 216-0 Language and Culture (1 Unit)   In this course students will study important cultural themes in Arab society. In-depth exploration of a variety of historical and cultural topics from various sources help students build a comprehensive vocabulary as well as expand their reading knowledge and cultural understanding. The course will engage both, the MSA “frame” of narration as well as the spoken Arabic dialogue. Prerequisite: ARABIC 121-3 or permission of the instructor.

ARABIC 245-0 Current Events in the Middle East: Arab Society through Online News Media (1 Unit)   This course focuses on current events in the Middle East through in‐depth exploration of online News Media sources such as foreign newspaper articles and videos. Students will gain respect for alternative ideas and diversity of views as expressed in Arab news. The course focuses on reading, listening, discussion as well as building a comprehensive vocabulary in MSA and dialect. Prerequisite: ARABIC 121-3 and ARABIC 125-0 or permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit with different topic.

ARABIC 304-0 Translation in Practice: A Bridge to the Future (1 Unit)   This unique foundational courses introduces students to translation skills to provide them with a competitive edge on the job market. Honing grammatical as well as stylistic facility in Arabic, the course promotes higher-level linguistic analysis and interpretation by following a problem-solving approach in translation. Prerequisite: Strong performance in two or average performance in three 200-level Arabic courses, or instructor permission.

ARABIC 316-1 Reading Arabic Poetry (1 Unit)   Advanced class reading, analyzing, and discussing G18 Arabic Poetry. Content varies. May be repeated for credit with different topic. Open to heritage speakers. Prerequisite: 211-3 or equivalent. Literature Fine Arts Distro Area

ARABIC 316-2 Reading Classical Arabic Texts (1 Unit)   Advanced class reading, analyzing, and discussing Classical Arabic texts. Content varies. May be repeated for credit with different topic. Open to heritage speakers. Prerequisite: ARABIC 211-3 or equivalent. Literature Fine Arts Distro Area Literature and Arts Foundational Discipline

ARABIC 316-3 Reading Modern Arabic Prose (1 Unit)   Advanced class reading, analyzing, and discussing Modern Arabic prose. Content varies. May be repeated for credit with different topic. Open to heritage speakers. Prerequisite: ARABIC 211-3 or equivalent. Literature Fine Arts Distro Area Literature and Arts Foundational Discipline

ARABIC 399-0 Independent Study (1 Unit)   For students who have advanced with distinction beyond the regular course offerings in Arabic. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

HEBREW 111-1 Hebrew I (1 Unit)   This sequence offers students a systematic introduction to Hebrew language and culture. Emphasizes the four modalities-speaking, listening comprehension, reading, and writing. Prerequisite: None or one year of high-school Hebrew or placement test results.

HEBREW 111-2 Hebrew I (1 Unit)   This sequence offers students a systematic introduction to Hebrew language and culture. Emphasizes the four modalities-speaking, listening comprehension, reading, and writing. Prerequisite: HEBREW 111-1 or equivalent.

HEBREW 111-3 Hebrew I (1 Unit)   This sequence offers students a systematic introduction to Hebrew language and culture. Emphasizes the four modalities-speaking, listening comprehension, reading, and writing. Prerequisite: HEBREW 111-2 or equivalent.

HEBREW 121-1 Hebrew II (1 Unit)   This sequence further develops speaking, listening comprehension, reading, and writing skills in Hebrew. Offers insights into Hebrew culture and history through written and audiovisual materials. Prerequisite: HEBREW 111-3 or equivalent.

HEBREW 121-2 Hebrew II (1 Unit)   This sequence further develops speaking, listening comprehension, reading, and writing skills in Hebrew. Offers insights into Hebrew culture and history through written and audiovisual materials. Prerequisite: HEBREW 121-1 or equivalent.

HEBREW 121-3 Hebrew II (1 Unit)   This sequence further develops speaking, listening comprehension, reading, and writing skills in Hebrew. Offers insights into Hebrew culture and history through written and audiovisual materials. Prerequisite: HEBREW 121-2 or equivalent.

HEBREW 211-0 Hebrew III: Language and Culture (1 Unit)   Introduction to and practice of intermediate and advanced grammatical concepts in Hebrew through authentic cultural texts and current media sources. The course focuses on speaking, listening comprehension, reading, and writing skills. Prerequisite: HEBREW 121-3.

HEBREW 216-0 Hebrew III: Topics in Hebrew Literature (1 Unit)   Hebrew language, literature, and culture. Material includes authentic literary pieces and excerpts and audiovisual material such as films and TV shows. Review of more complex grammar including the development of reading, writing, and speaking skills. Prerequisite: HEBREW 121-3 or equivalent. Literature Fine Arts Distro Area Literature and Arts Foundational Discipline

HEBREW 245-0 Current Events in Israel: Israeli Society through Online News Media (1 Unit)   This course focuses on current events in Israel through in-depth exploration of online news media sources such as foreign newspaper articles and videos. Students will gain respect for alternative ideas and diversity of views and learn how news and public opinion are chosen, disseminated, shared. The course focuses on reading, listening, discussion and on building a comprehensive Hebrew vocabulary. Prerequisite: HEBREW 121-3 or permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit with different topic.

HEBREW 316-0 Hebrew IV: Advanced Topics in Hebrew Literature (1 Unit)   Reading 20th-century Hebrew literature. Presentations, discussion, and essays in Hebrew. Prerequisite: Three Hebrew courses at the 200-level or consent of instructor. Literature Fine Arts Distro Area Literature and Arts Foundational Discipline

HEBREW 399-0 Independent Study (1 Unit)   For students who have advanced with distinction beyond the regular course offerings in Hebrew. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

TURKISH 111-1 Turkish I (1 Unit)   This sequence offers students a systematic introduction to Turkish language and culture through TV shows. Students will immerse themselves in the personal stories and everyday realities of life in Istanbul. Course emphasizes speaking, listening comprehension, reading, and writing. Prerequisite: None or one year of high-school Turkish or placement test results.

TURKISH 111-2 Turkish I (1 Unit)   This sequence offers students a systematic introduction to Turkish language and culture through TV shows. Students will immerse themselves in the personal stories and everyday realities of life in Istanbul. Course emphasizes speaking, listening comprehension, reading, and writing. Prerequisite: TURKISH 111-1 or equivalent.

TURKISH 111-3 Turkish I (1 Unit)   This sequence offers students a systematic introduction to Turkish language and culture through TV shows. Students will immerse themselves in the personal stories and everyday realities of life in Istanbul. Course emphasizes speaking, listening comprehension, reading, and writing. Prerequisite: Turkish 111-2 or placement test results.

TURKISH 121-1 Turkish II (1 Unit)   This sequence further develops speaking, listening comprehension, reading, and writing, through the use of printed and audiovisual materials in Turkish. Offers insights into modern Turkish culture. Prerequisite: TURKISH 111-3 or equivalent.

TURKISH 121-2 Turkish II (1 Unit)   This sequence further develops speaking, listening comprehension, reading, and writing, through the use of printed and audiovisual materials in Turkish. Offers insights into modern Turkish culture. Prerequisite: TURKISH 121-1 or equivalent.

TURKISH 121-3 Turkish II (1 Unit)   This sequence further develops speaking, listening comprehension, reading, and writing, through the use of printed and audiovisual materials in Turkish. Offers insights into modern Turkish culture. Prerequisite: TURKISH 121-2 or equivalent.