Arabic Studies Courses

NELC-A 131 Basic Arabic I (4 cr.) Introductory language course in modern standard Arabic as in contemporary literature, newspapers, and radio. Focus on grammar, reading, script, conversation, elementary composition, and culture.

NELC-A 132 Basic Arabic II (4 cr.) Introductory language course in modern standard Arabic as in contemporary literature, newspapers, and radio. Focus on grammar, reading, script, conversation, elementary composition, and culture.

NELC-A 200 Intermediate Arabic I (3 cr.) P: NELC-A 131-A132, or consent of instructor. This course will focus on the mastery of grammar, including more complex structures, acquisition and expansion of vocabulary, and the development of reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. These objectives are achieved through intensive oral/aural practice using audio and video materials.

NELC-A 250 Intermediate Arabic II (3 cr.) P: NELC-A 200, or consent of instructor. This course will focus on the mastery of grammar, including more complex structures, acquisition and expansion of vocabulary, and the development of reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. These objectives are achieved through intensive oral/aural practice using audio and video materials.

NELC-A 300 Advanced Arabic I (4 cr.) P: NELC-A 200-A250, or consent of instructor. Modern standard/classical Arabic syntax and morphology. Development of advanced language skills in reading, writing, and aural comprehension. Translation and active vocabulary development. Readings in a variety of genres and periods.

NELC-A 350 Advanced Arabic II (4 cr.) P: NELC-A 300, or consent of instructor. Modern standard/classical Arabic syntax and morphology. Development of advanced language skills in reading, writing, and aural comprehension. Translation and active vocabulary development. Readings in a variety of genres and periods.

NELC-N 308 Arab Histories (3 cr.) Explores how Arab people have commemorated, debated, and interpreted their shared past. Topics may include role of Arab identity in early Islamicate societies; Arab nationalism; and the modern Arab diaspora.

NELC-A 220 Arabic Calligraphy: History & Styles (3 cr.) P: Knowledge of the Arabic Alphabet The history of Arabic calligraphy origins & development. A study of the characteristics of Arabic letters which allows the creation of calligraphy art. Survey the different styles of Arabic calligraphy (Naskh, Ruq’ah, Thuluth, Kufi, Diwany, and Farsi), where each style is usually used and the main characteristics of each style. The classical method used by calligraphers in practicing how to write the letters by measuring the dimensions of each stroke in the letter by a number of adjacent dots made by the pen of the writer. Practicing the rules of writing one style of calligraphy to enable students write a short sentence in it. Displaying, analyzing and evaluating some calligraphy artwork in the six different styles made by the instructor and by prominent calligraphers and practicing reading them.

Choose one 3 credit course.

NELC-A261 Introduction to Arab American Studies (3 cr.) An introduction to American communities that trace their roots to Arabic-speaking countries in the Middle East and North Africa. Topics include Arab American cultures, religions, and literature. A portion of the course explores the history and contemporary lives of Arab Americans in Indiana and their contributions to the state.

NELC-N397 Peoples & Cultures of the Middle East (3 cr.) This course introduces students to the diversity of the major social and cultural aspects of the Middle East, using an interdisciplinary approach of anthropology, history, sociology, politics, and economics. It also focuses on the transformation and changes that took place in the region, and the media portraying of its events.

NELC-F360 Women & Islam (3 cr.) The course examines the status of women from the main Islamic sources and its historical development. Using a multidisciplinary approach, it studies Muslim women’s role in different cultures around the world, and the main challenges they faced and still encounter in the present time.