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Program Overview

Program Overview

With the largest full time Arabic faculty in the country, more courses at all levels of Arabic, and a thriving events and cultural environment, UT’s Department of Middle Eastern Studies is now rated among the best in the country. Set in friendly Austin, our program and our University are committed to continually expanding our curriculum to help students meet their academic goals. The Arabic Language Summer Institute illustrates our continued commitment to excellence.

The University of Texas at Austin’s Arabic Language Summer Institute will offer an intensive Arabic language and culture program for Elementary, Intermediate and Advanced students of Arabic. This program will run from May 30, 2013 to August 9, 2013 and will feature the following:

  • An intensive ten-week summer program equivalent to one full academic year
  • Elementary, Intermediate & Advanced training combining instruction in MSA and Colloquial Arabic
  • Daily dardasha conversation hours devoted to developing spoken skills in Arabic
  • A focus on building listening comprehension skills through Arabic media and current events
  • A fully incorporated cultural program with lectures, films, hands-on workshops and guest speakers
  • A Resident Advisor to provide tutoring, advice and guidance

Program Highlights

  • Ten week duration from May 30, 2013 – August 9, 2013
  • Mandatory reading and listening tests administered on Thursday May 30, 2013 and Friday May 31, 2013
  • Open to all qualified students (competitive admission by application); exceptional high school students are welcome to apply
  • An emphasis on communicative teaching methodology
  • 22 contact hours per week for Elementary, Intermediate and Advanced level students
  • Daily Dardasha (chat) classes to develop oral skills
  • Competitive cost of attendance
  • Dedicated, supportive faculty trained in Arabic pedagogy
Arabic Language LevelCredit HoursArabic Course Listing
Elementary12ARA 601C & ARA 611C
Intermediate12ARA 621K & ARA 621L
Advanced10ARA 531K & ARA 531L

Please note: These courses do not provide in residence credit at UT. 

Beginning Arabic (ARA 601C & 611C)

This course is designed for students with no prior knowledge of the Arabic language seeking to develop strong communication skills in formal and colloquial Arabic. The course begins with a focus on reading, pronouncing and recognizing Arabic sounds and progresses quickly toward developing intermediate reading, writing, speaking and listening proficiency as well as cultural competence. Beginning Arabic in the ASI prepares students to communicate with others about daily life topics, understand simple texts on familiar topics, and actively use a vocabulary of approximately 600 words. At the end of the summer students should expect to have reached Intermediate proficiency according to the ACTFL language proficiency guidelines. Students should expect at least four hours of daily homework and preparation in reading, writing and listening. Course requirements include active participation in class and ASI activities, daily homework, occasional presentations, quizzes and tests. Final exams are administered at the end of each session.

Texts used in this course:
Alif Baa: Introduction to Arabic Letters and Sounds (Third Edition)
Al-Kitaab fii Ta’allum al-’Arabiyya with DVDs: A Textbook for Beginning Arabic, Part One (Third Edition)
Arabic-English Dictionary: The Hans Wehr Dictionary of Modern Written Arabic

Intermediate Arabic (ARA 621K & 621L)

This course helps students to improve their proficiency in reading, speaking, writing, listening, and culture as they move toward Intermediate High proficiency in all skills. It introduces students to various topics in Arab culture and thought in order to expand language skills, advance vocabulary acquisition, and enhance cultural competence Coursework thus focuses on helping students master and activate large amounts of vocabulary and utilize the root and pattern system to increase fluency and accuracy in communication. We continue our work on reading and listening strategies to enable students to comprehend main ideas of authentic texts. Preparation for active, cooperative participation in class activities is an essential component of the course. Students should expect to spend four hours daily in homework, review and class preparation. Course requirements also include active participation in class and ASI events, occasional presentations and exams, and weekly writing activities. Final exams are administered at the end of each session.

Texts used in this course
Al-Kitaab fii Ta’allum al-’Arabiyya with DVDs: A Textbook for Beginning Arabic, Part One Second Edition
Al-Kitaab fii Ta’allum al-’Arabiyya with DVDs: A Textbook for Beginning Arabic, Part Two Second Edition
Arabic-English Dictionary: The Hans Wehr Dictionary of Modern Written Arabic

Advanced Arabic (ARA 531K & ARA 531L)

This course aims help students reach Advanced proficiency in Arabic through language study and content work focused on Arab history, literature, and current events. We continue to focus on developing truly active control of a large vocabulary thru communicative activities. Grammatical work focuses on complex grammatical constructions and demands increased accuracy in understanding and producing complex structures in extended discourse. Preparation for class and active, cooperative participation in group activities are essential to students’ progress in this course. Students should expect four hours of homework and class preparation daily. Requirements also include active participation in class and ASI events, weekly essays, occasional exams and presentations, and participation in dardasha and listening class sessions. Final exams are administered at the end of each session.

Texts used in this course
Al-Kitaab fii Ta’allum al-’Arabiyya with DVDs: A Textbook for Beginning Arabic, Part Two Second Edition and additional texts

Dardasha (chat) Sessions

Dardasha sessions are a vital component of our Summer Institute, providing students time in a small group setting to focus on developing speaking and listening skills as well as cultural competence in colloquial Arabic. Focusing on Levantine and Egyptian dialects, dardasha sessions incorporate textbook and outside materials to activate vocabulary and structures of colloquial Arabic.  Preparation for and participation in dardasha sessions is required of all Summer Institute students. Requirements also include homework and oral assignments.

ASI Cultural Activities

Each week, we will have two cultural events. On Monday afternoons we will have lectures and workshops on various aspects of culture and language. On Wednesdays, we will screen an Arabic language film (subtitled) and serve lunch. The film will be followed by a discussion.

Office Hours

Each ustaaz (instructor) and mu3iid (TA) will have office hours available to students each week for discussion of grades, review, and additional practice.

Arabic Summer Institute Staff

Laila Familiar
Director

Christian Glakas
Senior Program Coordinator, AFP

Maggie Bell
Administrative Associate