Modern Standard Arabic (MSA)
Courses
Modern Standard Arabic: Beginners Level 1 (MSAR 120)
The course provides students with an introduction to classical Arabic. This course is designed for students requiring Arabic for academic purposes (using Arabic script and phonology). It is designed for students who have never studied Arabic before and begins with an introduction to Arabic sounds and letters through learning common words and short sentences, basic vocabulary and simple sentence structure. It combines training in the four language skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking. Its methodology entails the introduction of basic vocabulary and grammatical structures through oral communication activities, followed by short readings and situational dialogues in which the newly introduced structures are utilized.
The teaching emphasizes the functional use of Arabic and communication in context through reading and speaking the language. The course will increase students’ curiosity and promote a love of Arabic and a desire to learn the Arabic language.
Students are assessed based on classroom participation, regular written assignments, achievement tests, mid-term examination, and a final examination.
Course materials: Bethlehem University course pack.
60 academic hours (4 credits).
Grading System
Attendance 10%
Participation 20%
First Exam 15%
Second Exam 15%
Comprehensive Final Exam 40%
Bethlehem University follows the American system of grading:
A 90-100 (4.0)
B+ 85-89 (3.5)
B 80-84 (3.0)
C+ 75-79 (2.5)
C 70-74 (2.0)
D+ 65-69 (1.5)
D 60-64 (1.0)
F Below 60
Modern Standard Arabic: Intermediate Level II (MSAR 121)
The course is designed for students who have successfully finished around 60 academic hours of modern Standard Arabic (MSAR 120). Conducted entirely in Arabic, and using a communicative approach, this course continues discussion of the basic structure of the Arabic language beyond the basics introduced in MSAR 120. It is designed to further develop the four language skills using selected texts on various cultural, social and political issues. Students learn longer sentence structure, read longer texts and review basic grammar when needed. To promote understanding, each text is followed by a series of questions. In answering the questions, the students improve both their comprehension and their ability to express them selves orally. Step by step, the students are trained in listening to the original text.
Students are assessed upon classroom participation; regular written assignments; achievement tests; mid-term examinations; and a final examination.
Course materials: Bethlehem University course pack.
60 academic hours (4 Credits)
Grading System
Attendance 10%
Participation 20%
First Exam 15%
Second Exam 15%
Comprehensive Final Exam 40%
Bethlehem University follows the American system of grading:
A 90-100 (4.0)
B+ 85-89 (3.5)
B 80-84 (3.0)
C+ 75-79 (2.5)
C 70-74 (2.0)
D+ 65-69 (1.5)
D 60-64 (1.0)
F Below 60
Modern Standard Arabic Level Ill: Advanced Level (MEAR 122)
The course is designed for students who have completed 120 academic hours of Arabic study. It continues to develop the four language skills by introducing higher-level literacy and socio-political texts. Students improve their ability to express more abstract ideas and opinions in oral and written forms through the discussion of selected texts (mainly authentic), including newspaper articles, and pieces from various literary genres.
The students study both written and recorded material taken from the real conversation between the people Arab and foreign. In the beginning, students hear the meeting recording and then check the written text. New vocabulary is listed at the bottom of each text. After learning the text in its written form, students go back to the recorded text and practice it. The instructor will teach the students how to express the text orally. The course will provide advanced instruction in grammar and stylistic features of Modern Standard Arabic. Each student will prepare a project related to the development of modern Arabic. At the end of the course, students will present their projects in Arabic in front of the class.
Students are assessed upon classroom participation; regular oral presentations; written assignments related to various texts; a final paper of 8-10 pages; achievement tests; mid-term examinations; and a final examination.
Course materials: Bethlehem University course pack.
60 academic hours (4 Credits)
Grading System
Attendance 10%
Participation 20%
First Exam 15%
Second Exam 15%
Comprehensive Final Exam 40%
Bethlehem University follows the American system of grading:
A 90-100 (4.0)
B+ 85-89 (3.5)
B 80-84 (3.0)
C+ 75-79 (2.5)
C 70-74 (2.0)
D+ 65-69 (1.5)
D 60-64 (1.0)
F Below 60
Modern Standard Arabic Level IV: Proficiency Level (MSAR 123)
This course is designed for students who reach a high level in modern standard Arabic and want to advance their listening, reading, writing and speaking skills. This course increases students’ ability to read items related to social, economic, political and cultural life. The selected texts for this course are authentic and introduced using a content-based approach, where the texts are integrated with second-language teaching aim. The course also emphasizes perfecting the pronunciation of Arabic words.
Students are assessed according to classroom participation, regular oral presentations, written assignments related to various texts, a final paper of 8-10 pages, achievement tests, mid-term examinations, and a final examination.
Course materials: Bethlehem University course pack.
60 academic hours (4 credits).
Grading System
Attendance 10%
Participation 20%
First Exam 15%
Second Exam 15%
Comprehensive Final Exam 40%
Bethlehem University follows the American system of grading:
A 90-100 (4.0)
B+ 85-89 (3.5)
B 80-84 (3.0)
C+ 75-79 (2.5)
C 70-74 (2.0)
D+ 65-69 (1.5)
D 60-64 (1.0)
F Below 60
Click here to register
Insurance
All insurance coverage including medical, life, accident, etc. is under the responsibility of the student. Please note that students will be required to present proof of valid medical insurance at registration.
University Regulations
Students are expected to abide by the regulations of Bethlehem University on campus. While living off-campus, in hotels or with families, they are expected to behave like ambassadors of goodwill