Spoken Arabic Courses

Spoken Arabic Level I: Beginner (SPAR 120)

This course is designed for people who have never studied Arabic before. Students learn Colloquial Palestinian Arabic in order to communicate in daily life. The methodology centers on short texts which teach the basic vocabulary and grammar of the dialect. The texts are written in both the Arabic and English alphabets so students can choose their preference.

(60 academic hours)

Spoken Arabic Level II: Intermediate (SPAR 121)

The course is designed for students who have finished 60 academic hours of Spoken Arabic or MSA. In this level students advance in learning longer dialogues from daily life. These dialogues will be presented in front of the class in order to build confidence in speaking in front of people. The focus will be on the verb system of the dialect. Moreover, the order and the basic syntax will be taught. The instructor will always explain the differences between the dialect and literary Arabic for those who had only studied literary Arabic before.

(60 academic hours )

Spoken Arabic Level III: Advanced (SPAR 122)

This course is designed for students who have 120 academic hours of Spoken Arabic or equivalent in literary Arabic. The students learn longer, more complex texts on different topics focusing on stylistic features of the Palestinian dialect. Each text is followed by a series of questions. The grammar of the dialect will be compared with literary Arabic grammar for those who have studied literary Arabic previously. The instructors deliver the material only in Spoken Arabic.

(30 academic hours )

Spoken Arabic Level IV: Proficiency I (SPAR 124)

This course is designed for students who have reached a high level in Spoken Arabic and want to improve their speaking skills. The students learn longer, more complex texts on different topics focusing on stylistic features of the Palestinian dialect. Each text is followed by a series of questions. The grammar of the dialect will be compared with literary Arabic grammar for those who have only studied literary Arabic previously. The instructors deliver the material only in Spoken Arabic.

(60 academic hours)

Spoken Arabic Level V: Proficiency II (SPAR 125)

This course is designed for students who have reached a high level in Spoken Arabic and want to improve their speaking skills. Students in this course will also sharpen their pronunciation skills of the Palestinian dialect. This course provides additional practice at a level to help students attain a higher level of development (e.g., listening, speaking) and linguistic accuracy in Palestinian Colloquial Arabic. The teaching and learning process in this course is communication-based and the emphasis is placed on context.

(60 academic hours)

Spoken Arabic Level VI: Proficiency III (SPAR 126)

This course is designed for students who have reached a high level in Spoken Arabic and want to improve their speaking skills. Students in this course will also sharpen their pronunciation skills of the Palestinian dialect. This is an upper-level course for students who can already handle basic communicative skills in Colloquial Palestinian Arabic and are ready to work on more advanced conversational skills such as talking about current events, and expressing abstract ideas and opinions. The teaching and learning process in this course is communication-based. Students are required to watch TV broadcasts of cultural, historical, and religious programs; analyze more complex topics and present their analysis orally in class; and engage in lengthy discussions with other classmates.

(60 academic hours)

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.