Four-Year Map for Students Beginning with No Prior Study of Arabic

The information on this page represents the most common pathway a student will take on their road to the Superior level of proficiency. Actual selection and timing of courses will depend on each learner’s language background, progress, and non-Arabic language coursework. For example, heritage learners and incoming freshmen with considerable knowledge of Arabic may begin their study in the fall semester of their freshman year by taking ARAB 211. Additionally, all students are encouraged to study abroad during one academic semester of their undergraduate career. Academic advisers at the university will assist students in fitting their study abroad experience into the Arabic Program’s schedule.

Year One (Oxford, MS)

Time	Location	Course
SS I	Oxford, MS	ARAB 111: Intensive Arabic I
SS II	Oxford, MS	ARAB 112: Intensive Arabic II
Fall	Oxford, MS	ARAB 211: Intensive Arabic III
Spring	Oxford, MS	ARAB 212: Intensive Arabic IV

The primary goal of the first year of study is to establish a strong foundation for language learning. Students with no prior knowledge of Arab begin in the summer prior to their freshman year. These students complete an intensive eight-week language program that is equivalent to the entire first year of language study at Ole Miss. During the fall and spring semesters, students continue to study the vocabulary and grammatical patterns necessary to discuss topics related to daily life. Expected proficiency is intermediate high to mid.

Year Two (Irbid, Jordan, and Oxford, MS)

Time	Location	Course
Summer	Irbid, Jordan	ARAB 215: Arabic Practicum I
Fall	Oxford, MS	ARAB 311: Intensive Arabic V ARAB313: Levantine Arabic I
Spring	Oxford, MS	ARAB 312: Intensive Arabic VI ARAB 314: Levantine Arabic II

Students begin the summer of their second year at Yarmouk University. During this time in Jordan, students are encouraged to experience the Arabic culture through observation, investigation, participation, and communication. Students begin to develop intercultural communicative competence through activities both inside and outside of the classroom. They also progress from controlled language processing to automatic processing. Upon return to the United States, students complete two semesters of advanced Arabic classes that focus on topics related to Arabic culture and society. Expected language proficiency is Advanced mid to low.

Year Three (Irbid, Jordan, and Oxford, MS)

Time	Location	Course
Summer	Jordan	ARAB 315: Arabic Practicum II
Fall	Oxford, MS	ARAB 411: Media Arabic ARAB 413: Levantine Arabic III
Spring	Oxford, MS	ARAB 412: Academic Arabic ARAB 414: Levantine Arabic IV

The third year begins with a second summer in Jordan. The advanced courses offered during the summer raise students’ reading and writing abilities and teach students to interact in Arab society. After completing the summer in Jordan, students return to the university and complete two semesters of advanced Arabic classes. These courses focus on Arabic media and introduce students to academic Arabic. Students are also encouraged to participate in Arab-related courses offered at the university.

 

Year Four (Oxford, MS)

Time	Location	Course
Fall	Oxford, MS	ARAB 511: Arabic Literature
Spring	Oxford, MS	ARAB 512: Arabic Culture and Civilization
	Oxford, MS	ARAB 513: Arabic for Advanced Proficiency

Although not required, students are encouraged to use the summer before their senior year to participate in an internship related to their field of study. During the fall and spring semester, students take Arabic literature and the study of Islam and or Islamic Law. During this fourth year, students generally finish their coursework related to their academic major, thus preparing them for securing a job in a field related to Arabic.