Arabic Summer Program

Departmental Representative:

Taoufik Ben-Amor
308 Knox
212 854 2895
tb46@columbia.edu

Courses are offered in two five-week sessions.

First Year Arabic, I and II
Second Year Arabic, I and II

* Students applying for any course other than First Year Arabic, I, must take an online placement exam before they are admitted to the program.
Students who have taken Elementary or Intermediate Arabic at Columbia University are not required to take the placement exam.

Students are encouraged to take courses in both sessions, but with permission from the director may take one session.

The Columbia Arabic Summer Program (CASP) offers intensive instruction in the Arabic language through texts, multimedia materials, and activities designed to situate the language in the context of cultures in which it is spoken. The program uses Al-Kitaab series published by Georgetown University Press.

The language of instruction is Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), but students also have the opportunity to take a course in Spoken Arabic offered in the afternoon if they wish.

Experienced instructors use a proficiency-based approach that emphasizes all five skills: listening, speaking, reading, writing and culture. Arabic is the main language of instruction. Classes are held in technologically advanced smart and electronic classrooms.

The program also includes:

  • Daily office hours held by the instructors to advise students
  • Daily free tutoring provided by an experienced Teaching Assistant
  • Integrated weekly cultural events, including music presentation and movie screenings held on Thursday afternoon
  • Trips to acquaint students with the magnificent Middle Eastern heritage on display in museums and libraries of New York City. Visits to Middle Eastern neighborhoods and restaurants
  • Cooking Arab food
     

Mandatory cultural activities are scheduled for Thursday afternoons; students should arrange their schedules accordingly.

Students in the Columbia Arabic Summer Program follow the Summer Session application and registration procedures.

Arabic Summer Program courses are offered at a special flat tuition rate.

OFFICIAL MAKEUP DATES FOR UNIVERSITY HOLIDAYS

May 31, replaces the Memorial Day holiday.

July 5, replaces the Independence Day holiday

NOTE

The University reserves the right to withdraw or modify the courses of instruction or to change the instructors as may become necessary.

Click on course title to see course description and schedule.

 

Summer 2013

Arabic Language Program (CE)

  • MDES S1210F. First Year Arabic, I. 5 pts.
    Runs from the week of Jun 03 to Jul 05

    An introduction to the language of classical and modern Arabic literature. Designed to develop the skills necessary for reading and speaking in this country or in the Middle East. Integrates the skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing with an introduction to Arabic culture.Language Resource Center Fee: $15.00
    Materials Fee: $10.00

  • MDES S1211S. First Year Arabic, II. 5 pts. Mandatory placement exam for students who did not take S1210 at Columbia.
    Runs from the week of Jul 08 to Aug 09

    Prerequisites: MDES S1210, or the equivalent.

    The continuation of S1210, above.Language Resource Center Fee: $15.00
    Materials Fee: $10.00

  • MDES S1214F. Second Year Arabic, I. 5 pts. Mandatory placement exam for visiting students.
    Runs from the week of Jun 03 to Jul 05

    Prerequisites: MDES W1211-W1212, or the equivalent.

    A continuation of the study of the language of contemporary writing in Arabic. Designed to increase vocabulary and extend facility with grammatical forms. Listening, speaking, reading, and writing abilities will develop beyond the range of a simple sentence to that of more complex, lengthier discourse. Students begin to feel confident conversing with native speakers.Language Resource Center Fee: $15.00
    Materials Fee: $10.00

  • MDES S1215S. Second Year Arabic, II.. 5 pts. Mandatory placement exam for students who did not take MDES S1214 at Columbia.
    Runs from the week of Jul 08 to Aug 09

    Prerequisites: Prerequisites: MDES W1211-W1212 and W1214 or the equivalent.

    A continuation of the study of the language of contemporary writing in Arabic. Designed to increase vocabulary and extend facility with grammatical forms. Listening, speaking, reading, and writing abilities will develop beyond the range of a simple sentence to that of more complex, lengthier discourse. Students begin to feel confident conversing with native speakers.Language Resource Center Fee: $15.00
    Materials Fee: $10.00