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Information Currently, Stanford offers two components to its Arabic program: The language component consists of three years of study of Arabic: Beginning Arabic (a three-course sequence spanning fall, winter, spring quarters), Intermediate Arabic (a three-course sequence offered fall, winter, spring quarters), and Advanced Arabic (also fall, winter, spring quarters). The literature component consists of four classes dealing with Arabic literature. Current class meetings and times are listed under the Special Language Program section of the time schedule. Language course descriptions are as follows: Beginning Arabic SLC 120A,B,C: In this one-year sequence the main emphasis is placed on reading and writing standard Arabic, or fusha, as used by educated native speakers of the language. The speaking skill is given increasing attention especially in the last two quarters of the sequence. The course is offered over three quarters (Fall, Winter, Spring) and covers Brustad's Al-Kitaab: A Textbook for Beginning Arabic Part I, as well as carefully selected outside material. At the end of each quarter, the grade is determined on the basis of three tests, in addition to homework, participation, and attendance. Extra credit is provided for group study, Arabic software use, and cultural activities. A social committee is elected at the beginning of each quarter to help coordinate such cultural activities as Arabic potluck dinners, visits to local restaurants, printing of Arabic t-shirts, etc. Intermediate Arabic SLC 121A,B,C: In this one-year sequence emphasis continues to be given to reading and writing standard Arabic, or fusha. Accordingly, frequent written assignments, dealing with textbook-related homework and several short essays, will be required on a regular basis. Also, greater attention is paid to enhancing the students' speaking proficiency at this level. The course is offered over three quarters (Fall, Winter, Spring) and covers Brustad's Al-Kitaab: A Textbook for Beginning Arabic Part II, as well as carefully selected outside material. At the end of each quarter, the grade is determined on the basis of three written quizzes, in addition to homework, participation, and attendance. As in Beginning Arabic, a social committee is elected at the outset of each quarter to help coordinate various cultural activities, such as Arabic potluck dinners, visits to local restaurants, printing of Arabic t-shirts, etcetera. |
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Complete literature course descriptions are as follows: Topics in Arabic Literature and Culture SLC 125A,B,C,D/Comparative Literature 125A,B,C,D: These courses are designed to introduce the Stanford students to certain literary and cultural facets of the Arab world not readily dealt with in other courses offered at Stanford. The courses are not a sequence, so they may be taken independently. All readings and discussion are in English, and no knowledge of Arabic is required. The four courses have been approved for Stanford's General Education Requirement, Area Three (Humanities and social Sciences) and Area Four (World Cultures). Introduction to Contemporary Arabic Literature SLC 125A/Comparative Literature 125A: Introduction to key forms of modern Arabic literature. Survey of different genres (i.e. poetry, novels, short stories) providing a glimpse at Arab society and culture. Readings include literary works written by prominent male and female authors, dealing with such dominant cultural topics as nationalism, religion, gender and women issues, kinship and social concepts, etc. Selected texts help delineate the cultural uniqueness of the Arab world, and include certain major works by Neguib Mahfouz, Nawal El-Saadawi, Ghassan Kanafani, as well as representative samples of poetry and short stories spanning the contemporary Arab world. 4 units, Aut (Barhoum). Influences and Issues in Contemporary Arabic Literature: Contemporary Arab Writers SLC 125B/Comparative Literature 125B: Samples of contemporary writings by selected influential Arab authors. Analysis of the creative and cultural factors shaping the literary conceptions and works of each writer. Emphasis on texts that accentuate cultural and historical turning points in the collective experience of the modern Arab world. Readings include : Neguib Mahfouz' Trilogy (Palace walk; Palace of Desire; Sugar Street); Nawal El-Saadawi's God Dies by the Nile and Death of an ex-Minister; Tayeb Saleh's Wedding of Zein and Season of Migration to the North; Emile Habiby's The Secret Life of Saeed the Pessoptimist. 4 units, Win (Barhoum). Contemporary Arab Women Writers and Issues SLC 125C/Comparative Literature 125C: Selections of fiction as well as non-fiction works by prominent Arab women writers. Discussion and analysis of the main cultural factors contributing to the shaping of their dominant feminist conceptions and attitudes. Readings include: Fatima Mernissi's Dreams of Trespass; Nawal El Saadawi's God Dies by the Nile; Etel Adnan's Sitt Marie Rose; Hala Deeb Jabbour's A Woman of Nazareth; Elizabeth Fernea's Women and the Family in the Middle East; Alifa Rifaat's Distant View of a minaret. 4 units, Win (Barhoum). This course alternates with 625B: Contemporary Arab Writers. The Arab World through Travel Literature Stanford Language Center 625D/Comparative Literature 125D: A look at early colonialist and post-colonialist portrayals of Arab culture in the west, to be considered along with recent critical examinations of such stereotypical depictions of Arabs and Islam. Selected readings include: Gustave Flaubert's Flaubert in Egypt; Jonathan Raban's Arabia through the Looking Glass; Elizabeth Fernea's Guests of the Sheik; Lady Mary Wortley Montagu's Letters; Lawrence Durrell's The Alexandria Quartet; Edward Said's Covering Islam and the Introduction to Orientalism; Jack Shaheen's The T.V. Arab; Maxine Rodinson's Europe and the Mystique of Islam; Geraldine Brooks' Nine parts of Desire; Eric Hansen's Moptoring with Mohammed. 4 units, Spr (Barhoum). |
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Khalil Barhoum , Language Division / Building 40, Room 42B | webmaster Last modified: Fri Dec 8 04:07:40 PST 2000 |