Course Title:
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Course Materials:
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Barakat, Halim. The Arab World. University of California Press, 1993
Nydell, Margaret K. Understanding Arabs: A Guide for Modern Times. Intercultural Press, 2005. | |
Course Description:
| (Conducted in English) A study of the historical, literary, and cultural traditions of the Arabic speaking world during the 19th and 20th centuries. | |
Course Goals/Objectives:
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Upon completion of this course, students you should be able to
- identify and discuss major historical and cultural trends found in the Arabic speaking world during the 19th and 20th centuries
- identify and discuss the leading writers and interpreters of modern Arabic life and culture
- analyze historical and artistic events and their effects upon the Arab people
- present their own informed viewpoints informally through discussion and more formally through written work
- identify, evaluate, and present, through effective writing, evidence found in primary and secondary sources.
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Course Introduction:
| ARAB 334 concerns itself with the contemporary political, social, and cultural elements of Arab society. The course aims to provide a study of the Arabic culture and state. Part of the Hamito-Semitic race and thus related to Hebrews and Ethiopians, the Arabs of the Middle East and northern Africa constitute more than 300 million people living in 22 countries, extending from the Atlantic Ocean to the Persian Gulf. The Arabic language is the language of the Quraan, the sacred book of the Islamic religion; it is also an official language of the United Nations. | |
Grading Information and Criteria:
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The final grade in this course will be based on the following activities:
In-class Participation 20 points.
Weekly Written Assignments 20 points.
Course Paper and Presentation 30 points
Final Exam 30 points
Total 100 points
A = 90-100 points; B = 80-89; C = 70-79; D = 60-69; F = below 60
There are no extra credit assignments available as substitutes or make-ups for any of the course requirements
EXAMS AND QUIZZES
We will have a final exam at either the last class meeting (or the last two class meetings).
It will consists of two parts: a written part and an oral part. | |
Other Information:
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STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The general assumption is that we all are mature adults and are here to contribute to this rare learning experience. Thus, my expectation is that students will be here for every class meeting, ready to participate and contribute. There will be homework assigned for each class meeting. Students must complete the homework assignments, and be ready to participate and contribute in class. I will collect and review the biweekly homework and cover the prepared lesson for the session and assign the new homework.
If you miss a class, it is your responsibility to find another student and get the notes, study what you have missed, and be ready for the next class meeting. If a military or personal obligation or emergency should interferes with class attendance or preparation, and you provide me with a written note or document, I will understand and do my best to help you recover what you have missed in class. In a culture course, each day's work builds on that of the previous day. If you miss a day, there is a "hole" in the continuum. Please try your best to be at each class meeting. | |
Project Descriptions:
WEEKLY WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS
Arabs are always in the news. For the eight weeks you spend in this course you are to "stay tuned" to the Arabic news via the Internet. Every other week (starting in week # 2) you are to locate an article on a relevant topic (preferably something we discussed during the previous week) and submit the summary of the article in your own words along with some comments regarding your thoughts about the article. Each submission should be approximately 1 - 1 1/2 typed, double spaced pages and should not exceed 3 pages. Please make sure your papers do not contain numerous spelling or grammatical errors. These write-ups are due on Saturday of weeks 2,4,6. Also, each student or group of students will write and make a presentation about an Arab country as assigned in class. (Course paper and presentation). | |
Academic Policies:
Cases of plagiarism are handled consistent with current UMUC guidelines.
See the UMUC policies at the following URL:
http://www.umuc.edu/policy/ | |
Course Schedule:
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Course Topics
1. Introductions, course requirements, agreements
2. The Arab World map.
3. The Arab Countries: Similarities and Differences
4. The Arabic Language
5. Social and Political Integration.
6. Arab Society
7. Arab Identity
8. The Continuation of Old Cleavages
9. The Arab Family and Challenge
10. Religion in Society
11. Creative Expression
12. Arab Thought
13. Course paper and presentations
14. Presentations
15. Final Exam
I reserve the right to make minor changes to the schedule and any of the assignments. | |
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