Level One (Beginners) lays the groundwork for future study of Syrian dialects. No prior knowledge of Arabic is necessary. The grammar and pronunciation of Syrian colloquial Arabic are taught, and for those students with a background in Modern Standard Arabic, the differences between the two explained. Tools for basic conversation and daily transactions (paying, reserving, asking for directions and managing emergencies) are also provided. Teach Yourself Arabic (written by Khaled and Omar Nassra) is used as a reference.
Level Two (Intermediate) focuses on greater fluency in conversation. To this end, more specialized vocabulary and expressions are introduced. Some familiarity with Syrian dialects is expected. Short stories in Syrian Colloquial Arabic, such as those in Teach Yourself Arabic, 2 (written by Khaled and Omar Nassra), are used. Transcripts of songs help to improve the student's understanding too.
Level Three (Advanced) guarantees a high degree of fluency and understanding. Transcripts of Arabic television series are an important teaching medium. Attention is given to turn of phrase and complex conversation. The student may choose to further his study of Syrian colloquial Arabic through comparison with the dialects of other Arabic-speaking countries.
(2) Arabic Grammar
This program covers Arabic grammar in all its detail at whichever level the student wishes. From the basics of declination and agreement to the skill of vocalization, a thorough understanding is guaranteed. Students may be taught in English or Arabic, as preferred.
(3) Politics and Media
This program consists of three levels. For students with no background in Modern Standard Arabic, this course should be done in tandem with the program in Arabic grammar.
Level One (Beginners) gives students the building blocks for understanding the Arabic journalistic idiom. Structures and vocabulary common in newspapers and news broadcasts are introduced in short simple texts. Reading of headlines is a key step. NewMedia Arabic is a suggested reference.
Level Two (Intermediate) aims to better the student's listening and reading comprehension. Selected articles dealing with a variety of media fields are studied. Sources include al-Jazeera and BBC Arabic.
Level Three (Advanced) students will read newspapers and understand news broadcasts with ease. Listening and reading exercises from al-Jazeera and BBC Arabic as well as texts prepared by Khaled Nassra strengthen the student's grasp of technical terms and the language of the Arabic press.
(4) Translation
This program demands a thorough knowledge of Modern Standard Arabic.
The goal is to equip students with the skills needed to translate from English into Arabic. A range of texts are used to show how best to render into Arabic taking into account style and semantics.
(5) Literature
This program looks to give students with a grounding in Modern Standard Arabic a chance to develop their sensitivity to the Arabic language through an insight into its literary heritage. Modern short stories from across the Arab world enrich the students' cultural awareness and expose them to a new kind of vocabulary.
