Where can I learn Arabic?

arabic script

Arabic is one of six official languages of the United Nations. Approximately 315 million people in 58 countries speak Arabic. There are 30 dialects. Our courses focus on Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) which is used in formal writing and speech. The Arabic Language program offers a variety of options for non native speakers interested in learning a new language for personal, professional, or academic purposes. Students can earn an Arabic Language Diploma.

What are my academic plan options?

There are two different academic plans open to students enrolled in Arabic courses:

Students can complete an Arabic Language diploma. We offer two language diplomas Arabic Language I and Arabic Language II. Diplomas I and II are mutually exclusive. Only one diploma can be granted.

To graduate with a Arabic Language Diploma, students must declare the diploma on their Application to Graduate form.

ARABIC LEVEL 100 COURSES

ARABIC 101R - Introduction to Arabic 1
This course is designed for students with no previous knowledge of Arabic. Students will study Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) with a focus on learning the alphabet and cursive writing. They will develop knowledge of basic vocabulary, construct simple sentences, and exchange basic conversations.
(Not open to students with native, near-native, or similar advanced availability. Student assessment required)

ARABIC 102R - Introduction to Arabic 2
Language structures and verb conjugations will be covered at a beginner level. Students will exchange conversations in varied contexts and build compound sentences and short paragraphs on topics of interest.
(Not open to students with native, near-native, or similar advanced availability. Student assessment required)

ARABIC 120R - Literary Arabic for Heritage Speakers
Designed for heritage speakers who have had some meaningful exposure to Arabic (usually a spoken dialect), this language course focuses on improving technical literacy in Modern Standard Arabic (Fusha) by concentrating on grammar and literary skills. Upon finishing, students will be prepared to join non-heritage students in either intermediate or advanced Arabic.
(Basic knowledge of Arab culture and geography recommended. For students who have been exposed to Arabic at home or lived in an Arabic speaking country but do not possess linguistic competence and literacy of native speakers. Student assessment required)

ARABIC LEVEL 200 COURSES

ARABIC 201R - Intermediate Arabic 1
This is an intermediate course focusing on reading comprehension of authentic Arabic materials. Students are introduced to verb patterns and subject-verb agreement rules and write longer paragraphs and short essays.

ARABIC 202R - Intermediate Arabic 2
This is an intermediate course where students construct complex sentences and write essays. They read, analyze, and translate authentic texts. Students participate in conversations on topics of interest and learn complex grammar patterns, lexical derivations, and dictionary use.

ARABIC LEVEL 300 COURSES

ARABIC 301R - Advanced Arabic 1
This is an advanced course focusing on honing reading comprehension skills. Students write longer essays using advanced grammatical structures, and they participate in longer conversations.

ARABIC 302R - Advanced Arabic 2
This is an advanced course that provides additional practice of the four integrated language skills. Students examine and analyze texts more deeply and confidently, responding to the texts in oral presentations and class discussions.

ARABIC LEVEL 400 COURSES

ARABIC 410R - English-Arabic Translation
This course explores the main concepts and techniques in modern applied translation theory. Students will acquire essential tools to analyze and understand the semantic, syntactic, and stylistic structure of various texts. Students will learn how to apply their theoretical knowledge in translating Arabic-English/English-Arabic documents from a wide range of fields.
(Arabic native or near-native proficiency students may enrol. Student assessment required)