Language
Elementary Modern Standard Arabic (AIS 101)4 credit hours An introduction to the standard written language of the Arab World. Initial emphasis upon the phonology and script, followed by gradual coverage of the grammar, with exercises in reading, writing, pronunciation, and vocabulary building. |
Elementary Modern Standard Arabic (AIS 102)4 credit hours Continuation of AIS 101. |
Intermediate Modern Standard Arabic (AIS 201)3 credit hours A continuation of AIS 102, stressing comprehension of written and oral material, the ability to read Arabic aloud and to compose written material, and the ability to speak. |
Intermediate Modern Standard Arabic (AIS 202)3 credit hours Continuation of AIS 201. |
Colloquial Arabic I (AIS 301)3 credit hours The course aims at providing advanced skills in developing linguistic and communicative skills in colloquial Arabic based on Egyptian Arabic that is widely understood throughout the Arab world. Students will be introduced to many aspects of Egyptian cultural life. It is designed for those who have some experience with Standard Arabic. |
Colloquial Arabic II (AIS 302)3 credit hours This course is a continuation of AIS 301, Colloquial Arabic I |
Arabic Reading I (AIS 442)3 credit hours Advanced skills in speaking, reading, and analyzing selected texts from traditional and modern Arabic literature using formal spoken and written Arabic. Introduction to the use of Arabic computer software. |
Arabic Reading II (AIS 443)3 credit hours Continuation of AIS 442 with emphasis on Modern Arabic Short Stories. |
Culture
Islamic Civilization I (AIS 328)3 credit hours The rise of Islam, its sources and its development to a worldwide civilization and its relations to the Western World is presented in the light of its significance to Muslims today. |
Islamic Civilization II (AIS 330)3 credit hours The Islamic worldview will be overviewed as an essential introduction to understanding and discussing the later phases of Islamic civilization and its relations to the western world in the past and today. |
Women in Islam (AIS 338)3 credit hours This course is a survey of women’s issues related to Islam and contemporary Muslim cultures. The viewpoints of the Muslim traditionalists, modernists, western feminists and the emerging Islamic feminists are discussed. |
Fundamentalism & Reform in Islam (AIS 340)3 credit hours This course focuses on the revival of Islam in the 20th century and the various responses of Islam to modernism and western political and intellectual domination. Particular attention will be given to the rise of militant Islam and the terrorist attacks of 9/11. |
Topics in Islamic Studies (AIS 435)3 credit hours Variable in content with focus on important texts and issues in Islamic history, religion, literature, and philosophy. |
Introduction to the Qur’an (AIS 440)3 credit hours The course aims at giving an introduction to the disciplines of knowledge related to the Qur’an, shedding light on its major themes, capturing some flavor from its style, and discussing its relevance to some questions of our contemporary world. |
Literature
Classical Arabic Literature (in English) (AIS 331)3 credit hours The course is a survey of classical Arabic literature in translation, poetry and prose, from the pre-Islamic era to the era of Muslim Spain (6th-14th centuries). The course provides basic introduction to Arabic language and literature. Students will gain an understanding of Arabic literature that was not only read, but memorized for ritual performance and story-telling. |
Independent Work
Independent Work in AIS (AIS 395)Students who have the proper qualifications may undertake a special problem in reading and research. It may be repeated to a maximum of six credits. |
Advanced Independent Work in AIS (AIS 495G)Undergraduate and graduate students may undertake independent research in an advanced level. Students will be required to establish a written contract with the relevant faculty member describing the tasks to be completed in the course. It may be repeated to a maximum of six credits, or a total of six credits of AIS 395 and 495G. |