DESCRIPTION:

This course, extending over two quarters, is designed to introduce the student to the essential elements of the phonology, morphology, and syntax of Modern Standard Arabic.

For students pursuing either a course of study leading to an advanced degree in Old Testament or Semitic Languages and Literatures, a knowledge of the grammar of Modern Standard (or Classical) Arabic is an important discipline to master, while for students pursuing a major in Islamic studies it is, of course, essential. The value of Classical Arabic for Semitists and Old Testament scholars hinges to a large extent on the light it can throw upon the grammar of Hebrew and Aramaic due to the fact that the classical form of the Arabic language still preserves a number of important morphological features that have disappeared from Hebrew and Aramaic.

Four hours of recitation of prepared materials per week.

Bush, Frederic W. Arabic Workbook. Fuller Syllabus.

Haywood, J. A. and Nahmad, H. M. A New Arabic Grammar of the Written Language. Harvard University Press, 1965.

Assigned lessons from syllabus will be prepared before coming to class.

LG502 or equivalent.

Elective for M.Div. Required course for M.A. in Semitic Languages and Literatures and for those Ph.D. candidates choosing a Semitics minor.

Yes.