Arabic Courses
Birzeit University has offered courses in Arabic as a Foreign Language (AFL) to non-native speakers for over eighteen years. The University's highly qualified professors of AFL have drawn upon their extensive local and international experience to formulate two streams of language courses for the PAS Program: one in Modern Standard Arabic and one in Colloquial Arabic (Jerusalem dialect).
Language placement tests are given at the beginning of the program (for students who have previous knowledge in Arabic and not to beginners) to ensure that each student is placed in the appropriate level. The levels offered depend on student demand.
MODERN STANDARD ARABIC
ARSK 131 - Modern Standard Arabic I (Fall & Spring - 8 hrs/wk, 3 credits. Summer - 12 hrs/wk, 3 credits) - For students with no previous knowledge of Modern Standard Arabic.
This course is designed for students requiring Arabic for academic purposes. It introduces students to the Arabic script and phonology, and combines training in the four language skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking. Its methodology entails the introduction of basic vocabulary and grammatical structures through oral communication activities, followed by short readings and situational dialogues in which the newly introduced structures are utilized.
Assessment includes: classroom participation; regular written assignments; achievement tests; mid-term examination; final examination.
Course materials: Birzeit University course pack.
ARSK 132 - Modern Standard Arabic II (Fall & Spring - 8 hrs/wk, 3 credits. Summer - 12 hrs/wk, 3 credits) - For students who have completed the prerequisite course, ARSK 131, or its equivalent.
Conducted entirely in Arabic, and using a communicative approach, this course continues discussion of the basic structure of the Arabic language beyond the basics introduced in ARSK 131. It is designed to further develop the four language skills using selected texts on various cultural, social and political issues.
Assessment includes: classroom participation; regular written assignments and achievement tests; achievement tests; mid-term examinations; final examination.
Course materials: Birzeit University course pack.
ARSK 231 - Modern Standard Arabic III (Fall & Spring - 8 hrs/wk, 3 credits. Summer - 12 hrs/wk, 3 credits) - For students who have completed the prerequisite course, ARSK 132, or its equivalent.
This course continues to develop the four language skills by introducing higher level literary and socio-political texts. Students improve their ability to express more abstract ideas and opinions in oral and written forms through the discussion of selected texts (mainly authentic), including newspaper articles, and pieces from various literary genres.
Assessment includes: classroom participation; regular oral presentations; written assignments related to various texts; a final paper of 8-10 pages; achievement tests; mid-term examinations; final examination.
Course materials: Birzeit University course pack.
ARSK 232 - Modern Standard Arabic IV - (Fall & Spring - 8 hrs/wk, 3 credits. Summer - 12 hrs/wk, 3 credits) - For students who have completed the prerequisite course, ARSK 231, or its equivalent.
The course is designed to increase students' ability to read items related to social, economic, political and cultural life. The selected texts for this course are authentic and introduced using content- based approach, were content of texts are integrated with second language teaching aims.
Assessment includes: classroom participation; regular oral presentations; written assignments related to various texts; a final paper of 8-10 pages; achievement tests; mid-term examinations; final examination.
Course materials: Birzeit University course pack.
COLLOQUIAL ARABIC
ARSK 133 - Colloquial Arabic I - (Fall & Spring - 8 hrs/wk, 3 credits. Summer - 12 hrs/wk, 3 credits) - For students with no previous knowledge of Arabic, or with a basic knowledge of written Arabic, but without any practice in spoken Arabic.
This course is designed to enable students to communicate in Arabic on a basic level in order to deal with everyday life situations such as introducing oneself and others; requesting and giving information; shopping; talking about food; describing people, things and places; responding to offers; and generally communicating in a courteous manner.
Assessment includes: classroom participation; regular oral interviews; regular group role-plays; final oral proficiency interview.
Course materials: Birzeit University course pack.
ARSK 134 - Colloquial Arabic II (Fall & Spring - 8 hrs/wk, 3 credits. Summer - 12 hrs/wk, 3 credits) - For students with previous knowledge of spoken Arabic, able to conduct conversations described in ARSK 133.
The aim of this course is to develop student's spoken Arabic skills for everyday situations and promotes discussion skills for more specialized conversations about cultural and social aspects of life. Student skills of narration are developed by means of describing past events and daily activities; placing themselves and others in time and space; giving directions; and expressing facts, desires, hopes, obligations, and future plans.
Assessment includes: classroom participation; regular oral interviews; regular group role-plays; final oral proficiency interview.
Course materials: Birzeit University course pack.
SOCIAL/ POLITICAL SCIENCE COURSES:
PAS social science courses are taught by Birzeit University professors who are specialized and have published works in the fields that are offered. Students are required to: prepare for and participate in class discussions; submit written assignments; in select courses, students will take a final exam. Syllabi are provided at the beginning of each session. All courses are conducted in English. Generally, only the two or three courses in highest demand are offered each semester.
SOCI 234 - Palestinian Society - (Spring & Fall - 4 hrs/wk, 3 credits. Summer - 6 hrs/wk, 3 credits)
This course introduces students to contemporary issues of Palestinian society and its institutions. It deals primarily with Palestinian society in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, adding the perspective of recent historical developments and the socio-political conditions of Palestinians in neighboring Arab countries and inside Israel. A third of the course deals with the dramatic changes in Palestinian society since the first Intifada. The main themes cover: changes in the social structure of Palestinian society before and under Israeli rule; the transformation of Palestinian society during the first Intifada, after the Oslo Accords and in the second Intifada.
POLS 333 - The Palestine Question (Spring & Fall - 4 hrs/wk, 3 credits. Summer - 6 hrs/wk, 3 credits)
This course studies the Palestine question from its various dimensions: historical, ideological, national, political, socio-economic and cultural. It focuses on a number of issues such as: the historical claims to Palestine; the emergence of Zionism and Palestinian nationalism; the British Mandate; the establishment of Israel; developments since 1948; the refugee problem; the rise of Palestinian national movements; the establishment of the PLO and the Palestinian resistance movement after 1967; the evolution of the PLO and the various ideological tendencies; the first and second Intifada; the Oslo Accords, the Palestinian-Israeli negotiations and the peace process.
WOMS 232 - Women in Arab Society (Spring & Fall - 4 hrs/wk, 3 credits. Summer - 6 hrs/wk, 3 credits)
Beginning with an overview of the basic features of contemporary Arab society as they relate to the question of women and gender relations, particular emphasis is placed on the role of women in the family and in production, including participation in the wage labor force. The role of the state in defining the nature and scope of women’s participation in society and their social and economic rights are investigated, as are recent Islamist trends and their focus on the modesty of women and their place in society. Finally, the course examines the history of women’s organized action as it developed within the Arab nationalist movement and beyond.
SOCI 233 - Arab Society (Spring & Fall - 4 hrs/wk, 3 credits. Summer - 6 hrs/wk, 3 credits)
This course deals with the main social structures in contemporary Arab society (the family, political systems, economic systems, class structures) and focuses on instruments and tendencies towards change in these structures. The course studies Arab social reality from the mid 20th century until present and concentrates on the homogeneity and similarities of different Arab societies on the one hand, and on the heterogeneity and the crisis that faces the society on the other hand. The course also deals with issues such as liberation and its social consequences.
CULS 438 - Palestinian Cultural Studies (Spring & Fall- 4 hrs/wk - 3 credits)
This course will explore some aspects of the rich and diverse Palestinian culture and cultural heritage. It will venture through folklore to learn about music, songs and dance. Dresses and handicrafts and how they developed through the years. It will discuss Palestinian traditions through folktales, proverbs, marriage and morning rituals and food. The course will also explore other aspects of Palestinian culture and art such as literature and poetry through studying some writings of prominent writers and poets. Theater and cinema and their development through the years. The course will also examine the effects of the political events on these fields.
CULS 332 – Modern and Contemporary Arab Thought (Fall, Spring & Summer – 4hrs\wk – 3 credits)
This course deals with the rise and development of Modern and Contemporary Arab Thought. This is carried out through a systematic and deep-searching study of important intellectual and cultural currents. These include reformism, religious fundamentalism, nationalism, socialism, liberalism, etc. The course also deals with the interaction between these currents and the Arab-Islamic heritage, as well as western civilization. Finally, the course deals with the most important challenges which face Al-Mashriq and Al-Maghreb, which include: imperialism and decolonization, the national state and Arab unity, democracy, pan-Arabism and Islam, dependency and independence, problems of Arab-Islamic culture, minorities, innovation and creativity, Palestine and the Zionist challenge.
Study Options, Accreditation and Extra-Curricular Activities
Study Options
The PAS Program parallels the academic calendar of Birzeit University, which consists of two four-month semesters and a two-month intensive summer semester. PAS students can begin at the start of any semester and can choose up to four courses each semester, or three in the summer. Students can select any course combination suitable for their individual and academic needs.
Course Accreditation
All courses offered in the PAS Program are part of the university's undergraduate program and credits are normally recognized by institutions of higher learning abroad. Once courses are successfully completed, students may request official transcripts for $8 as a record of their classes taken, credits earned and grades received. Students planning to transfer credits earned at Birzeit to their home institutions should inform their home university of their plan prior to departure.
Extra-Curricular Activities
In addition to class work, PAS organizes optional extra-curricular programs to enable students to understand the area by personally experiencing the cultural, political and economic realities, as well as through discussions with experts in various fields. The PAS Lecture Series covers a variety of topics presented by Birzeit professors and local specialists.
Students wishing to undertake voluntary work at the university during their free time are welcomed (PAS coordinates for students to participate in voluntary work with the Student Affairs Department).
We also organize trips to Palestinian towns such as Bethlehem and Hebron, villages and refugee camps. Students pay the cost of transportation, meals and miscellaneous fees.
Next Section: Application and Admission Requirements
Contact the PAS Program by e-mail on pas-isp@birzeit.edu