1. Home
  2. Academics
  3. Foreign Languages and Literatures Deparment
  4. Course Offerings
  5. Course Syllabus

LA-111: Elementary Arabic 1

Course Information

Course, prefix, number, & title: LA-111 Elementary Arabic 1

Hours (Class, recitation, Laboratory, studio): 4

Credits: 4

Pre-requisites (if any): Placement by department of foreign languages and literatures

Course Description in college catalog:

This is an introduction to Arabic language and culture for students who wish to develop basic listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in Arabic, and explore aspects of culture in Arabic-speaking countries. The alphabet, sound system and Arabic orthography will be covered, as well as elementary greetings and expressions. Students learn Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), with some exposure to colloquial Arabic forms. Weekly listening, speaking and viewing activities online or in the language laboratory are part of the course.

Academic programs for which this course serves as a requirement or an elective:

A.A. Liberal Arts and Sciences

A.S. Gallery and Museum Studies

QCC/John Jay Dual/Joint A.S. Degree in Criminal Justice

A.S. Chemistry/Pharmaceutical Sciences (Dual/Joint Degree Program with York College)

General Education Outcomes: Below is a listing of General Education Outcome(s) that this course supports.

  1. To read, write, and understand the alphabet and script of Modern Standard Arabic in the classroom.

  2. To highlight and understand some aspects of the cultures and traditions of the Arab world.

  3. Communicate effectively through reading, writing, listing and speaking.

  4. Use analytical reasoning to identify issues or problems and evaluate evidence to make informed decisions.

Course-specific student learning outcomes:

By the end of the successful completion of the course, you will be able to:

  • Use the Arabic alphabet and sound system proficiently.
  • Distinguish and pronounce all Arabic sounds.
  • Write accurately from dictation.
  • Initiate social interactions.
  • Ask for basic information and be aware of basic culture aspects of social interaction in the Arabic-speaking world.
  • Comprehended simple audio/video texts on familiar topics. 

Methods by which student learning will be assessed and evaluated; describe the types of methods to be employed; note whether certain methods are required for all sections:

1. Assessment of listening and conversational skills will occur through:

  • Evaluations of in-class oral activities such as in class conversations with instructor, between pairs of students and in groups.
  • Successful of completion of assigned – activities “including DVD/Media materials”
  • Oral comprehension exercises on quizzes and exams.

2. Assessment of writing skills including knowledge of grammar will be accomplished through participatory exercises in class, homework assignments, successful completion of writing activities assigned by your instructor and through grammar, vocabulary and/or composition exercises on quizzes and exams.

3. Assessment of reading skills will be accomplished through participatory exercises in class, homework assignments, successful completion of text book readings activities assigned by your instructor and reading exercises on quizzes and exams.

Academic Integrity policy (department or College):
Academic honesty is expected of all students. Any violation of academic integrity is taken extremely seriously. All assignments and projects must be the original work of the student or teammates. Plagiarism will not be tolerated. Any questions regarding academic integrity should be brought to the attention of the instructor. The following is the Queensborough Community College Policy on Academic Integrity: "It is the official policy of the College that all acts or attempted acts that are violations of Academic Integrity be reported to the Office of Student Affairs. At the faculty member's discretion and with the concurrence of the student or students involved, some cases though reported to the Office of Student Affairs may be resolved within the confines of the course and department. The instructor has the authority to adjust the offender's grade as deemed appropriate, including assigning an F to the assignment or exercise or, in more serious cases, an F to the student for the entire course." Read the University's policy on Academic Integrity opens in a new window(PDF).

Disabilities
Any student who feels that he or she may need an accommodation based upon the impact of a disability should contact the Office of Accessibility Services in Science Building, Room S-132, 718-631-6257, to coordinate reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities. You can visit the Office of Accessibility Services website.

Campus Cultural Centers

Kupferberg Holocaust Center exterior lit up at nightOpens in a new window
Kupferberg Holocaust Center Opens in a new window

The KHC uses the lessons of the Holocaust to educate current and future generations about the ramifications of unbridled prejudice, racism and stereotyping.

Russian Ballet performing at the Queensborough Performing Arts CenterOpens in a new window
QPAC: Performing Arts CenterOpens in a new window

QPAC is an invaluable entertainment company in this region with a growing national reputation. The arts at QPAC continues to play a vital role in transforming lives and building stronger communities.

Queensborough Art Gallery exterior in the afternoonOpens in a new window
QCC Art Gallery

The QCC Art Gallery of the City University of New York is a vital educational and cultural resource for Queensborough Community College, the Borough of Queens and the surrounding communities.