ARAB 4108/6108

Introduction to Islamic Arabic II

 

ARAB 4108/6108 - Professor Alan Godlas

Classroom: Peabody Hall. Rm. 205C

Time:  12:30-1:45

E-mail: godlas@uga.edu

Office:  217 Peabody, 706-542-1486

Office hours: 2-3 Thursday

Text:  Required texts that must be purchased:  1) An Introduction to Koranic and Classical Arabic by W.M. Thackston, should be purchased with the Answer Key;  2)  Arabic-English Dictionary by Hans Wehr; 3) A Dictionary and Glossary of the Koran by John Penrice. Handouts 1) al-TaÕiyyah al-kubra by Ibn al-Farid, first 15 lines. Online QurÕan commentary: Tafsir al-Jalalayn http://www.altafsir.com/Al-Jalalayn.asp

Goals of the class: An intense overview and in-depth review of Arabic grammar towards attaining fluency in the reading of Islamic texts using all previously learned structures, vocabulary and the verbs in both the past and present, including the derived forms II through X.  There will also be increased efforts towards learning the correct pronunciation and comprehension of the key elements of the Islamic textual heritage, the Quran and Hadith with the accompanying commentary literature, and Arabic poetry.  The student will also be expected to read, memorize and recite these texts in class.

Method:  Traditional lecture and discussion with memorization of short chapters of the Quran, certain hadith that are key to the comprehension of IslamÕs world view, and the poetry covered.   All grammar and translation exercises will focus on the vocabulary of the Quran.

There will also be regular Listening Assignments, Homework, Quizzes, and Examinations:

Homework:  All homework will be on a Òdone/not done basis      

Vocabulary Quizzes: There will be brief quizzes on a weekly basis that cover the new vocabulary from the vocabulary lists in each lesson, and any other vocabulary used in the reading or dictation texts.

Pop-Quizzes: There will be regular surprise dictation quizzes over material in the lessons.

General Quizzes: Every two weeks a 20-25 min. quiz on the grammar and vocabulary of the previous two weeksÕ lessons.  As learning any language is a cumulative procedure, these quizzes will also cover all points of grammar and  vocabulary dealt with in previous lessons.

Midterm:  The midterm will be given on TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19th.

Final exam: Tues., May 6, 12- 3pm.  No other arrangements can be made.  The final will be cumulative, but will emphasize material introduced since the mid-term.  The final will cover all vocabulary and grammar discussed in class, in the book and in the reading and dictation texts used during the course.

NOTE:  Quiz and exam grading is on a curve.

COMPOSITION OF GRADE:

MIDTERM = 25 %; FINAL = 25%; QUIZZES, WEEKLY EXAMS and DICTATIONS = 25%, and HOMEWORK and take home dictations = 15%, CLASS PARTICIPATION = 10%.  

Note: As the homework and dictations are on a done/not done basis, you will be able to calculate this part of your grade from your quiz grades.  This can help you after the mid-term to know where you stand towards the final grade. 

Make-up quizzes and tests: Make-up quizzes or exams are only possible with a ÒreasonableÓ excuse.  NOTE: the professor will have the final word whether the excuse is  ÒreasonableÓ or not.

WEEKLY SCHEDULE:

WEEK:

1) Thackston lessons 21 to 22: The Passive Voice: Perfect & Conditional sentences, The Passive in the Imperfect & Energetic Mood; Text for vocalization, memorization and translation of Surat al-Duha (93) and Ibn al-Farid 1

2) Thackston lessons 23: Preface to the Increased Forms of the Verb; Text: Surat al-Inshirah (94) and Tin (95) and Ibn al-Farid 2

3) Thackston lesson 24:Reflexive/Medio Passive Verbs: Form VIII; Text: al-ÔAlaq (96) and Ibn al-Farid 3

4) Thackston lesson 25: Forms VII & VIII: Hollow and Weak Verbs; Text: al-Qadar (97) and Ibn al-Farid 4

5) Thackston lesson 26: Optative Constructions & Diminutive Pattern, and Cardinal Numbers 11-19: Text: al-Bayyinah (98) and Ibn al-Farid 5

6) Thackston lesson 27 & 28: Factitive Verbs: Form II, Weak – lam. The Pronominal Enclitic Carrier; Double Pronominal Objects; Reading Text: Abraham overturns the Idols of his people; and Ibn al-Farid 6

7) Thackston lesson 29: Reflexive/Medio Passive Verbs: From V & Adjectival Pattern; Text: al-Zilzilah (99) and Ibn al-Farid 7

8) Thackston lesson 30: Form V: Weak-lam, Intensive Noun Patterns & The Arabic Personal Name; Reading Text: The Annunciation and Ibn al-Farid 8

9) Thackston lesson 31: The Construct of Qualification, The Adjectival Relative Phrase, uses of Ma & Auxiliary Verbs; Reading Text: DhuÕl-Qarnayn; and Ibn al-Farid 9

10) Thackston lesson 32 & 33: Causative Verbs: Form IV & Form IV Weak Verbs; Reading Text: The Prohpet Salih and the Tribe of Thamud; and Ibn al-Farid 10

11) Thackston lesson 34 & 35: Reflixive/Medio Passive Verb Form X, Effective Verbs: Form III, Reciprocal Verbs: Form VI; Reading Text: Moses and the Israelites at the Holy Land; and Ibn al-Farid 11

12) Thackston lesson 36: Adjectival Patters of Colors and Characteristics, Verbs of Color and Characteristics: Form IX and form XI & Other Verbal Forms X11-XV; Text: al-ÔAdiyat (100); and Ibn al-Farid 12

13) Thackston lesson 37: Patterns of Noun of Place, Pattern of Noun of Instrumentality, Patterns of Nouns of Instance and Manner & Optative and Assertory Uses of the Perfect; Text: al-QariÕah (101); and Ibn al-Farid 13

14) Thackston lessons 38: Quadriliteral and Reduplicative Verbs, Impersonal Passives, The Ma min clause; Text: al-Takathur (102); and Ibn al-Farid 14

15) Thackston lesson 39 & 40: Higher Numbers, Numerals and the Abjad System, Ordinal Numbers, Fractions, Distributive and the Islamic Calendar; Text: al-ÔAsr (103) and al-Humazah (104); and Ibn al-Farid 15.  The last day of class is Thursday, April 24, 2008.

Final exam: Tues., May 6, 12- 3pm.

THIS COURSE SYLLABUS IS A GENERAL PLAN FOR THE COURSE; DEVIATIONS ANNOUNCED TO THE CLASS BY THE INSTRUCTOR MAY BE NECESSARY.  FLEXIBILITY IN THE ACQUISITION OF A LANGUGE IS A VIRTUE

This course will abide strictly by the standards of academic honesty set forth in the University of Georgia publication  ÒA Culture of HonestyÓ Policy on Academic Honesty