The PTI Arabic program combines standard university level Arabic curriculum with specialized lesson plans designed to accommodate this non-traditional learning environment. By choosing the al-Kitaab textbook series as our primary resource, the instructors ensure that their students gain exposure to the same Arabic language resource used in the vast majority of classrooms throughout the country. This greatly enhances smooth transitioning into other Arabic programs should the students wish to continue their studies beyond this program.

 

Certain elements of the al-Kitaab series are difficult to incorporate into the PTI program because of limitations on access to technology, so the instructors have also developed a series of alternative lessons, drills, quizzes and assignments to provide extra opportunities to practice certain skills. Instructors are especially focused on ensuring in-class time for speaking and listening activities, and assign almost exclusively reading and writing-based assignments to be completed after class. 

 

Arabic 101: Elementary Arabic I

 

This is an elementary level course. Students learn the Arabic alphabet, basic vocabulary and sentence construction. Moreover, emphasis is given on pronunciation, reading and writing. After covering the alphabet using the Alif-Baa textbook, students move on to al-Kitaab book 1, and learn new vocabulary and grammatical constructions each lesson. Instructors provide more drills as the need arises.

 

Arabic 102: Elementary Arabic II

 

This is a continuation of the elementary Arabic course. Students continue to work systematically through the lessons of al-Kitaab book 1. In order to build well-rounded language skills, we incorporate vocabulary exercises, grammar lectures, reading activities, speaking drills/conversation, stories, and listening activities for each lesson.

 

 

Arabic 201: The Arab World through History and Culture

 

This course is designed to improve students’ Arabic skills with a primary focus on reading, speaking and listening comprehension. Students explore a number of different topics related to the culture and history of the Arab world. They will explore these topics by reading about them and by discussing them in class. This class differs significantly in structure from Arabic 101 and 102 because it places a heavy emphasis on speaking and uses a variety of reading materials beyond the al­-Kitaab textbook.