language schools courses arabic Rabat Morocco
 

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Course methodology
Several different types of immersion methodologies are incorporated into the curriculum. One methodology is task-based learning. During a task-based learning activity the focus of the classroom is the completion of a task and language is the instrument used to achieve it. The aim of this method is to create a need to learn and use language skills.

Another technique, Total Physical Response, is based on the theory that memory of a new language skill is enhanced when associated with physical movement. This method works especially well in learning commands as well as simple actions and nouns.

Simply put, the curriculum strategy is to involve students in a multi-faceted process of learning rather than simply lecturing to them. Students are encouraged to speak and use their new language skills, as much as possible, in order to cement them as a part of memory. What this curriculum demands of students is merely that they be open to learning and willing to try to speak and practice the language skills the teacher wants them to produce.

The primary textbook used is Al Kitab Fi Ta'allum Al Arabiya. We also use other textbook resources which emphasize communication. In line with the concept of immersion, the books are completely in Arabic, including intructions.

Many of our students request that their Arabic courses be tailored toward forstering a greater understanding of the religion of Islam. For these students we offer a special course designed around their needs. They spend 3 hours per day in Arabic class and 1 hour in Qur'anic class with an Imam. We also supplement the MSA Arabic curriculum with the Madinah series textbooks which offer a strong foundation in Classical Arabic, as well as excellent exercises in communication.

Tajweed
In its literal definaition "tajweed" in Arabic means "betterment." In reference to the Qur'an, tawjeed refers to the correct pronunciation of every syllable during recitation. Tajweed involves the art of speech and it also involves a scientific procedure. Tajweed can only be properly learned from an expert teacher.

Memorization
Memorization of the Qur'an is an art and a science. It is a tradition now more than 1400 years old. Principally, Muslims memorize the Qur'an because it is an obligation in their religion. Secondarily, the Qur'an is memorized as an aspect of its preservation.

Cultural Studies
Our Arabic courses are supplemented with a wide variety of facisnating oppurtunities to learn about Arab and Moroccan culture. Students can choose to participate in content-based training courses in the following areas:

:: Arab women's history
:: Islamic history
:: Qur'anic studies
:: Moroccan cuisine
:: Arab Poetry
:: Moroccan Architecture
:: Calligraphy

Arabic Program Outline
Our Modern Standard Arabic course is a 36 week program consisting of three stages of advancement which are each divided into three levels.

:: Elementary Level Courses: I, II, III. This beginning level is designed to meet the learners' needs to be able to communicate in basic daily life situations. The focus is on the four basic language skills of modern standard Arabic: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Some aspects of the Arab culture will be introduced. After having an introduction in pronouncing and writing the Arabic letters, the learners will be able read short authentic reading texts from Arabic newspapers and to listen to materials in context of daily life. At level II, the learners will have established a basic common vocabulary and grammatical patterns that can be relatively used in their speaking, listening, reading, and writing. They will also be able to handle a number of task-oriented and social situations such as listing, enumerating and eliciting information, describing a place (an apartment or a room) or filling an arrival card at the airport. By the end of the first semester, learners are expected to be at the intermediate level. (Twelve weeks, 180 hours).

:: Intermediate Level Courses: I, II, III are designed to enable learners to move from intermediate-low level to intermediate-high. The courses focus on the four basic language skills of modern standard Arabic: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Learners are expected to read and to discuss articles from both Arabic daily newspapers and other materials related to the religion, politics, culture and economics of the Middle East. In addition, learners are required to listen to the news media on a regular basis, to discuss current political issues, argue, debate extensively and give oral presentations in Arabic. Since many reading and writing assignments are required in this class, learners will be exposed to a large volume of vocabulary that requires developing their skills of comprehending the meaning contextually. It is expected that the learners will be handling language tasks such as paraphrasing and summarizing texts and expressing their point of views in writing and speaking, describing and narrating events. By the end of the second semester, learners usually reach either Intermediate-High or the threshold of the Advanced level on the ACTFL scale in listening, speaking and reading, and Intermediate-Mid in writing. (Twelve weeks, 180 hours).

:: Advanced Level Courses : I, II, III are designed to move learners from a stage where they acheived all the basic grammatical to being able to use language in a wider cultural context. Learners attempt to feel and emulate the educated native Arabic speaker. At this stage, learners will be introduced to the dialects spoken in the Arab world. Reading and listening materials are extensive and vary depending on the themes that interest the learners. Learners prepare newspaper and journal articles and, in order to improve oral/aural skills, they also study news bulletins, personal interviews, panel discussions and cultural programs recorded on audio and video cassettes and on DVD. As time permits, learners are exposed to different forms of Arabic reflecting different styles. In addition, learners extend their vocabulary through watching extracts from/or entire Arabic movies. By the end of the third semester, it is expected that the learners should be able to converse in a clearly participatory fashion, to carry out a wide variety of communicative tasks that requires diverse discourse strategies. Learners usually reach either Advanced or Advanced-Plus levels in listening, speaking, and reading, and Intermediate-High in writing (Twelve weeks, 180 hours).

:: Beginning - 12 weeks
Level B-1 (4 weeks)
Level B-2 (4 weeks)
Level B-3 (4 weeks)

:: Intermediate-12 weeks
Level N-1 (4 weeks)
Level N-2 (4 weeks)
Level N-3 (4 weeks)

:: Advanced-12 weeks
Level E-1 (4 weeks)
Level E-2 (4 weeks)
Level E-3 (4 weeks)

Each level contains 2 modules, 2 weeks in length. Each module contains 10 days of class, 4 lessons per day (45 minutes each) for a total of 30 class hours. Additionally, modules include 2, 1 hour guest lectures and 4, 2 hour activities.

:: Beginning
Level B-1 (4 weeks)
Module A (2 weeks)
30 class hours
4 activities (8 hours total)
2 guest lectures

Module B (2 weeks)
30 class hours
4 activities (8 hours total)
2 guest lectures
Level B-2 (4 weeks)

Module C (2 weeks)
30 class hours
4 activities
2 guest lectures

Module D (2 weeks)
30 class hours
4 activities
2 guest lectures
Level B-3 (4 weeks)

Module E (2 weeks)
30 class hours
4 activities
2 guest lectures

Module F (2 weeks)
30 class hours
4 activities
2 guest lectures

:: Intermediate-12 weeks
Level N-1 (4 weeks)
Module G (2 weeks)
30 class hours
4 activities
2 guest lectures

Module H (2 weeks)
30 class hours
4 activities
2 guest lectures

Level N-2 (4 weeks)
Module J (2 weeks)
30 class hours
4 activities
2 guest lectures

Module K (2 weeks)
30 class hours
4 activities
2 guest lectures

Level N-3 (4 weeks)
Module L (2 weeks)
30 class hours
4 activities
2 guest lectures

Module M (2 weeks)
30 class hours
4 activities
2 guest lectures

:: Advanced-12 weeks
Level E-1 (4 weeks)
Module N (2 weeks)
30 class hours
4 activities
2 guest lectures

Module P (2 weeks)
30 class hours
4 activities
2 guest lectures

Level E-2 (4 weeks)
Module Q (2 weeks)
30 class hours
4 activities
2 guest lectures

Module R (2 weeks)
30 class hours
4 activities
2 guest lectures

Level E-3 (4 weeks)
Module S (2 weeks)
30 class hours
4 activities
2 guest lectures

Module T (2 weeks)
30 class hours
4 activities
2 guest lectures

An assessment test conducted on the first day of classes will ensure that students are placed at their ideal module and level. For each module, a syllabus and completion quiz will be provided to monitor student progress. There is also an exit assessment test for each level.

Activities:
Each module will have four associated activities included. The pool of possible activities may include, but is not limited to:
Bowling
Ice Skating
Visit to Maamore forest
Trip to Exotic Gardens
Tour of the madina souks
Tour of Chellah
Tour of the Oudaya
Tour of Hasaan Tower
Tour of the Royal Palace
Trip to view "tin towns"
Trip to the domaine lake
Rabat Museum of Art
Backyard BBQ
In house movie viewing
Soccer game
Visit a farm
Moroccan restaurant
Boat trip on the Bou regreg (river)

:: Instructors:
Each classroom is led by an experienced Arabic teacher. Our teachers are all former Fullbright scholors. They have previous experience teaching at American universities during a fullbright exchange program. Their mother tongue is Arabic. They also have held positions as Professors of Arabic the Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane, Morocco's summer Arabic intensive course. The Akhawayn program is an accredited program and perhaps the most well known Arabic program in Morocco.

There is also a Teaching assistant in place in each classroom responsible for providing tutoring and extra assistance to students.

 



Arrival airport: CAIRO

Cairo International Airport is located in the Heliopolis section of the city and is 24 km from downtown, which can be reached in about 40 minutes during normal traffic conditions.

Hot, dry summers with mild, dry winters and cold nights. Rainfall is negligible except on the coast. In April the hot, dusty khamsin wind blows from the Sahara. Suggested clothing: Lightweight cottons and linens during summer, with warmer clothes for winter and cooler evenings.

World Airport Guide (arrival info, maps and local transport):
www.worldairportguide.com

Tourist site:
www.cairotourist.com

www.touregypt.net

         
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