This first semester of a year-long course introduces the basics of Modern Standard Arabic, also known as Classical Arabic. It begins with a coverage of the alphabet, vocabulary for everyday use, and essential communicative skills relating to real-life and task-oriented situations (queries about personal well-being, family, work, and telling the time). Students will concentrate on speaking and listening skills, as well as on learning the various forms of regular verbs, and on how to use an Arabic dictionary.

The course starts with a basic understanding of the structure of language and its origins, but focus mostly on the socio-cultural significance of language by addressing such questions as: To what extent does language shape our thoughts? Do all children follow the same language acquisition patterns within a society or across cultures? What are the differences between language and dialect? How do people do things with language, and how does this vary across cultures? How does language reinforce or challenge social stratification and inequalities? Why is Ebonics controversial?

Language from the perspective of the social sciences. Anthropological perspectives on language topics, especially phonetics, phonology, morphology, historical reconstruction, sociolinguistics. (Gen.Ed. SB, DG)

Language from the perspective of the social sciences. Anthropological perspectives on language topics, especially phonetics, phonology, morphology, historical reconstruction, sociolinguistics. (Gen.Ed. SB, DG)

Language from the perspective of the social sciences. Anthropological perspectives on language topics, especially phonetics, phonology, morphology, historical reconstruction, sociolinguistics. (Gen.Ed. SB, DG)

Language from the perspective of the social sciences. Anthropological perspectives on language topics, especially phonetics, phonology, morphology, historical reconstruction, sociolinguistics. (Gen.Ed. SB, DG)

Language from the perspective of the social sciences. Anthropological perspectives on language topics, especially phonetics, phonology, morphology, historical reconstruction, sociolinguistics. (Gen.Ed. SB, DG)

Language from the perspective of the social sciences. Anthropological perspectives on language topics, especially phonetics, phonology, morphology, historical reconstruction, sociolinguistics. (Gen.Ed. SB, DG)

This course will introduce students to theoretical frameworks, controversies, methods, and other topics of community-based research and practice in the anthropological tradition. Students will understand the history of applied anthropology, critiques of anthropology coming from the global south, and critical epistemological approaches of contemporary engaged researchers and practitioners.