STARTALK Arabic Course Description

Course Introduction and Assessment
Brigham Young University is home to a distinguished Arabic program. This STARTALK program builds on its considerable resources and expertise. BYU is a pioneer in its approach to Arabic. Its graduates are counted among the best Arabists in the world. Like regular BYU Arabic 101 students, STARTALK students will gain practical ability to use two varieties of Arabic: Standard Written Arabic, used in books, newspapers, news broadcasts and formal speeches, and informal Spoken Arabic, often called dialect, colloquial or vernacular Arabic, which is used at home and in daily life. The Written Arabic variety is much the same across the Arab World, while the vernacular varieties vary from one place to another, often quite dramatically. The written and spoken forms, although quite different from each other in some ways, are still closely related, and much of what you learn of one can be transferred to the other. In the beginning, students mix the two (like most Arabs). It's all part of the process of learning Arabic (more on this below).

The objective of the 2008 BYU Summer Arabic Camp is to assist high school students to acquire at least Novice High level proficiency in using both Written and Spoken Arabic (for more information on proficiency levels see the ACTFL web site). Initial focus will be on developing speaking ability, with more attention to literacy in the second half of the program, after students have the tools to interact verbally with the faculty, staff and each other. The program is designed to help every student succeed. It's very much about learning through doing. Given that academic credit will be awarded, you should know that grades will be determined by the level and quality of participation in daily learning activities, a series of authentic language-use simulations conducted in interviews, and tests that focus on one's ability to use Arabic.

Task-Based Learning
Fluent speakers of Arabic use the language to live life within a community through various cooperative "problem solving" activities. Based upon this real-life model, the goal of this program is the meaningful and practical use of Arabic. The students will learn through acquiring facility in performing a series of communicative tasks throughout the program, such as ordering a meal, asking and following directions, and writing a short letter.

Culture Objectives
All of the target tasks involve acquiring some knowledge of Arab culture. Thus, many cultural recreational activities (culture lessons, movies, calligraphy, fieldtrips, etc.) will be woven in with the learning experiences. An example of this will be the authentic meals, prepared and eaten as a group. Students should be prepared to participate in the cooking and eating of foods such as hummus, pita, kebab, eastern salads, rice, and beans..

On Intensive Arabic Study
Arabic is a relatively challenging language to learn. Research indicates that it takes longer for native speakers of English to learn it than to learn a language like Spanish or German. However, Arabic can be quite learnable (if one doesn't become distracted with non-essential details). Students will acquire basic conversational facility in the first week of the program.

The program is an intensive language program; the pace is reasonable, but brisk. Daily activities vary somewhat throughout the week, most notably on the weekends. Interested participants should come prepared to participate fully in each activity, to fully immerse themselves in Arabic language and culture every day of the camp. You'll have a great experience if you do. That's the key to learning: doing!

Program Materials and Resources
Each student will be provided with all program materials and resources, including texts, supplementary DVDs, program binder, and portfolio. For your information, the texts for the course are:

Kristen Brustad, et al., Alif Baa (2nd edition)
Kristen Brustad, et al., Al-Kitaab fii Ta'allum al-'Arabiyya I (2nd edition)

The students will use computers to utilize on-line Arabic resources and manage their learning portfolios. Although participants will have access to a computer lab, students are encouraged to bring wireless-capable personal laptops, if available.

Participant Expectations
As previously mentioned, participating students are expected to involve themselves fully in all learning experiences. Specifically, this means being 100% present, on time, alert, consistent, communicative, cooperative, cheerful, uncomplaining, and willing to work hard and try new things. Homework is assigned daily and is always due the following day; thus, "Study Hall" must be used to its fullest capacity. While this program has the undeniable ability to be a memorable experience, a negative attitude and poor work ethic will ruin it—not only for the complainer but for everyone. Please carefully consider your goals and maturity level as you make your decision to participate in this program.

Housing
2008 BYU Summer Arabic Camp participants will stay in on-campus dorms, with complete floors of two buildings devoted to Arabic. We will replicate the BYU Arabic House experience where residents strive to speak only the language designated for their living unit and eat at least one group meal together daily. Program participants will share a room with one other participant. Each floor will have at least one native Arabic-speaking Residential Advisor. The bedrooms of each unit are off-limits to students of the opposite sex, and lights on, off, and study times will be strictly observed. Students are asked to limit their luggage to one large suitcase. As the program schedule does not allow for much "personal" time, electronic gaming devices should be left home. Cellular phone use is permitted on a limited basis.