Elementary Arabic I

This is a synchronous online course for beginners in Modern Standard Arabic (MSA).  It will introduce the student to the speaking, listening, reading and writing skills in the standard means of communication in the Arab World.  The course is proficiency-based, implying that all activities within the course are aimed at placing the learner in the context of the native-speaking environment from the very beginning.  We anticipate that by the end of this course students will range in proficiency from Novice High to Intermediate Low on the ACTFL scale which means from 'incipient survival' to 'full' survival' in the native-speaking environment. The course will be offered using animation and several virtual modes of discussion. It involves a full interaction between students and the instructor, creating a real class setting specifically by utilizing chat rooms and/or text based virtual reality environments and other applications.  Students will be able at the end of this course to introduce themselves, express feelings, emotions and basic needs.