Middle Eastern, South Asian, And African Studies · Columbia University
Workload: – 5h of class per week – Around 10h of individual work – Additional prep for quizzes, presentations, and projects Hard to get an A
In this course, I gained a deeper understanding of the Arabic language, not just in terms of grammar and vocabulary, but also in how it functions in real-world contexts and cultural settings. I developed practical skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening, and significantly improved my confidence in using Arabic in formal situations. Beyond language mechanics, the course also broadened my perspective on Arab cultures, history, and communication styles. The emphasis on meaningful practice and interactive assignments helped reinforce my learning in a way that felt both enjoyable and effective.
I would recommend this class if you don't mind spending a lot of time on Arabic, with almost daily classes and homework you will be spending a lot of time. If you view speaking ability as the primary benchmark of language learning you may feel dissatisfied with the class, if you feel this way and take the class I would recommend practicing speaking both inside and outside of class. 1 Columbia University: Arts & Sciences Spring 2025 Course: MDESUN2201_001_2025_1-SECONDYEARARABICI : MDESUN2201_001_2025_1 - SECOND YEAR ARABIC I Instructor: Ouijdane Absi
The workload was intensive, so I feel that the course was suitable for students who are serious about learning Arabic (it is their main focus). 1 Columbia University: Arts & Sciences Spring 2025 Course: MDESUN2202_001_2025_1-SECONDYEARARABICII : MDESUN2202_001_2025_1 - SECOND YEAR ARABIC II Instructor: Rym Bettaieb
Taking this course was one of the best things that ever happened to me at Columbia no joke 1 Columbia University: Arts & Sciences Fall 2021 Course: MDESUN1210_002_2021_3-FIRSTYEARARABICI : MDESUN1210_002_2021_3 - FIRST YEAR ARABIC I Instructor: Rym Bettaieb
Pros: Very open environment: no judgment, lots of encouragement to speak freely and get more comfortable in Arabic. Good balance of all skills (speaking, listening, reading, writing) and you feel you really get better in Arabic Cons: Sometimes not very engaging, and not always as demanding as it could be.
This semester, I learned about the nuances of Arabic grammar, such as the amazing flexibility of different patterns and roots of words in Arabic, vowels, extensive vocabulary relating to celebrations, athletics, and hobbies, as well as many more topics, advanced pronoun rules, as well as many other elements of Beginner Arabic.
N/A 1 Columbia University: Arts & Sciences Spring 2024 Course: MDESUN2201_001_2024_1-SECONDYEARARABICI : MDESUN2201_001_2024_1 - SECOND YEAR ARABIC I Instructor: Ouijdane Absi
I would recommend it to someone who is committed to learning Arabic. If this is just a curiosity, the stress and commitment of this class would not be worth it. 1 Columbia University: Arts & Sciences Spring 2024 Course: MDESUN2202_001_2024_1-SECONDYEARARABICII : MDESUN2202_001_2024_1 - SECOND YEAR ARABIC II Instructor: Rym Bettaieb
It is a lot of work, but very fulfilling if you make an effort. 1 Columbia University: Arts & Sciences Spring 2021 Course: MDESUN1210_002_2021_1-FIRSTYEARARABICI : MDESUN1210_002_2021_1 - FIRST YEAR ARABIC I Instructor: Rym Bettaieb