Credit is not granted for the first semester only of an introductory language course.

100d Elementary Classical Hebrew
Introduction to the Hebrew language through the fundamentals of grammar and readings from the Hebrew Bible in the original. The verb and noun systems, which are the base of all forms of Hebrew, classical and modern, written and spoken. Regular written assignments and quizzes. Open to those with no knowledge of Hebrew; also to those who know some Hebrew but who wish to improve their skills in reading and grammar. {F} 8 credits
Joel Kaminsky, M W F 11 a.m.-12:10 p.m.

ARA 100d Elementary Arabic
This 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. {F} 8 credits
Tayeb El-Hibri, M W F 11 a.m.-12:10 p.m.

[ARA 283a Intermediate Arabic I]
This course expands the scope of the communicative approaches, as new grammatical points are introduced (the various forms of regular and irregular verbs), and develops a greater vocabulary for lengthier conversations. Emphasis is also placed on reading and writing short passages and personal notes. This second year of Arabic completes the introductory grammatical foundation necessary for understanding standard forms of Arabic prose (classical and modern literature, newspapers, film, etc.), and expands one’s writing skills. (E) {F} 4 credits

[ARA 284b Intermediate Arabic II]
Continued conversation at a more advanced level, with increased awareness of time-frames and complex patterns of syntax. Further development of reading and practical writing skills. Prerequisite: ARA 283a or the equivalent, or permission of the instructor. (E) {F} 4 credits

282b Readings in Chinese Buddhist Texts
Reading and discussion of Chinese Buddhist texts in the original. Selections drawn from different genres including biographies of the Buddha, Jataka tales, the Lotus Sutra, Heart Sutra, and indigenous scriptures ("apocrypha"). Attention will also be given to the development of the Buddhist canon and notions of scriptural authenticity. Open to students who have taken one year of Chinese or two years of Japanese, or with permission of the instructor. (E) {L/F} 4 credits
Jamie Hubbard, M W 1:10-2:30 p.m.

[285a Hebrew Religious Texts]
Reading and discussion of Hebrew religious texts from different periods. Selections from the Bible, rabbinic literature, and liturgy. Open to students who have taken elementary Hebrew, either classical or modern, or with permission of the instructor. {L/F} 4 credits

[286b Hebrew Religious Texts]
Reading and discussion of Hebrew religious texts from different periods. Prose and poetry on a variety of themes, such as piety, ethics, and religious-political ideals. Works by Maimonides and Judah Halevi among others. Open to students who have taken elementary Hebrew, either classical or modern, or with permission of the instructor. {L/F} 4 credits

[287b Greek Religious Texts]
Reading and discussion of New Testament texts in the original. Prerequisite: GRK 100d or the equivalent. {L/F} 4 credits
Karl Donfried

Note: A reading knowledge of foreign languages, both modern and classical, is highly desirable and is especially recommended for those students planning a major or minor in the area of religious studies.

Students who take the introductory courses in Latin or Greek in the Classics Department will receive credit for these toward their religion major upon completion of an advanced course in religious texts (REL 287). Similar arrangements can be made for other languages (for example, Arabic, Chinese, Sanskrit).

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