Hebrew University to Commence Arabic Immersion Program In Spring 2012

Hebrew University to Commence Arabic Immersion Program In Spring 2012

NEW YORK – The American Friends of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem announced today that The Rothberg International School of The Hebrew University will offer a new immersion program in Arabic. The course, based on learning the language in a formal classroom setting as well as in its real-life cultural milieu, is uniquely suited for the setting The Rothberg International School provides in Jerusalem. The Arabic Immersion Program will focus on the constant and exclusive use of Arabic in a social setting, and include interaction with the native speaking Arab population. The course will commence in Spring 2012 and is designed for undergraduate students, graduate students and professionals interested in acquiring a knowledge of modern standard Arabic.

Over 200 million people worldwide speak Arabic, making the language a rhetorical gateway to the cultural richness of the Arab and Muslim world as well as an essential step in learning about Islam as a religion. Arabic is an officially recognized language in Israel and spoken by a vast segment of the population in the country. Jerusalem, a holy city to three monotheistic religions, is the site of some of the oldest and most sacred institutions of Islam. Additionally, The University is a bastion of scholarship in Arabic, Islam and the Middle East and Rothberg International School, and with its historically diverse faculty and staff, is well equipped to offer the program. 

“The Hebrew University of Jerusalem is an ideal place for an Arabic immersion program,” said Professor Mimi Ajzenstadt, Provost of The Rothberg International School. “We are combining formal classes, interaction with native speakers outside the classroom and exposure to the religious and cultural elements that have left their indelible mark on the Arabic language. The location in the city of Jerusalem, coupled with The University’s many prestigious scholars of Arabic, Islam and the Middle East, makes the Rothberg International School the perfect venue for this new and exciting program.”

Applications are currently available for the 11-week course, which will begin February 19, 2012 and end May, 2012, and will be held entirely in Arabic and source the Al-Kitaab textbook series. The initial level for the program is elementary, and there will be more advanced levels added in subsequent semesters. Every Tuesday and weekends will include a field trip or special activity regarding Islam and Arab culture, including interaction with the Arabic-speaking population.   The 15-credit course will hold its final exam June 3, 2012.  For more information, please contact Janet Alperstein, Director, Office of Academic Affairs, Rothberg International School at 212.607.8520 or jalperstein@hebrewu.com.