This course helps advanced-high students refine and practice their listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students learn how to use and extend their advanced vocabulary, grammar, and communication skills more consciously and effectively. Emphasis is on speaking extemporaneously, use of idioms and special expressions, and identifying intent and emotions by recognizing tone, content, and word usage. An increased focus on reading a novel, short stories, and media analysis, along with listening to authentic interviews, debates and talks, serves as the basis for dynamic oral communicative practice. Students engage in class discussions and have the opportunity to express their opinions about contemporary issues in the Arab world. They are to write a research paper and give lengthy presentations. Work outside of class requires between four to five hours a day.

Required Texts:
A variety of texts selected by the instructors, including novels, short stories, poetry, and nonfiction.