Arabic classes offer students more than just a language
Shauna Keeler
Issue date: 9/20/07 Section: News
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After an impressive student demand for classes in the Arabic language, Union has added Arabic I to its course listings. Thirty-six students eagerly signed up for the course, causing the college to add another section in order to accommodate the interested students.
Dean of Studies Kimmo Rosenthal explained, "For the past 3 years, some students have organized the study of Arabic on a non-credit basis. My office has helped fund the program. It was always well-attended, in spite of not being for credit. That indicated a clear interest among students. The initial plan was to offer one section, so enrollments have exceeded expectations."
Professor Saffar enjoys teaching Arabic to her students and was not surprised by the number of students in the class.
Saffar stated, "I've been teaching Arabic for the past two years, and the number of my students are increasing in my classes. The people are just hungry for information." Saffar finds Union students to be particularly enthusiastic about the language and said, "I keep thinking that maybe I should slow down, but nope. They go as fast as their pace and we are already on the third cluster of letters of the alphabet."
Various other colleges and universities have added Arabic to their curriculum as well.
"There is a burgeoning interest in the study of Arabic at colleges across the country. It is important for Union College to offer it as well. It ties in with our new Strategic Plan and efforts to have our curriculum have an increased global perspective and to encourage an increased global awareness among our students," said Rosenthal.
However, unlike other colleges, Union will offer Arabic I,II, and III, rather than only offering levels I and II.
Latin American and Caribbean Studies major, Ashley Polihronakis, '11, was drawn to the class through her interest in foreign policy.
"I feel like the Arabic culture sometimes doesn't really get represented in normal American life, so maybe this class will hopefully introduce me to the culture and teach me some basic Arabic," Polihronakis stated.
Dean of Studies Kimmo Rosenthal explained, "For the past 3 years, some students have organized the study of Arabic on a non-credit basis. My office has helped fund the program. It was always well-attended, in spite of not being for credit. That indicated a clear interest among students. The initial plan was to offer one section, so enrollments have exceeded expectations."
Professor Saffar enjoys teaching Arabic to her students and was not surprised by the number of students in the class.
Saffar stated, "I've been teaching Arabic for the past two years, and the number of my students are increasing in my classes. The people are just hungry for information." Saffar finds Union students to be particularly enthusiastic about the language and said, "I keep thinking that maybe I should slow down, but nope. They go as fast as their pace and we are already on the third cluster of letters of the alphabet."
Various other colleges and universities have added Arabic to their curriculum as well.
"There is a burgeoning interest in the study of Arabic at colleges across the country. It is important for Union College to offer it as well. It ties in with our new Strategic Plan and efforts to have our curriculum have an increased global perspective and to encourage an increased global awareness among our students," said Rosenthal.
However, unlike other colleges, Union will offer Arabic I,II, and III, rather than only offering levels I and II.
Latin American and Caribbean Studies major, Ashley Polihronakis, '11, was drawn to the class through her interest in foreign policy.
"I feel like the Arabic culture sometimes doesn't really get represented in normal American life, so maybe this class will hopefully introduce me to the culture and teach me some basic Arabic," Polihronakis stated.
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