JMU in Jordan: An Arabic Language and Cultural Summer

Summer 2012 : June 10 to July 7 (tentative dates)

Location

Jordan is an ideal destination for students interested in studying Arabic as well as a host of other subjects including archaeology, history, religion, political science, and more.  Spoken Arabic in Jordan is one of the closest to the Standard Modern Arabic.

Jordan has a long history that stretches back to biblical times. Historical sites can still be seen in stunning locations such as Petra, an ancient city that is literary carved into mountain rocks (UNESCO World Heritage Site  and one of the New Seven Wonders of the world), an ancient Roman amphitheater in Jarash, to Ajloun – a Castle from crusaders’ era.

Today, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is a moderate nation and a crossroads within the Middle East for trade and communications. It is also part of a region that has always served as a bridge between Europe, Asia, and Africa. Jordan is a pro-American country where over 100,000 American citizens live and work.

One of Jordan's unique treasures is the Dead Sea, the lowest place on Earth at more than 1,300 feet below sea level.  In the Dead sea, you can easily float because of natural buoyancy.

Another expedition is to Wadi Rum which is famous for its desert scenery and towering rock formations. The film "Lawrence of Arabia," was filmed in Wadi Rum.

Amman is a unique city, built on a series of hills and valleys, nestled between ancient ruins and modern architecture. Amman is one of the most diverse cities in the region and enjoys a thriving arts scene, along with historical monuments, including a Roman amphitheater built in the 1st century B.C. and remains of a temple that was believed to have been built by Hercules himself.

Academic Program

The focus of the program will be the Arabic language; in addition students will be exposed to the culture, religion, and traditions of the Middle East. Students will be in class four hours a day, five days a week. There will be several trips organized by the program: an overnight trip to Petra and Wadi Rum, one of the most magnificent sites in the Arab world. A trip to the Dead Sea where you can float while reading a newspaper, a trip to the Roman city Jerash, and many daily trips within the capital Amman.

The JMU in Jordan program is a blend of instruction in Arabic language, culture and history. Instruction includes classroom lectures tours of cultural, historical, educational, and tourist sites. Instructors and guest lecturers include JMU professors, University of Jordan professors, and Jordanian experts. Student assessments include graded assignments, quizzes, exams, professional behavior and journal.

Interested students may apply to one of the following tracks:

• Track 1
  ARAB 212--Intensive Arabic (6)

• Track 2
  ARAB 300--Grammar and Communication (3)
  
  and one of the courses below:
  
  ARAB 320--Arabic Oral and Written Communication (3)
  ARAB 340--Intermediate Arabic Conversation (3)

• Track 3
  ARAB 400--Advanced Arabic Conversation (3)
  ARAB 447--Art and Architecture in the Middle East (3)

OUTLINE OF COURSES:

• ARAB 212--Intensive Arabic (6)
• ARAB 300--Arabic Grammar and Communication (3)
• ARAB 320--Arabic Oral and Written Communication (3)
• ARAB 340--Intermediate Arabic Conversation (3)
• ARAB 400--Advanced Arabic Conversation (3)
• ARAB 447--Art and Architecture in the Middle East (3)

NECSSARY DOCUMENTS:
A passport is required. Students are encouraged to apply for passports immediately and have it hand by Mid-April. For  U.S. citizens, visa can be obtained at the airport in Amman upon arrival.

Itinerary/ Schedule

Accommodations

Students will reside in apartments and hotels. Most group meals will be provided.

Program Costs

For the current projected costs for this program, please click on the following link to the Fees for JMU Study Abroad Programs page.

Application

For more detailed instructions and to download the application, please click on the following link to the Applications and Forms section for JMU Short-Term Programs.

In addition to the Short-term Application, interested students should submit an essay and faculy recommendation. There will also be an interview. The essay that you will submit with your application materials must explain your interest in participating in this program. Interested students must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 with a Sophomore standing.

Course prerequisites: Arabic 101 and 102 (for Arab 212), Arab 231 and 232 (for Arab 300)

For More Information

For additional information about the Arabic in Jordan program, please contact the program director:

Karim Altaii
Professor
Integrated Science and Technology
Tel.: 540-568-2966
E-mail: altaiikx@jmu.edu

Israa Alhassani
Instructor
Department of Foreign Languages, Literatures and Cultures
Tel.: 540-568-5110
E-mail: alhassix@jmu.edu