Arabic Literature between War and Translation In this course we will explore the idea that translation can serve as a bridge across cultures—while questioning when and how that assumption holds true. Focusing on the Arabic-English context, we’ll examine how translation has been used and understood in a world shaped by war, migration, and increasing militarization. What does it mean to translate a language that has been described as “controversial,” “embargoed,” or even “untranslatable”? Can translation really foster understanding across such deep divides? Through case studies, readings, and discussion, we’ll look at how translation operates in politically charged contexts and what it reveals about power, language, and cross-cultural communication. No knowledge of Arabic is required.

Sex, Love, and Desire in Arab Popular Culture In this course we will  challenge Western judgments about Arab sexuality and desire as inherently repressive. We will survey the permutations of desire -- from the sexual to the sacred, the heteroerotic to the homoerotic—in popular Arab culture. We will consider the intersections of gender, nation, race, ethnicity, ability, and sexuality in cinema, literature, and music. Through these mediums, we will examine the changing definitions of sexual respectability and sex work in different contexts, transsexuality and transgender identities, marriage, sexual revolutions and gender conflict, state regulation of sexuality, love for nation, and love in exile. This course will be taught entirely in Arabic.

Beginning Arabic III This course is a continuation of ARBC 0102.

Gender Politics of the Arab World The aim of this course is to explore the ways in which the social and cultural construction of sexual difference shapes the politics of gender and sexuality in the Middle East and North Africa. Using interdisciplinary feminist theories, we will explore key issues and debates including the interaction of religion and sexuality, women’s movements, gender-based violence, queerness and gay/straight identities. Looking at the ways in which the Arab Spring galvanized what some have called a “gender revolution,” we will examine women’s roles in the various revolutions across the Arab World, and explore the varied and shifting gender dynamics in the region. Taught in English (formerly ARBC/GSFS 0328) 3 hrs. Sem.

Beginning Arabic I The goal of this course is to begin developing reading, speaking, listening, writing, and cultural skills in Arabic. This course stresses written and oral communication, using both formal Arabic and some Egyptian dialect. Emphasis is also placed on reading authentic texts from Arabic media sources, listening to and watching audio and video materials, and developing students' understanding of Arab culture. 6 hrs lect/disc.

Intermediate Arabic II This course is a continuation of Arabic 0201. Fifth in a series of courses that develop reading, speaking, listening, writing, and cultural skills in Arabic.  This course stresses communication in formal and spoken Arabic. (ARBC 0201 or equivalent).

Intermediate Arabic I This course is a continuation of ARBC 0103. Emphasis is placed on reading authentic materials from Arabic media, expanding students' vocabulary, listening to and watching audio and video materials, and developing students' understanding of Arab culture and communicative competence.

Modern Palestinian Literature In this course we will explore how modern Palestinian literature grapples with questions of belonging, nationalism, memory, and colonialism. Questions about what it means to have a Palestinian literature or be Palestinian, and the challenges of even asking the question will also be explored. We will examine different notions of being Palestinian by focusing on the literature, film, art, and music produced by three main axes of Palestinian society: Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza, Palestinians within Israel, and the Palestinian Diaspora. We will read novels from a range of time periods by writers such as Fadwa Tuqan, Mahmoud Darwish, Adania Shibli, Suheir Hammad, among others and analyze a number of other cultural and artistic expressions from the early 20th century to the present. Secondary readings and discussions will set these works in contemporary historical, cultural, and political perspectives. Students will emerge with a deep understanding of Palestinian cultural production and will be prepared to engage more widely with questions of narrative, representation, and identity.

Beginning Arabic II This course is an intensive continuation of ARBC 0101. In addition to the goals stated for that course there will be extra emphasis on cultural skills during winter term. (ARBC 0101 or equivalent).

Contemporary Arab Cinema This course will present an overview of contemporary Arab cinema, exploring the way in which this cinema reflects the dynamics of political, economic, and social change in modern Arab societies. The course will be conducted exclusively in Arabic and will involve reading texts that present an overview of contemporary Arab cinema as well as texts analyzing notable and award-winning Arabic films.

Advanced Arabic 1 A continuation of Arabic 0202. This course aims to help students reach an intermediate-high level of proficiency in reading, speaking, writing, listening, and culture. Readings include articles on cultural, social, historical, political and literary topics.

Blackness and the Arab Imaginary (In English) Blackness as a category of analysis in the Middle East and North Africa, while fundamental to opening the field to the study of race and the legacies of slavery, remains understudied and deserving of critical attention. In this course we will explore the historic and political category of “blackness” and examine how black identities are constructed in the cultural and epistemological production of the Arab world and the Arab Diaspora through literature, critical scholarship, music, and cinema. We will address imperial and transnational dimensions of blackness as well as its increasing relevance for understanding new racial configurations in the contemporary Middle East and the Arab Diaspora.

Dima Ayoub

Reviews and ratings for Dima Ayoub at Middlebury College.Dima Ayoub teaches Arabic Lit War and Translation, Sex,Love,Desire in Arab Pop Cu, Beginning Arabic III and more.  Explore top rated instructors and find the best for you.Is Dima Ayoub good ? Find out on MiddCourses.

The course was interesting, and I learned a lot, but the Professor is obnoxious with a big ego, so that was annoying. She was also a harsh grader without good reason. Otherwise, I would recommend it to anyone interested. 

This class was really cool and interesting. We had to read at least one book every week, which made the class very fast-paced but not bad at all. The class also heavily relies on group work and discussions, which fosters a really good environment. 

This course was surprisingly engaging. Professor Ayoub's passion for the subject makes this course worth taking. She is a great professor and person. I would recommend anyone take this course. The course seems intimidating initially but is completely manageable. We get assigned a lot of readings but class is doable with just a basic understanding of them.