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

The Environmental Middle East: Forests, Rivers, and Peoples In this course we will examine the environmental history of the Middle East and contemporary conservation practices in this region, focusing on four environmental case-studies: a contemporary conservation project in Lebanon, the Ghuta Forest of Damascus, the GAP dam project in Syria, and the marshes of Southern Iraq. We will consider these sites of contested power relations, cultural practice, and memory through the lenses of political and environmental essays, academic critiques, policy papers, historical documents, current media, and literary works. The objectives of this course: to provide students with a solid grasp of contemporary Middle Eastern environmental history, to address the key elements of cultural practice in each geographic area, and to achieve advanced proficiency in Arabic, including a mastery of environmental terminology.

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.

Food Security in Lebanon In this course we will begin with a short history of Lebanon’s agrarian to urban transition to look at its contemporary food system, asking such questions as: Who profits from the food system? How viable is agriculture in Lebanon? Does this system provide food security? This course will provide students with an understanding of how global and local political/financial systems have extracted wealth from farmers, and have left the Lebanese in a state of fluctuating food insecurity. We will look at commodity chains, crop selection, markets, farmer to farmer relations, and the role of Syrian crops entering the country. We will draw on the work of NGOs, UNEP reports, media, policy papers, and the academic literature.

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).

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).

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.

Human-Environment Relations: Middle East In this course we will begin with an environmental history of Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon, asking such questions as: How does politics affect conservation practice? To what extent are formulations of nature constructed socially and politically? Whose rights are affected by protected areas and who decides governance criteria? The objectives of this course include providing students with an understanding of human-environment relations theory by addressing the regional specifics of modern environmental and social histories of these countries. We will look at animals, water, and forests in the literature of NGOs, UNEP reports, media, policy papers, and the academic literature. (One of the following: ENVS 0112, GEOG 0100, IGST 0101, SOAN 0103; Or by approval)

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.

Robert Greeley

Reviews and ratings for Robert Greeley at Middlebury College.Robert Greeley teaches Beginning Arabic III, Environmental Middle East, Intermediate Arabic I and more.  Explore top rated instructors and find the best for you.Is Robert Greeley good ? Find out on MiddCourses.

I thoroughly enjoyed Arabic with Prof. Greeley, and really enjoy his teaching style, for he truly wants you to learn the language and has a great relationship with his class. I really am grateful for how hard he works to motivate his students.

Greeley is a fun, scattered, and kind Arabic professor. He cares about his students and tries to make it fun. The class is not stressful, which keeps me involved in the language. Some classes are more valuable than others, but such is life. Ahalan! 

I really enjoyed this class with professor Greeley. I liked the fast paced teaching style, although at times felt it was disorganized, and genuinely had fun taking the class. Easy to get an A in the class as long as you participate and stay on top of the homework/tests.