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.

Arabian Oral Poetry The Arabian Peninsula enjoys a rich legacy of oral poetry and written poetry with oral roots.  In this seminar, we will explore how the oral poetic traditions of the Arabian Peninsula have evolved over time, starting with pre-Islamic odes from the 6th century CE and ending with contemporary poetry circulated on social media.  In addition to reading, analyzing, and enjoying individual poetic texts and performances, we will consider how the concept of oral literature emerged with Milman Parry’s Oral Formulaic thesis, giving rise to new ways of reading historical texts, understanding the art of performance, and reckoning with the cultural implications of literacy.

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).

Readings in Classical Arabic Prose (in Arabic) Classical Arabic prose is one of the delights of world literature.  A product of the vibrant intellectual climate of the 'Abbasid Caliphate (750 - 1258 CE), Classical Arabic prose embodies a humanistic sensitivity and inquisitive depth that has set the standard for literary Arabic.  In this course we will read representative texts from some major genres of Classical Arabic prose: geography, history, philology, biography, and the tradition of courtly belles-lettres.  Students will also be presented with the opportunity to read hand-written manuscripts.

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).

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.

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.

Readings in Modern Arabic Literature In this course students will engage modern and contemporary literature in the original Arabic language.  In addition to reading an Arabic novel, we will examine other literary-aesthetic genres such as poetry, plays, and short stories.  Throughout, we will analyze and discuss the role of modern Arabic literature in exposing and challenging various systems of marginalization and injustice in the Arab world and beyond.

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

Advanced Arabic II This course is a continuation of Arabic 0301. It aims to help students reach an advanced level of proficiency in reading, speaking, and writing Arabic, as well as to develop further an understanding of Arab culture. Readings include articles on cultural, social, historical, political, and literary topics.  Course will be conducted entirely in Arabic.

Samuel Liebhaber

Reviews and ratings for Samuel Liebhaber at Middlebury College.Samuel Liebhaber teaches Intermediate Arabic I, Arabian Oral Poetry, Intermediate Arabic II and more.  Explore top rated instructors and find the best for you.Is Samuel Liebhaber good ? Find out on MiddCourses.

Sam is a great professor and makes the classroom environment very relaxing, especially to help with confidence and understanding. I really enjoy everything he knows about Yemen and the poetry he brings to class. As long as you put in the effort and do the homework you will do fine in this class. 

Professor Liebhaber is a great Arabic professor. He connected really well with our entire class and made the in class environmment super welcoming. Arabic is a difficult language, but Ustdaadh Sam's teaching style made me feel confident to participate. I think the exams were fairly constructed and I enjoyed completing a presentation in Arabic for the class, too!

Ustadh Sam is an effective teacher who emphasizes the importance of not only learning the initial rules but the speaking component as well. It is a somewhat fast paced class with at least an hour and a half of homework everyday but if you enjoy the language it shouldn't be that strenuous. The time allocated for tests was no consistent and usually short (around 30 minutes). 