This course will introduce the basic skills needed to master reading, writing, listening, and speaking Modern Standard Arabic (also known as formal Arabic, or al-fusha, the spoken lingua franca of the Arab world and the language of written Arabic documents such as religious texts, published material such as books, newspapers and magazines; and media sources and broadcasts), as well as the Shami dialect of Arabic, spoken in Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Palestine. This course will provide the necessary foundation for future development in Arabic proficiency, as well as provide students with the necessary tools and proficiencies to begin to speak, read, write, and listen to Arabic both inside and outside of the classroom.