Critical Arabic
While often periodized into classical and modern standard forms, Arabic speakers around the world view their language and its literature as a living and adaptable tradition. Fusha—meaning to purify, to be eloquent, to speak clearly, or to express oneself with flawless literary panache—is an all-compassing term for the Arabic language and its literary forms. What does it mean to view the Arabic literary tradition as a whole? And how can the study of Arabic help us understand its development and efflorescence, from its twin foundations in the Qur’an and the pre-Islamic ode to its contemporary expression in a wide variety of literary genres?
This course has two primary aims: to acquire a reading knowledge of Arabic alongside a critical understanding of its literary cultures. We will begin by studying the alphabet, then move on to a comprehensive introduction to Arabic grammar, morphology, syntax, and diction. From the very first weeks, we’ll be reading selections from Arabic texts belonging to a variety of historical periods, paying close attention to historic variants, distinct syntax, and rhetorical strategies. How can we read canonical Arabic literature in conjunction with its contemporary forms? How do contemporary poets, novelists, literary critics, and scholars of religion enrich our understanding of the classical Arabic world—and vice versa: How have writers through the ages appropriated and reworked classical elements in contributing to this vast literary corpus?
Critical Arabic is offered across three, 12-week trimesters: Winter (February 17th-May 5th), Summer (May 12th-July 28th), and Fall (August 25th-November 17th). Students have the option to enroll in the program in its entirety or decide on a trimester by trimester basis. In addition to weekly 2-hour class meetings, students may elect to attend an additional “homework hour,” a time set aside for further practice and horizontal learning. Our textbooks will be Thackston Wheeler’s Koranic Arabic and Mohammad T. Alhawary’s Modern Standard Arabic Grammar: a Learner’s Guide. Payment plans and scholarships are available. Please email info@thebrooklyninstitute.com for further information.
Course Schedule
Tuesday, 6:30-8:30pm ETFebruary 17 — November 17, 2026
12 weekly sessions per trimester (36 sessions), not including guest lectures
Class will not meet Wednesday, November 26th.
Price range: $1,323.00 through $3,725.00