ARAB 411 A: Arabic through Song

Department of Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures

University of Washington

ARAB 411/551

ARABIC THROUGH SONG

Autumn Quarter 2025

Class Time:                      Monday 3:30 - 5:20

Location:                          Denny 258

Instructor:                        Brianna Voss

Office Hours:                   By appointment

E-mail:                             brivoss@uw.edu

*This course syllabus is subject to change*

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course explores language learning through the power of music. Students will analyze song lyrics to deepen their understanding of vocabulary, grammar, and figurative language while practicing listening and interpretation skills. In addition to studying traditional and classic songs, we will also examine contemporary musical artists and a variety of modern genres. By connecting linguistic features with cultural and emotional expression, learners will gain both language proficiency and insights into the social and artistic contexts in which music is created.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES AND GOALS 

Upon completion of this course, students will:

• Explore a wide range of song genres along with key musical artists.
• Trace the development of genres, examining how language use and style have evolved over time.
• Comprehend the language used in songs at lexical, grammatical, and idiomatic levels.
• Strengthen listening skills, with special attention to connected speech and natural rhythm.
• Refine pronunciation of Arabic through imitation, repetition, and practice with authentic audio materials.
• Enhance grammar and vocabulary acquisition through close lyrical study.
• Analyze the context, conditions, and purpose behind songs and evaluate their social, historical, or political impact.
• Interpret the cultural meanings of linguistic terms, idioms, and metaphors, as well as larger cultural concepts embedded in songs.
• Examine how songs influence collective identity, public opinion, and cultural memory through performance, popularity, and musical style.
• Discover cultural nuances, perspectives, and concepts particular to the Arab world, while also engaging with modern global influences on Arabic music.

COURSE MATERIALS

All readings and links to videos are provided on the Canvas course website.

STUDENT ASSESSMENT

Please check the Grading Scale at the end of this syllabus.

INCOMPLETES

Incompletes are only permitted as defined in writing by the University of Washington, within the limits outlined by UW academic policy. https://registrar.washington.edu/students/incomplete-grades

PARTICIPATION AND ATTENDANCE

Please try your best to attend every class session.  Active participation in class is essential and will contribute most to your learning. Class participation includes doing the assigned readings PRIOR to class, posing and answering questions in class, as well as taking part in class discussion in a substantive way each week. 

EFFORT REQUIRED 

The policy of the UW curriculum committee is that each credit multiplied by 3 is the amount of time a course should take per week. Thus, this course requires 15 hours per week of work, including time spent attending class, studying, and doing homework.

COMPOSITION

This quarter you will respond to two prompts for each song presented in class. You will write a brief summary of the song, and then provide your own opinion of the song. Use the Composition Template in Files to guide your writing. Upload your composition typed in Arabic, size 14 font. 

CREATIVE WRITING

This quarter, you will complete creative writing assignments based on the songs presented in class. These assignments will enhance your understanding of the stories in the songs, while increasing your command of Arabic vocabulary and grammar. Rather than simply retelling the song’s story, you will complete a series of exercises designed to help you develop ways of expressing yourself within the context of the song. You may write a story, poem, or even your own song. Upload your creative writing piece typed in Arabic, size 14 font.

FINAL PROJECT 

Each student is required to research a topic related to the role of music and song in the Arab world. The topic is your choice, but it has to be approved by me. Details about the content and format of the paper will be announced in class and posted on Canvas. On the last day of class, each student will give a 20-minute PowerPoint presentation on their song. The written paper is due on the last day of the quarter. Upload your Arabic typed paper to Canvas by 11:59 pm.  The paper and presentation are submitted as two separate assignments and are thus each worth their own 20% of the final grade. 

INFORMATION REQUIRED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON

 Student Conduct 

The University of Washington Student Conduct Code (WAC 478-121) defines prohibited academic and behavioral conduct and describes how the University holds students accountable as they pursue their academic goals. Allegations of misconduct by students may be referred to the appropriate campus office for investigation and resolution. More information can be found online at https://www.washington.edu/studentconduct.

Inclusion 

UW strives to create a welcoming environment for all students. Please speak to or email the professor for assistance related to inclusion in the classroom learning community. Examples are personal pronouns, disability, neurodiversity, accommodations, privacy, disclosure, religious observance schedules, and learning preferences. When there is a safe and open atmosphere for discussing our diversity, it creates a better learning environment for all.

Access and Accommodations

Your experience in this class is important to me. It is the policy and practice of the University of Washington to create inclusive and accessible learning environments consistent with federal and state law. If you have already established accommodations with Disability Resources for Students (DRS), please activate your accommodations via myDRS so we can discuss how they will be implemented in this course.

If you have not yet established services through DRS but have a temporary health condition or permanent disability that requires accommodations (conditions include but not limited to; mental health, attention-related, learning, vision, hearing, physical or health impacts), contact DRS directly to set up an Access Plan. DRS facilitates the interactive process that establishes reasonable accommodations. Contact DRS at disability.uw.edu.

Religious Accommodations 

“Washington state law requires that UW develop a policy for accommodation of student absences or significant hardship due to reasons of faith or conscience, or for organized religious activities. The UW’s policy, including more information about how to request an accommodation, is available at Religious Accommodations Policy (https://registrar.washington.edu/staffandfaculty/religious-accommodations-policy/). Accommodations must be requested within the first two weeks of this course using the Religious Accommodations Request form (https://registrar.washington.edu/students/religious-accommodations-request/).”

Grading Scale

Per UW policy I cannot discuss grades via email. Please make an appointment to talk in my office if you have concerns.