ELEMENTARY URDU (V77.0301, V77.0302)

This is a beginning Urdu course aimed at introducing the students to the basics of Urdu alphabet, grammar and sentence structure. All four skills are emphasized -- writing and reading, as well as speaking and listening. The course is tailored to address students' interests not only in the language, bust also in the culture it is rooted in. Texts for the course will be developed as a packet by the instructor, although new and additional materials will be constantly introduced, especially as the students develop increased facility and proficiency in the language.

INTERMEDIATE URDU I (V77.0303, V77.0304)

This course, forming the second part of the two-year language sequence, will continue where Elementary Urdu leaves off. The students, who will be reading by now, will be introduced to literary texts. Along with specific language tasks, criticism and analysis now forms part of the curriculum as well. For example, the students read Manto's short story "Toba Tek Singh," and also verses from the poet Iqbal's collection of poetry. Memorizing poetry, dictation, comprehension, and engaging in longer sessions of conversation will be an important part of this course. At the end of this course we hope to have achieved some fluency in reading literary texts, writing short essays, and carrying on a conversation. Students with prior knowledge of Urdu are encouraged to enroll at this level.
 

Instructor - Tahira Naqvi, Department of Middle Eastern Studies.
Email: TNaqvi@aol.com