History Course

Omani Society and Culture (History 350; 3 credits)

This course focuses on the social history and contemporary culture of Oman as representative of both a unique Omani identity and of Oman’s various cultural connections past and present: Muslim, Gulf, Middle Eastern, Arab and Indian Ocean, as well as its connections to east Africa and the Indian subcontinent. Woven throughout both Learn & Serve portions of the program, students attend lectures by Omani experts and write weekly reflective essays, and a larger Synthesis Essay, to evaluate their experiences and cultural understanding. By the end of this course, students are able to relate Omani history and social developments to broader events and trends, understand diverse Omani perspectives on social affairs and current vents, and understand the similarities and differences between their lifestyles and those of their Omani counterparts.

Arabic Course

In addition to the Omani Society and Culture course, students take a 3-credit Omani Colloquial Arabic course at Sohar University to support their service learning experience and strengthen their ability to practice their Arabic language skills. Classes meet 2 hours per day, 5 days per week (a total of 60 hours of instruction, equivalent to a semester course on a U.S. campus).

The following levels are offered:                                                                                     

Colloquial Omani Arabic I (Arabic 151; 3 credits)
Colloquial Omani Arabic II (Arabic 251; 3 credits)

Colloquial Omani Arabic I (Arabic 151; 3 credits)

Students are introduced to words, expressions, and structures used frequently in everyday life. Students practice them in class before they are given assignments to carry out with native speakers in real situations. Evaluation combines performance in class and successful interaction with Omanis. By the end of the course, students are able to ask essential questions and understand the responses, express basic facts and opinions in simple sentences, and engage in basic conversations in Omani Arabic with native speakers.

Colloquial Omani Arabic II (Arabic 251; 3 credits)

Students who have already studied Modern Standard Arabic are introduced to words, expressions, and structures used frequently in everyday life in Oman. Students practice them in class before they are given assignments to carry out with native speakers in real situations. Evaluation combines performance in class and successful interaction with Omanis. By the end of the course, students are able to ask essential questions and understand the responses, express facts and engage in conversations in Omani Arabic.