Daniel Zitnick

Senior Lecturer in Middle Eastern Studies

Contact
Phone:
+1 (781) 283-2878
Email:
dzitnick@wellesley.edu
Department
Middle Eastern Studies

Teacher of Arabic language; aligns Arabic teaching pedagogy with current research in second language acquisition.

I currently teach elementary Arabic at Wellesley. I have some experience teaching in summer programs and at the intermediate/advanced level as well.

I recently received an MA in Teaching Arabic as a Foreign Language from the University of Michigan. My academic focus was aligning Arabic teaching pedagogy with current research in second language acquisition. From within this framework, I strive to create a learning environment that is fun and engaging for students, but also takes into consideration how they actually learn a new language. I am always looking for ways to bring authentic cultural activities into the classroom. while allowing students to be themselves and express what they want to express in this beautiful language.

I also received an MA in Modern Middle Eastern Studies from the University of Michigan. My research examined women’s rights in Saudi Arabia. For my thesis, I researched the role of Islamic legal scholarship in the domestic debate over gender segregation in Saudi Arabia.

Outside of the classroom and lesson planning, I enjoy time with family and I am an avid Michigan and Kansas City sports fan.

Education

  • B.A., University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
  • M.A., University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Current and upcoming courses

Elementary Arabic

ARAB102

An introduction to the Arabic language. The course takes a comprehensive approach to language learning and emphasizes the four skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students are introduced to the principles of grammar, taught how to read and write in the Arabic alphabet, and trained in the basics of everyday conversation. Through the use of a variety of written, video, and audio materials, as well as other resources made available through the Web, the course emphasizes authentic materials and stresses the active participation of students in the learning process.

More Info

  • Advanced Arabic II

    ARAB302

    Further development of all linguistic skills with special attention to reading, writing, and discussion. The course also introduces students to modern Arabic literature. Focus on enhanced communication skills in Arabic and attention to the use of language in its sociocultural context. Appropriate for students who have completed ARAB 202 at Wellesley or the equivalent in summer courses or international study programs.

  • Conversational Arabic

    ARAB205

    This course further develops students’ listening and speaking skills in Arabic, with special emphasis on achieving familiarity with a variety of Arabic dialects from across the Arab World. The primary focus will be on practicing conversation, as the curriculum will utilize a variety of materials, including videos, short stories, and films for discussion.

  • Elementary Arabic

    ARAB101

    An introduction to the Arabic language. The course takes a comprehensive approach to language learning and emphasizes the four skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students are introduced to the principles of grammar, taught how to read and write in the Arabic alphabet, and trained in the basics of everyday conversation. Through the use of a variety of written, video, and audio materials, as well as other resources made available through the Web, the course emphasizes authentic materials and stresses the active participation of students in the learning process.