Summer Courses

Montana Arabic Summer Institute (MASI) 2009: June 22 to July 17

The Central and Southwest Asia Program at The University of Montana will conduct the Montana Arabic Summer Institute (MASI) from June 22 to July 17, 2009. This program is funded by a STARTALK grant administered by the National Foreign Language Center. STARTALK is one of the projects of the National Security Language Initiative to expand foreign language education in under-taught critical languages.

MASI is designed for thirty high school students to study intensive Arabic over a period of four weeks. MASI 2009 is built on the existing UM Arabic teaching resources and experience. The program is directed by Dr. Mehrdad Kia and taught by the UM's Arabic language instructors: Dr. Khaled Huthaily, who is also serving as the curriculum developer, and Mr. Samir Bitar, who is also serving as the outreach co-ordinator.

Students developed the communication skills of at least a novice-mid speaker based on the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). The program familiarizes students with Arabic cuisine, music, poetry, dress, customs, traditions, and body language to develop cultural knowledge.

Successful completion of the MASI 2009 allowed students to receive five college credits from The University of Montana. Each students will receive $100 upon successful completion of the program.

Click HERE to read MASI's flyer. Information about the schedule will be announced on this page soon. If you have specific questions, please contact the program's outreach co-ordinator Mr. Samir Bitar.