Arabic language study stresses the reading and comprehension of Modern Standard Arabic. After completing ARAB 204, advanced students may wish to pursue writing and speaking skills as well. Students are introduced to graded modern reading selections in ARAB 102. In ARAB 203, students read short classical texts in addition to ungraded modern selections. From ARAB 204 on, students' command of syntax and morphology enables them to choose to begin to study either classical or modern literature. Courses in English introduce students to masterpieces of Arabic literature and to the historical and cultural development of the civilization of Islam.