Robert Greeley
Assistant Professor of Arabic
rgreeley@middlebury.edu
work(802) 443-5556
On leave academic year (2019-2020)
on leave academic year
Robert Greeley is an Assistant Professor in Arabic at Middlebury College. Robert’s research interests focus on protected areas and environmental governance. He completed a BA in Arabic at the University of Utah, an MA in Arabic Literature at UC Berkeley in the Department of Near Eastern Studies, and his PH.D. in Geography at the University of South Carolina, Columbia (2016). He has also been a lecturer in Arabic at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. At Middlebury, Robert teaches Arabic language courses as well as advanced content-based courses in Arabic. Among these are “The Environmental Middle East,” which looks at nature/society questions in Iraq, Syria and Lebanon. He also teaches “The Levant,” which looks at the literary and cultural production of Syria and Lebanon. Robert is affiliated with Environmental Studies at Middlebury (ENVS) where he teaches “Human/Environment: The Middle East,” which addresses nature/society questions in Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon.
Courses
Courses offered in the past four years.
▲ indicates offered in the current term
▹ indicates offered in the upcoming term[s]
ARBC 3201 - Intermediate Arabic
Students placed in Level 2 normally have taken two or three semesters of Arabic in an academic setting and have knowledge of the basic grammatical and lexical features of Arabic. Sometimes a "lower intermediate" class is created to accommodate those students whose proficiency and language skills require that they go at a slower speed than regular intermediate students. Typically, students in the lower intermediate class have finished only two semesters of college Arabic, or more than two semesters but have been away from the language for some time. The objectives of Intermediate Arabic are, in general, to solidify knowledge of the basic rules of Arabic grammar, to expand vocabulary in terms of complexity, and to increase the acquisition of words for active use in a wide variety of topics and settings. Emphasis is placed on the use of authentic reading and listening materials, and on communicative writing and speaking tasks. Students at the intermediate level are required to go to all Arabic lectures and movies. Usually, there are homework assignments designed to enhance each student's benefit from the cultural activities. At the end of the course, students at the intermediate level are expected to write a long composition of at least 1,200 words. Oral presentations of 15 to 20 minutes are regular activities at this level. In addition, work outside of class requires an average of four to five hours a day. (1 unit)
Required Texts:
Al-Kitaab fii Tacallum al-cArabiyya: A Textbook for Beginning Arabic, Part I, Third Edition. Brustad et al. Georgetown University Press, 2011. ISBN 9781589017368
Al-Kitaab fii Tacallum al-cArabiyya, Part II, Third Edition. Brustad et al. Georgetown University Press, 2011. ISBN 9781589019645
The Hans Wehr Dictionary of Modern Written Arabic. Spoken Languages Services. ISBN 9780879500030
Summer 2016 Language Schools, Mills 8 Week Session
ARBC 3202 - Intermediate Arabic
Students placed in Level 2 normally have taken two or three semesters of Arabic in an academic setting and have knowledge of the basic grammatical and lexical features of Arabic. Sometimes a "lower intermediate" class is created to accommodate those students whose proficiency and language skills require that they go at a slower speed than regular intermediate students. Typically, students in the lower intermediate class have finished only two semesters of college Arabic, or more than two semesters but have been away from the language for some time. The objectives of Intermediate Arabic are, in general, to solidify knowledge of the basic rules of Arabic grammar, to expand vocabulary in terms of complexity, and to increase the acquisition of words for active use in a wide variety of topics and settings. Emphasis is placed on the use of authentic reading and listening materials, and on communicative writing and speaking tasks. Students at the intermediate level are required to go to all Arabic lectures and movies. Usually, there are homework assignments designed to enhance each student's benefit from the cultural activities. At the end of the course, students at the intermediate level are expected to write a long composition of at least 1,200 words. Oral presentations of 15 to 20 minutes are regular activities at this level. In addition, work outside of class requires an average of four to five hours a day. (1 unit)
Required Texts:
Al-Kitaab fii Tacallum al-cArabiyya: A Textbook for Beginning Arabic, Part I, Third Edition. Brustad et al. Georgetown University Press, 2011. ISBN 9781589017368
Al-Kitaab fii Tacallum al-cArabiyya, Part II, Third Edition. Brustad et al. Georgetown University Press, 2011. ISBN 9781589019645
The Hans Wehr Dictionary of Modern Written Arabic. Spoken Languages Services. ISBN 9780879500030.
Summer 2016 Language Schools, Mills 8 Week Session
ARBC 3203 - Intermediate Arabic
Students placed in Level 2 normally have taken two or three semesters of Arabic in an academic setting and have knowledge of the basic grammatical and lexical features of Arabic. Sometimes a "lower intermediate" class is created to accommodate those students whose proficiency and language skills require that they go at a slower speed than regular intermediate students. Typically, students in the lower intermediate class have finished only two semesters of college Arabic, or more than two semesters but have been away from the language for some time. The objectives of Intermediate Arabic are, in general, to solidify knowledge of the basic rules of Arabic grammar, to expand vocabulary in terms of complexity, and to increase the acquisition of words for active use in a wide variety of topics and settings. Emphasis is placed on the use of authentic reading and listening materials, and on communicative writing and speaking tasks. Students at the intermediate level are required to go to all Arabic lectures and movies. Usually, there are homework assignments designed to enhance each student's benefit from the cultural activities. At the end of the course, students at the intermediate level are expected to write a long composition of at least 1,200 words. Oral presentations of 15 to 20 minutes are regular activities at this level. In addition, work outside of class requires an average of four to five hours a day. (1 unit)
Required Texts:
Al-Kitaab fii Tacallum al-cArabiyya: A Textbook for Beginning Arabic, Part I, Third Edition. Brustad et al. Georgetown University Press, 2011. ISBN 9781589017368
Al-Kitaab fii Tacallum al-cArabiyya, Part II, Third Edition. Brustad et al. Georgetown University Press, 2011. ISBN 9781589019645
The Hans Wehr Dictionary of Modern Written Arabic. Spoken Languages Services. ISBN 9780879500030.
Summer 2016 Language Schools, Mills 8 Week Session
ARBC 3204 - Intermediate Arabic
Students placed in Level 2 normally have taken two or three semesters of Arabic in an academic setting and have knowledge of the basic grammatical and lexical features of Arabic. Sometimes a "lower intermediate" class is created to accommodate those students whose proficiency and language skills require that they go at a slower speed than regular intermediate students. Typically, students in the lower intermediate class have finished only two semesters of college Arabic, or more than two semesters but have been away from the language for some time. The objectives of Intermediate Arabic are, in general, to solidify knowledge of the basic rules of Arabic grammar, to expand vocabulary in terms of complexity, and to increase the acquisition of words for active use in a wide variety of topics and settings. Emphasis is placed on the use of authentic reading and listening materials, and on communicative writing and speaking tasks. Students at the intermediate level are required to go to all Arabic lectures and movies. Usually, there are homework assignments designed to enhance each student's benefit from the cultural activities. At the end of the course, students at the intermediate level are expected to write a long composition of at least 1,200 words. Oral presentations of 15 to 20 minutes are regular activities at this level. In addition, work outside of class requires an average of four to five hours a day. (1 unit)
Required Texts:
Al-Kitaab fii Tacallum al-cArabiyya: A Textbook for Beginning Arabic, Part I, Third Edition. Brustad et al. Georgetown University Press, 2011. ISBN 9781589017368
Al-Kitaab fii Tacallum al-cArabiyya, Part II, Third Edition. Brustad et al. Georgetown University Press, 2011. ISBN 9781589019645
The Hans Wehr Dictionary of Modern Written Arabic. Spoken Languages Services. ISBN 9780879500030
Summer 2016 Language Schools, Mills 8 Week Session
ARBC 0101 - Beginning Arabic I
Beginning Arabic I
The goal of this course is to begin developing reading, speaking, listening, writing, and cultural skills in Arabic. This course stresses written and oral communication, using both formal Arabic and some Egyptian dialect. Emphasis is also placed on reading authentic texts from Arabic media sources, listening to and watching audio and video materials, and developing students' understanding of Arab culture. 6 hrs lect/disc. LNG
Fall 2018
ARBC 0102 - Beginning Arabic II
Beginning Arabic II
This course is an intensive continuation of ARBC 0101. In addition to the goals stated for that course there will be extra emphasis on cultural skills during winter term. (ARBC 0101 or equivalent). LNG WTR
Winter 2016, Winter 2017, Winter 2019
ARBC 0103 - Beginning Arabic III
Beginning Arabic III
This course is a continuation of ARBC 0102. 6 hrs. lect/disc (ARBC 0102 or equivalent) LNG
Spring 2018
ARBC 0201 - Intermediate Arabic I
Intermediate Arabic I
This course is a continuation of ARBC 0103. Emphasis is placed on reading authentic materials from Arabic media, expanding students' vocabulary, listening to and watching audio and video materials, and developing students' understanding of Arab culture and communicative competence. (ARBC 0103 or equivalent) 6 hrs. lect/disc LNG
Fall 2015
ARBC 0202 - Intermediate Arabic II
Intermediate Arabic II
This course is a continuation of Arabic 0201. Fifth in a series of courses that develop reading, speaking, listening, writing, and cultural skills in Arabic. This course stresses communication in formal and spoken Arabic. (ARBC 0201 or equivalent). 6 hrs. lect/disc LNG
Spring 2016
ARBC 0245 / ENVS 0245 - Human Environment: Middle East
Human-Environment Relations: Middle East
In this course we will begin with an environmental history of Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon, asking such questions as: How does politics affect conservation practice? To what extent are formulations of nature constructed socially and politically? Whose rights are affected by protected areas and who decides governance criteria? The objectives of this course include providing students with an understanding of human-environment relations theory by addressing the regional specifics of modern environmental and social histories of these countries. We will look at animals, water, and forests in the literature of NGOs, UNEP reports, media, policy papers, and the academic literature. (One of the following: ENVS 0112, GEOG 0100, IGST 0101, SOAN 0103; Or by approval) (not open to students who have taken FYSE 1523) 3 hrs. lect. AAL MDE SOC
Spring 2017, Winter 2018
ARBC 0301 - Advanced Arabic I
Advanced Arabic 1
A continuation of Arabic 0202. This course aims to help students reach an intermediate-high level of proficiency in reading, speaking, writing, listening, and culture. Readings include articles on cultural, social, historical, political and literary topics. (ARBC 0202 or equivalent) 3 hrs. lect/disc LNG
Fall 2016, Fall 2017
ARBC 0302 - Advanced Arabic II
Advanced Arabic II
This course is a continuation of Arabic 0301. It aims to help students reach an advanced level of proficiency in reading, speaking, and writing Arabic, as well as to develop further an understanding of Arab culture. Readings include articles on cultural, social, historical, political, and literary topics. Course will be conducted entirely in Arabic. (ARBC 0301 or equivalent) 3 hrs. lect/disc. LNG
Spring 2019
ARBC 0409 - The Levant
The Levant: Literature, Film, Media
In this course we will examine key events and themes of modern Levantine history through the lens of literature, film, and news media. We will focus on pan-Arabism, sectarianism, Islam and secularism, the establishment of modern Lebanon and Syria, and current manifestations of the Arab Spring in the region. We will analyze a variety of literary genres, including works by Hanan Al-Shaykh, Ghada Samman, Ilyas Khoury, and Muhammad al-Maghut. The goals of this course are to give students a solid grasp of Levantine history in the 20th and 21st centuries, to address the signature themes of literary and popular culture, and to achieve and maintain advanced proficiency in Arabic. (ARBC 0302 or by approval) 3 hrs. sem. AAL LIT LNG MDE
Spring 2016
ARBC 0431 - Environmental Middle East
The Environmental Middle East: Forests, Rivers, and Peoples
In this course we will examine the environmental history of the Middle East and contemporary conservation practices in this region, focusing on four environmental case-studies: a contemporary conservation project in Lebanon, the Ghuta Forest of Damascus, the GAP dam project in Syria, and the marshes of Southern Iraq. We will consider these sites of contested power relations, cultural practice, and memory through the lenses of political and environmental essays, academic critiques, policy papers, historical documents, current media, and literary works. The objectives of this course: to provide students with a solid grasp of contemporary Middle Eastern environmental history, to address the key elements of cultural practice in each geographic area, and to achieve advanced proficiency in Arabic, including a mastery of environmental terminology. (ARBC 0302 or equivalent) 3 hrs. sem. AAL LNG MDE SOC
Spring 2017
ARBC 0500 - Independent Study
Independent Study
(Approval Required)
Fall 2015, Spring 2016, Fall 2016, Spring 2017, Fall 2017, Spring 2018, Fall 2018, Winter 2019, Spring 2019
ARBC 0600 - Senior Project
ARBC 0700 - Senior Thesis I
Senior Thesis I
Approval required.
Fall 2015, Spring 2016, Fall 2016, Spring 2017, Fall 2017, Spring 2018, Fall 2018, Winter 2019, Spring 2019
ARBC 0701 - Senior Thesis II
Senior Thesis II
Approval required.
Fall 2015, Spring 2016, Fall 2016, Spring 2017, Fall 2017, Spring 2018, Fall 2018, Winter 2019, Spring 2019
ENVS 0245 / ARBC 0245 - Human Environment: Middle East
Human-Environment Relations: Middle East
In this course we will begin with an environmental history of Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon, asking such questions as: How does politics affect conservation practice? To what extent are formulations of nature constructed socially and politically? Whose rights are affected by protected areas and who decides governance criteria? The objectives of this course include providing students with an understanding of human-environment relations theory by addressing the regional specifics of modern environmental and social histories of these countries. We will look at animals, water, and forests in the literature of NGOs, UNEP reports, media, policy papers, and the academic literature. (One of the following: ENVS 0112, GEOG 0100, IGST 0101, SOAN 0103; Or by approval) (not open to students who have taken FYSE 1523) 3 hrs. lect. AAL MDE SOC
Fall 2015
FYSE 1523 - The Middle East:Nature/Society
The State and Nature: The Middle East
In this course we will study the environmental history and current environmental issues of Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon, asking such questions as: How do states gain power through environmental governance? How is conservation practice political? How is water governed and how is it a political tool? What is the intersection between policy, politics, and the environment? The objectives of this course include providing students with an understanding of human-environment relations theory by addressing the regional specifics of modern environmental and social histories of these countries. We will study animals, water, and forests in the literature of Non-Governmental Organizations, UN Environment reports, media, policy papers, and academic literature. 3 hrs. sem. CW MDE SOC
Fall 2018
IGST 0101 - Intro to Intl & Global Studies
Introduction to International and Global Studies
This is the core course of the International and Global Studies major. It is an introduction to key international issues and problems that will likely feature prominently in their courses at Middlebury and study abroad. Issues covered will differ from year to year, but they may include war, globalization, immigration, racism, imperialism, nationalism, world organizations, non-governmental organizations, the European Union, the rise of East Asia, politics and society in Latin America, and anti-Americanism. 3 hrs. lect./disc. CMP
Fall 2016
IGST 0706 - MES Senior Thesis ▹
Middle East Studies Senior Thesis
(Approval Required)
Winter 2019, Spring 2019, Winter 2020, Spring 2020