Beginning Arabic I introduces students with no prior knowledge of the language to Modern Standard Arabic. Beginning Arabic I builds the foundation skills in speaking, listening, reading, writing, and culture, with emphasis on beginning writing and on conversation. Students must take placement exam if this is their first RIT class in Arabic and they have some prior study of Arabic.

Beginning Arabic II is the second course at the beginning level. It focuses on the development of functional competence in speaking, listening, reading, writing and culture.

Intermediate Arabic I continues with intermediate-level development of functional skills in speaking, listening, reading, writing and culture, including conversation, with increased work in reading and writing.