We offer Swahili from first year (complete beginners) through to fifth year. We also regularly teach Swahili during the SILMW summer program on-campus. You can do a Minor in African Languages (Swahili) or take Swahili as part of a Minor in African Studies (undergraduate and graduate). Please see the Illinois Course Explorer for current, past or future course offerings.
Topics in Swahili language and culture. Specific topic varies by semester. May be repeated in separate semesters up to a maximum of 6 undergraduate hours if topics vary.
Beginning standard Swahili; emphasizes grammar, pronunciation, reading and conversation in standard Swahili. Same as AFST 231. Participation in language laboratory required.
Continuation of elementary Swahili, with introduction of more advanced grammar; emphasizes more fluency in speaking, reading, and writing simple sentences in standard Swahili. Same as AFST 232. Participation in language laboratory required. Prerequisite: SWAH 201.
Second-year Swahili with emphasis on developing conversational fluency; some readings on Swahili culture and customs. Same as AFST 433. 4 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Prerequisite: One year of Swahili.
Continuation of SWAH 403; emphasis on the development of appropriate reading, writing, speaking, and comprehension skills in Standard Swahili, and understanding of East African culture. Same as AFST 434. 4 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Prerequisite: SWAH 403 or equivalent.
Third-year Swahili with emphasis on conversational fluency and on increased facility in reading Swahili texts, including current newspaper prose and (East) African culture materials. Same as AFST 435. 3 undergraduate hours. 3 graduate hours. Prerequisite: SWAH 404 or equivalent.
Third-year Swahili with emphasis on conversational fluency and on increased facility in reading Swahili texts, including current newspaper prose and (East) African culture materials. Same as AFST 436. 3 undergraduate hours. 3 graduate hours. Prerequisite: SWAH 405 or equivalent.
Selected readings from modern Kiswahili authors, with a focus on novels, plays, and basic poetry illustrative of East African cultural issues and advanced level Kiswahili grammar, as well as development of expository writing skills. Same as AFST 405. 3 undergraduate hours. 3 graduate hours. Prerequisite: SWAH 406.
Continuation of SWAH 407 with increased emphasis on the reading and comprehension of literary texts exemplified in advanced level novels, plays, and poetry, as well as on advanced mastery of expository writing skills. Same as AFST 406. 3 undergraduate hours. 3 graduate hours. Prerequisite: SWAH 407.
Introduction to Kiswahili in the professions as documented in selected newspapers, educational radio and TV programs, works of fiction, biographies, anthologies, and professional journals. Students will be introduced to argumentative writing in Kiswahili, expected to make oral presentations, and to write a research paper in their field. Same as AFST 407. 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Prerequisite: SWAH 408.
Continuation of SWAH 409 with increased emphasis on the development of comprehension and writing of professional language. Same as AFST 408. 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Prerequisite: SWAH 409.