Mrs Reem W Shishakly

[Mrs Reem Weiss Shishakly]

Senior Lecturer, Modern Languages

Last Updated: July 28, 2021

rshishakly@uta.edu

about me

Biography

Reem Shishakly is the inaugural lecturer of Arabic Language and the Arabic section head at the University of Texas at Arlington, department of Modern Languages. Her research and expertise revolve around the history and works of the Arabic Literature with concentration on Modern and Contemporary Literature. Her graduate thesis researched literary translation as a form of intertextuality. Her current research and work focuses on the pedagogy of teaching Arabic to non- native students at the university level. Other teaching and research interests are translation studies, and technology enhanced language learning.

Education

- 2013 MA in Arabic Literature and Literary Criticism
  Al-Madinah International University
- 1984 BA in English Language and Literature
  University of Damascus, Syria
- 1980 Diploma in Music
  The Conservatory of Music in Damascus, Damascus, Syria

Appointments

- Jan 2020 to Present Senior Lecturer
  Modern Languages, UTA (Arlington, TX, United States)
  Responsible for teaching and academic planning and course adding and changing for Arabic lower and upper level undergraduate level of the Arabic language section.
  Also Responsible for collaboration with department for advancement of the Arabic program and serving the Arabic Language program and students.
- Aug 2009 to Dec 2019 Arabic Language Lecturer and Coordinator
  Modern Languages, University of Texas at Arlington (Arlington, TX, United States)
  -Drove the development of an Arabic program from one beginner's class to a 3-year program with 8 course levels, a Minor in Arabic option and a Globalization, Localization, and Translation certificate in Arabic in UTA.
  -Served as Instructor for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd year level Arabic courses, encompassing curriculum design, textbook selection, oral/written evaluations, student advising, and test administration
  -Founded the Arabic Language & Culture Organization in UTA, providing tutoring conversation sessions, discussions, cultural events, music, dance, poetry reading, food, and films.
  -Contributed to student recruitment for the Arabic Program through on-campus student events brochures and social media marketing.
  -Served as member in the Modern Languages Lecturers Committee (MLLC)
- 2006 to 2009 Substitute Teacher
  Arlington ISD (Arlington, TX, United States)
- 2002 to 2005 Arabic Language Teacher/ Arabic Department Head
  Arabic Department, Al-Hedayah Academy
  -Led advanced Arabic classes for students, including curriculum advancement, textbook selection, faculty meetings, and communicating issues to parents. -Led and coordinated lower elementary Arabic faculty team.
- 1998 to 2000 Founder of Elementary School & Arabic Teacher
  Al-Maarifa School
- 1996 to 1997 English Teacher
  Al-Hedayah Academy
- 1991 to 1995 English Language Teacher
  Department of Education, UAE Department of Education

Memberships

- 2016 to Present South Central Modern Language Association
- 2014 to Present American Association of Teachers of Arabic
- 2012 to Present Arabic Language & Culture Organization, UTA
  Faculty Advisor
- 2005 to 2010 Al-Hedaya Academy Women's Auxiliary

Awards and Honors

- 2016 Student Organization Advisor of the Year Award sponsored by UT Arlington
- 2015 The Charles T. McDowell Center Research Award sponsored by UT Arlington
- 2004 Al Hedayah Academy Teacher of the Year Award sponsored by Al Hedayah Academy
- 1999 Al Marifa School Teacher of the Year Award sponsored by Al Marifa School

Support & Funding

This data is entered manually by the author of the profile and may duplicate data in the Sponsored Projects section.

- May 2020 to May 2022 STARTALK 2020: Let’s Go to Russia/the Middle East! sponsored by National Security Agency (NSA) - $89980
  (Funded)

Publications

2015

Research Report
Arabic Within Reach, Teaching Arabic to Non-Natives, Curriculum & Methodology
[Shishakly, ReemWeiss]. Dubai International Conference Book Publications. 6,

Presentations

- 2015
  Shishakly, ReemWeiss, "-", Dubai. ( , 2015).

Faculty & Staff Resources