Rula Maabra Al-Hmoud

Senior Lecturer of Arabic and Culture

Director of the Arabic Program

rula.al-hmoud@ttu.edu

Rula Maabra Al-Hmoud is a Senior Lecturer of Arabic and Culture in the Department of Classical and Modern Languages and Literatures at Texas Tech University, where she also serves as the Director of the Arabic Program. Originally from Amman, Jordan, she holds two master’s degrees from Texas Tech University, earned in 2003 and 2013.

Rula has been teaching Arabic at various proficiency levels since 2013, including online courses. She is dedicated to guiding her students toward higher language proficiency and intercultural competence while promotion a deeper understanding of Arabic culture. Additionally, she teaches Raider Ready courses, helping first-year students transition successfully into college life.

Rula’s research focuses on second-language acquisition, particularly how learners respond to different types of corrective feedback. Her current work examines the effectiveness of explicit and implicit corrective feedback followed by explicit instruction.

Since 2018, Rula has served as a faculty leader for study abroad programs in both Jordan and Morocco.

Courses Taught at Texas Tech University

Undergraduate Courses:

• ARAB 1501 – Elementary Arabic I: Development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in Modern Standard Arabic.
• ARAB 1502 – Elementary Arabic II: Continuation of Arabic language acquisition at the high beginner level.
• ARAB 2301 – Intermediate Arabic I: Emphasizes professionalism, cultural engagement, and language application in various contexts.
• ARAB 2302 – Intermediate Arabic II: Focus on reading, cultural background, grammar review, conversation, and composition in Modern Standard Arabic.
• ARAB 3301 – Advanced Conversation: Enhancing oral proficiency in Arabic.
• ARAB 3305 – Introduction to Arab-Muslim Civilization (Online): Overview of Arab-Muslim culture, Islam, cinema, art, and gender studies. Taught in English; fulfills Multicultural and Core Humanities requirements.
• ARAB 4300 – Independent Study in Arabic: Tailored coursework under faculty supervision.
• Raider Ready (2016–Present) – First-year success course focusing on academic and personal development.
   

Awards & Honors

• 2023 – Global Engagement Community Award, Texas Tech University
• 2023 – Phenomenal Women of Texas Tech Award
• 2022 – Professing Excellence Award
• 2022 – Hidden Gem Award, Teaching, Learning & Professional Development Center (TLPDC)
• 2022 – Amy Love Scholarship Endowment
• 2022 – Student Organization Advisor of the Year (Arabic Language Student Organization)
• 2020 – Faculty Lavender Mentor (Recognized by students for faculty support)
• 2019 – Global Vision Award – Donald Haragan Study Abroad Award (Runner-up)
• 2019 – 2024 – Phi Beta Kappa Influential Teacher & Mentor Recognition
• 2017 – President's Excellence in Diversity and Equity Award

Community Engagement

Rula is actively involved in service-learning programs.  She has dedicated significant time to promoting Arabic language and culture in public libraries and local high schools.
Through this outreach, Texas Tech students gain hands-on experience teaching Arabic while promoting cultural awareness in the community.

Arabic Debate Program

As the leader of the Arabic Debate Program, Rula trains students to compete with prestigious universities in the U.S. enhancing their linguistic and critical thinking skills in an academic setting.

Program Development

Rula created Texas Tech’s Online Self-Paced Arabic Course, expanding access to Arabic language learning for students.

Conference Presentations

• 2023 – American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL), Washington, D.C.

Arabic Home

Arabic Minor

Courses

Arabic Faculty

Resources