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Study information

Advanced Arabic Language

Module titleAdvanced Arabic Language
Module codeARA3103
Academic year2019/0
Credits30
Module staff

Ms Abla Oudeh Mahmoud (Lecturer)

Duration: Term123
Duration: Weeks

11

11

Number students taking module (anticipated)

30

Module description

Building on your knowledge from the pre-requisite module ARA2139 - Intermediate Arabic II - you will develop your ability to use complex Modern Arabic in your writing, speaking and listening.  Having studied Arabic for three years, you are now ready to enhance your ability to tackle complex syntactical structures of Modern Arabic through a wide range of written materials such as media, literature and religious texts. You will become familiar with a range of text types for writing and translation. You will also learn how to present a topic for discussion and to engage in class debates. On completion of this module, your command of Arabic will be an asset in employment.

Module aims - intentions of the module

This module aims to develop your ability to use complex syntactical structures of Modern Arabic through a wide range of written materials, i.e. media and cultural; to develop further writing, speaking and listening skills. The module also aims to provide you with skills in demand in the job market like translation skills.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

  • 1. Demonstrate an understanding of complex morphological and syntactical features of Arabic grammar
  • 2. Read or scan complex texts at a reasonable speed
  • 3. Translate texts from Arabic to English and from English to Arabic
  • 4. Express ideas fluently and spontaneously without obvious searching for expressions.

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

  • 5. Demonstrate an understanding of stylistic features of written Arabic.
  • 6. Demonstrate an understanding of audio texts and develop fluency in speaking Arabic.

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

  • 7. Demonstrate IT skills and carry out tasks in the language lab, using, where appropriate, audio-visual material
  • 8. Work independently, within a limited time frame, and without access to external sources, to complete a specified task.

Syllabus plan

Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover some or all of the following topics:

Reading: You will tackle different types of texts, editorials, texts on history. Current affairs, literature etc.

Writing: You will be introduced to different styles of writing. You will learn how to present a topic, a discussion and a conclusion.

Translation: You will be using the translation skills you acquired in 3rd year to translate advanced texts from Arabic into English and vice versa. .

Listening and Speaking: Here you will enhance your listening and speaking capabilities by listening to and discussing topical issues.

Literature: You will be exposed to different types of classical and modern Arabic writings to deepen your knowledge of Arab culture.

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning and Teaching ActivitiesGuided independent studyPlacement / study abroad
1761240

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

CategoryHours of study timeDescription
Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity 4422 x 2 hours translation
Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity 4422 x 2 hours reading, writing and grammar
Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity 2211 x 2 hours literature
Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity 4422 x 2 hours speaking using language lab
Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity 2211 x 2 hours listening using language lab
Guided Independent study124Weekly homework assignments over two terms: Translation: 22 h Reading &writing: 22h Literature: 22h Speaking: 22h Media listening: 36h

Formative assessment

Form of assessmentSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
Writing, reading, translation, oral presentations, literatureWeekly assignments on one or more of the components.1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7Written and verbal

Summative assessment (% of credit)

CourseworkWritten examsPractical exams
305020

Details of summative assessment

Form of assessment% of creditSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
Continuous assessment30-1 written in class test per term (80%) 2 hours - 1Listening test per term (10%) 30 minutes - 1 Speaking test per term: oral presentations (10%) 15 minutes1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7Written and verbal feedback
Oral examination1020 minutes 4 and 8 Verbal feedback
Listening examination1030 minutes 4 and 8Written and verbal feedback
Written examination503 hours1, 2, 3, 8Written feedback
0
0

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Original form of assessmentForm of re-assessmentILOs re-assessedTimescale for re-assessment
Written examinationWritten examination (3 hours)1, 2, 3, 8August/September reassessment period
Oral examination Oral (20 minutes)4, 8August/September reassessment period.
Listening examination Listening examination (30 minutes)4, 8August/September reassessment period.
Continuous assessmentWritten examination (2 hours)1, 2, 3, 5August/September reassessment period.

Re-assessment notes

Referral/ deferral:  Written examination 1 x 3 hour written paper (50%); Listening examination (10%); and Oral examination (10%); Written examination (30%) if student fails the continuous assessment.

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Basic reading:

Alaa Elgibali, Nevenka Korica, Media Arabic: A Coursebook for Reading Arabic News, The American University in Cairo Press, 2007. 

Raji Ramunny, Advanced Standard Arabic, Michigan, 1995. (recommended) 

Badawi, Carter, Gully. A Referenced Grammar of Modern Written Arabic, London, 2000.  

Nariman Warraki, Ahmed Hassanein, The Connectors in MSA, Cairo, 1993.  

Wehr, H, A Dictionary of Modern Written Arabic, Harrassowitz, Wiesbaden 1979.

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

ELE – http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/

Key words search

Advanced Arabic Language

Credit value30
Module ECTS

15

Module pre-requisites

ARA2139

Module co-requisites

None

NQF level (module)

6

Available as distance learning?

No

Origin date

01/10/2008

Last revision date

30/04/2018