Elementary Arabic Language I
| Module title | Elementary Arabic Language I |
|---|---|
| Module code | ARA1033A |
| Academic year | 2023/4 |
| Credits | 30 |
| Module staff | Dr Giorgia Ferrari (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 40 |
|---|
Module description
Arabic is a modern language spoken by hundreds of millions of people and a foundational language of human civilisation. This elementary-level module introduces you as a complete beginner to the fundamentals of the language, enabling you to acquire basic reading, writing, oral and aural skills to level A1 (breakthrough/beginner) on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL). Through language, it will introduce you to aspects of Arab cultures. You will use a textbook as well as a variety of learning materials chosen by your lecturers.
If you have prior knowledge of Arabic acquired outside of your degree programme, your level will be assessed by the module convenor in order to establish whether this module is suitable for you—admission in such cases is not guaranteed.
Module aims - intentions of the module
The module will enable you to achieve basic proficiency in the language. You will first be introduced to the Arabic script, followed by the basics of Arabic grammar and syntax. Using a mixture of narrative-based and authentic content, both written and audio-visual, you will work on all language-related skills, including reading, listening, speaking, writing and cultural knowledge. You will be encouraged to practice learned material independently.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Extract a broad sense and some specified detail of texts at CEFRL level A1.
- 2. Extract a sense and some specified detail of aural communications at CEFRL level A1.
- 3. Write short and simple texts on selected topics at CEFRL level A1.
- 4. Verbally elicit, understand and communicate basic factual information and simple selected topics relevant to everyday situations, displaying reasonable levels of accuracy, at CEFRL level A1.
- 5. Achieve straightforward translations out of Arabic.
- 6. Demonstrate of a sound grasp of the basic grammatical structures of Arabic and utilise this to understand and produce texts.
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 7. Consolidate your own learning by using available learning aids, in a variety of media, and organise this process with guidance from course tutors.
- 8. Understand of the principles of intensively learning a new language and organise learning time with guidance from course tutors.
- 9. Use a reference grammar book and a bilingual dictionary to check the structural and lexical accuracy of your writing and expression in Arabic.
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 10. Work in groups at solving basic linguistic tasks.
- 11. Deploy time-management strategies developed through self-study.
- 12. Exercise autonomy and judgement by developing independent learning skills.
- 13. Deploy strategies for coping with unpractised linguistic, social and cultural situations.
- 14. Show basic appreciation of the cultures of people who speak Arabic.
Syllabus plan
Whilst the precise content may vary from year to year, the syllabus will cover the following topics:
- Arabic letters and sounds,
- Introduction to Arabic grammar and syntax,
- Introduction to vocabulary enabling students to talk about themselves, their families, what they do, and their immediate surroundings.
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 132 | 168 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activity | 88 | Lectures focusing on explaining grammar topics, reading, writing and media. (8 hours per week over 11 weeks) |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activity | 44 | Language workshops and seminars: These include pair work, group work, language games or Language Lab work. (4 hours per week over 11 weeks) |
| Guided independent study | 40 | Homework assignments and preparation for class. |
| Guided independent study | 40 | Learning grammar |
| Guided independent study | 25 | Learning vocabulary. |
| Guided Independent Study | 40 | Listening and speaking practice. |
| Guided Independent study | 23 | Preparation for examinations. |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weekly practical and written assignments | Weekly practical and written assignments | 1-14 | verbal and/or written feedback |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 30 | 50 | 20 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Continuous Assessment | 30 | One written test (90 minutes) One listening test (30 minutes) One oral test (7 minutes) | 1-14 | Verbal and/or written feedback |
| Written Examination | 50 | 2 hours | 1, 3, 5-6, 11, 13 | Verbal and/or written feedback |
| Oral Examination | 10 | 7 minutes | 2, 4, 10-11 | Verbal feedback |
| Listening Examination | 10 | 30 minutes | 2, 6, 11 | Verbal and/or written feedback |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Continuous Assessment | Oral Assignment: 2 minutes video recording Listening Assignment (up to 30 minutes). Written assignment under exam conditions (Writing 200 words in Arabic; 2 hours) | 1-9, 11-14 | January reassessment period |
| Written Examination | Written Examination (2 hours) | 1, 3, 5-6, 11, 13 | January reassessment period |
| Oral Examination | Oral Examination (7 minutes) | 2, 4,10-11 | January reassessment period |
| Listening Examination | Listening Examination (30 minutes) | 2, 6, 11 | January reassessment period |
Re-assessment notes
This module follows reassessment standards set out in the University of Exeter’s Teaching & Quality Assurance Manual.
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Al-Mashrafi, A.N.S., 2017, At-Takallum: A Comprehensive Modern Arabic Course, Elementary A1. The Light Inc.
Al-Mashrafi, A.N.S., 2017, At-Takallum: A Comprehensive Modern Arabic Course, Elementary A2. The Light Inc.
Supporting Materials:
Wehr, H., 1979 A Dictionary of Modern Written Arabic, Wiesbaden, Harrassowitz.
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
ELE – https://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=9665
| Credit value | 30 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 15 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 4 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 01/10/2011 |
| Last revision date | 20/09/2022 |
