Advanced Arabic Language
| Module title | Advanced Arabic Language |
|---|---|
| Module code | ARAM081 |
| Academic year | 2023/4 |
| Credits | 30 |
| Module staff | Ms Abla Oudeh Mahmoud (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11-15 | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 20 |
|---|
Module description
Arabic is a modern language spoken by hundreds of millions of people and a foundational language of human civilisation. This advanced-level module comprises: i) an academic term studying in an Arabic-speaking country (where circumstances allow); ii) a work placement relevant to the Arab World (where circumstances allow); and iii) a term of study back in Exeter. The module offers you the means to raise your proficiency to level C2 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL). Through language, the module will deepen your exposure to Arabic cultural expression. You will use a variety of learning materials chosen by your lecturers. You will become familiar with various genres through reading, writing, translation and conversation. Your work experience and command of the language will be a significant employment asset.
If you have prior knowledge of Arabic acquired outside of your degree programme or have not completed the prerequisite modules, 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
This module aims to develop your Arabic language proficiency to master’s level in reading, writing, grammar, translation, speaking and listening. You will be exposed to a variety of written materials, for example from business, media, religion and politics, which you will read, analyse and translate under the guidance of your instructors. You will develop your ability to use complex syntactical and grammatical structures in written Arabic through regular practice and an extended essay in Arabic. You will develop your conversational skills through intensive use of Arabic both abroad (where circumstances allow) and in the classroom in Exeter and you will learn to intelligently present and debate topics in Arabic.
This intensive language study in combination with the work placement will enhance your future employability, since you will graduate with excellent knowledge and understanding of Arabic and (in normal circumstances) with practical experience of working in an Arab country.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Extract a sense and specific details of authentic written texts from various genres (including literary and journalistic) at CEFRL level C2.
- 2. Present a detailed argument written in Arabic in answer to essay questions on a range of topics.
- 3. Extract a sense and specific details of authentic aural texts from these genres at CEFRL level C2
- 4. Verbally communicate with competence in Arabic at CEFRL level C2.
- 5. Engage in an oral discussion of a range of topics in Arabic, articulating own opinions and responding to the opinions of others.
- 6. Give an oral presentation in Arabic on a defined topic to a small group of listeners and engage in group discussion and debate of the topic presented at CEFRL level C2, articulating own opinions and responding to the opinions of others.
- 7. Translate passages from a variety of authentic written sources (literary as well as journalistic) into and out of Arabic.
- 8. Apply your detailed and growing knowledge of a broad range of grammatical features of Arabic to a variety of linguistic tasks.
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 9. Consolidate your own learning by using available learning aids, in a variety of media, and organise this process with guidance from course tutors.
- 10. Recognise and understand core linguistic terminology individually and as part of a group.
- 11. Use a bilingual dictionary to glean information about meaning, register, usage and grammatical forms.
- 12. Engage, under guidance, with Arabic media, printed and online.
- 13. Demonstrate well developed communicative skills in Arabic including the development of intelligent argument.
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 14. Working in groups at solving linguistic tasks at CEFRL level C2.
- 15. Deploy cognitive and analytical skills.
- 16. Utilise subject knowledge to solve problems and develop practical skills.
- 17. Show a nuanced appreciation of the people who speak (and spoke) Arabic.
- 18. Utilise practical experience to write a reflective essay.
- 19. Demonstrate effective use of IT and consolidate time management strategies through further developing skills of self-study.
- 20. Deploy professional and practical skills gained through undergoing work placement.
- 21. Develop a personal profile and curriculum vitae for work in the Arab World that demonstrates your experience in the region.
- 22. Perform in a work environment in a manner in keeping with the expectations of an employer.
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:
Study abroad and work placement:
1) Introduction by IAIS and employability colleagues to the study-abroad period and the work placement to be delivered in Exeter prior to the study abroad period. This will include a health and safety briefing;
2) Preparation of the work-placement application procedure with support from Careers and employability officers at the University of Exeter. Work placement can take place within the main language-study city, although other places and online options might be possible;
3) Preparation for, and support with, arrangements for the proposed period of study abroad;
4) Arabic language study at an accredited institution in the Arab World (where circumstances allow);
5) Actual or on-line work placement with a relevant NGO, media agency, or company in or facing the Arabic world, arranged through the IAIS network;
Travel abroad for study and work placement will be subject to the travel advice of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. Where circumstances require cancellation of these activities, alternative provision will be made in Exeter.
Study period in Exeter (one term):
1) Reading: You will tackle different types of texts, editorials, texts on history, current affairs, literature, etc.
2) Writing: You will be introduced to different styles of writing. You will further enhance your understanding of how to present a topic, a discussion and a conclusion.
3) Translation: You will become familiar with a range of text types by translating them effectively (and in a timely manner) from Arabic into English and from English into Arabic.
4) Speaking: You will further enhance your speaking capabilities by discussing topical issues in depth.
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 66 | 84 | 150 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Placement/study abroad | 100 | Lectures and practical classes at host institution in destination country in standard Arabic (written) and spoken Arabic. 8 contact hours per week (approx.). Where FCDO advice leads to cancellation of study abroad, alternative provision will be made in Exeter or online. |
| Placement/study abroad | 50 | Work placement: 2-3 weeks work usually at the conclusion of the language study period. Should FCDO advice lead to cancellation of study abroad, alternative provision will be made in Exeter/UK or online. |
| Scheduled learning and teaching activity | 44 | 11 weeks x 4 hours (in Exeter) Lectures and seminars on Arabic reading comprehension, translation and interpreting. Interactive class work on written texts consolidating the linguistic skills of reading, writing, and translating |
| Scheduled learning and teaching activity | 22 | 11 weeks x 2 hours (in Exeter) Seminars, masterclasses and workshops |
| Guided independent study | 84 | Weekly homework assignments in reading, writing, translation, as well as oral presentations and projects (in Exeter). |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| One assignment per week - either a written exercise or oral presentation (during the study period in Exeter) | Written assignments: 500 words each; Oral presentations: 15 minutes each | 1-5, 7-8 | Verbal and/or written feedback |
| One work placement application in Arabic | One-page covering letter, completed application form and two-page CV | 6 | Verbal and/or written feedback |
| One work placement review in Arabic (including a brief statement from employer) | Two-page review | 6, 7, 9 | Oral 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. 3x assessed assignments (1 written in class test 10%;, 1 oral presentation 10%;, 1 extended essay in Arabic 10%) | 30 | One 90 minutes Written test (20%) One Oral presentation 15 minutes (10%) | 1-22 | Verbal and/or written feedback |
| Written Examination (May/June assessment period) | 50 | 3 hours | 1,2,7,8,10,12,13 | Verbal and/or written feedback |
| Oral Examination and presentation(May/June assessment period) | 20 | 20 minutes | 4-7,13,16 | Verbal 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 | One 90 minutes written test (20%) One oral presentation 15 minutes (10%) | 2,8,13,15,18,19 | August/September reassessment period |
| Written Examination | Written Examination (3 hours) (50%) | 1,2,7,8,10,12,13 | August/September reassessment period |
| Oral Examination and presentation | 20 minutes oral Examination and presentation (20%) | 4-7,13,16 | August/September 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
Texts:
El Mustapha Lahlali, Advanced Media Arabic. Edinburgh University Press, 2016.
El Said Badawi, Mike Carter and Adrian Gully Modern Written Arabic: A Comprehensive Grammar. Taylor & Francis, London, 2013.
Nariman Naili Al-Warraki and Ahmed Taher Hassanein The Connectors in Modern Standard Arabic. The American University in Cairo Press, Cairo, 1994.Raji M. Rammuny Advanced Standard Arabic. University of Michigan Press, Michigan, 1995. (Recommended)
Hans Wehr A Dictionary of Modern Written Arabic. Harrassowitz, Wiesbaden 1976
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
ELE – http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/
| Credit value | 30 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 15 |
| Module pre-requisites | ARA2139 Intermediate Arabic Language II and ARA3190 Intermediate Arabic Language |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 7 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 30/03/2014 |
| Last revision date | 18/12/2022 |
