Arabic for Beginners
| Module title | Arabic for Beginners |
|---|---|
| Module code | ARA1015 |
| Academic year | 2019/0 |
| Credits | 30 |
| Module staff | Dr Giorgia Ferrari () |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 20 |
|---|
Module description
Arabic is spoken by hundreds of millions of people across the world. It is also the language of the Quran, so many Muslims who are not Arabic speakers learn Arabic in order to understand the Quran. Learning Arabic is necessary for you to understand the culture, civilisation and history of the Arab World. It opens the doors for you to appreciate and enjoy the great wealth of cultural production in Arabic.
This module introduces you to the rudiments of Modern Written Arabic. It is intended for students with no prior knowledge of the language.
Module aims - intentions of the module
By the end of the module, you are expected 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 texts and audio-visual material, you will be able to work on all language-related skills, including reading, listening, speaking, writing and cultural knowledge. You will be encouraged to practice learned material outside of class by means of the DVD provided.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. read simple texts on familiar topics and understand the main ideas with and without a dictionary
- 2. use simple sentence structures, to ask questions and give information about oneself and one's environment and carry out basic conversation on a variety of topics
- 3. translate simple pieces of discourse to and from Arabic
- 4. listen to and understand simple audio clips in Modern Standard Arabic
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 5. use a range of simple sentence structures and to be able to apply basic grammar rules in writing and in conversation
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 6. develop time management skills and ability to conduct independent study
- 7. work in pairs and groups in conversation and on text-based work
- 8. use CALL techniques and the language laboratory
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:
- 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 110 | 190 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity | 80 | Lectures. Emphasis on active and passive learning, listening and reading skills, as well as developing confidence to speak Arabic |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity | 30 | Group and pair work with emphasis on conversation and writing skills |
| Guided Independent study | 22 | Language laboratory work with the help of DVDs provided |
| Guided Independent study | 22 | Assessed in-class tests contribute towards continuous assessment mark. An average mark will be taken of all the marks of assessed in-class tests. |
| Guided Independent study | 146 | Private study |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listening/ writing homework | 10 assignments; 30 minutes per assignment (book unit) | 1, 4 | Verbal |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Examination | 50 | 2 hours | 1-3, 5 | Written feedback |
| Oral exam | 10 | 7 minutes | 2, 5 | Written and oral feedback |
| Listening exam | 10 | 30 minutes | 1-5 | Oral feedback |
| Continuous assessment | 30 | One 50 minute in-class test in the fifth week of each term, and one in the tenth week of each term. | 1, 3, 5, 6 | Written and oral 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Examination | Examination (2 hours) | 1-3, 5 | August/September reassessment period |
| Oral exam | Oral exam (7 minutes) | 2, 5 | August/September reassessment period |
| Listening exam | Listening exam (30 minutes) | 1-5 | August/September reassessment period |
| Continuous assessment | Written assignment under exam conditions (300 words in Arabic, 2 hrs) | 1-3, 5 | August/September reassessment period |
Re-assessment notes
The written assignment examination replacing the continuous assessment will focus on essay composition in Arabic and on translation of extended texts in Arabic and English.
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Brustad,K, Al-Batal, M, Al-Tonsi A, Alif-Baa: An Introduction to Arabic Letters and Sounds, 3rd Edition, Georgetown University Press, Washington DC 2010
Brustad,K, Al-Batal, M, Al-Tonsi A, Al-Kitab (vol. I), 3rd Edition, Georgetown University Press, Washington DC 2011
Supporting Materials:
Wehr, Hans A Dictionary of Modern Written Arabic, Wiesbaden, Harassowitz, 1976.
| 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 | 01/10/2004 |
| Last revision date | 15/02/2019 |
