Intermediate Persian
| Module title | Intermediate Persian |
|---|---|
| Module code | ARA2141 |
| Academic year | 2019/0 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Mr Ali Mossadegh (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 10 |
|---|
Module description
This module continues on from Elementary Persian I and II (ARA1013 and ARA1020; its pre-requisites). The emphasis is on classical and colloquial Persian, aiming at the further acquisition of knowledge of the fundamental structure of Persian grammar and language. It advances your understanding so that you can carry on a conversation in Persian on ordinary topics concerning home and society. We conduct grammar and textual translation exercises and develop pronunciation and conversational skills. You will also learn calligraphic skills. You will listen to BBC and VOA Persian programmes online, and will learn to read intermediate texts in Persian. You will learn to understand of the importance of the Persian language in the broader context of Persian and Islamic civilization and culture. You will be initiated into the poetry of major Persian poets such as Sa’di, Hafiz, Khayyam and Rumi.
Module aims - intentions of the module
This course, continuing Elementary Persian I, is based on Safar Moghaddam and Yadollah Samareh’s Persian Language Teaching: Elementary Course, Book II (using the audio CDs that accompany this book), photocopied extracts from Phillot's Higher Persian Grammar and Anne Lambton's Persian Grammar. It is expected that you will learn the proper pronunciation of the vocabulary featured in the textbook by recourse to the teacher during class. Translation and writing exercises are regularly given as homework, which is later corrected and analysed by the whole class. In class dictation is given with feedback. Persian poetry and prose readings are also regularly discussed and analysed in class. You will read and learn all texts given by the teacher over the course of the semester, with some of these texts appearing in the exams. The emphasis of this class will be on both classical and colloquial Persian, aiming at acquisition of knowledge of the fundamental structure of Persian grammar and language, ability to read intermediate texts in Persian; capacity to carry on conversations in Persian; understanding of the importance of the Persian language and civilization in the broader context of Islamic civilization and culture.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. demonstrate mastery of grasp of intermediate Persian grammar, read intermediate texts in Persian, and engage in intermediate level conversation in Persian;
- 2. acquire a basic understanding of the importance of Persian language and civilisation in the broader context of Islamic civilisation and culture;
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 3. identify, describe and manipulate a range of linguistic forms and structures in reading, writing, and conversation, and to assimilate basic information about another culture;
- 4. ability to discern different linguistic dialects based on listening to world news Persian TV programmes as well as grasp varieties of different regional accents
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 5. develop time management skills and o conduct independent study, as well as to work in groups in conversation and text-based work;
- 6. demonstrate confidence in the use of a foreign language and will be able to use 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:
Teaching varies between lectures and commentary on the main textbook (Safar-Moghaddem), in-class readings, translation, dictation from and discussion of Persian texts; translation (Persian->English) exercises done collectively by the whole class; regular vocabulary reviews; the reading of poetic and prose texts aloud together; individual students give presentations of grammatical points or texts which they have studied or read at home. Handouts are provided regularly, including sheets that discuss difficult points of grammar, and literary texts (prose and poetry) to illustrate aspects of Persian language. It is expected that all students will learn the proper pronunciation of the vocabulary featured in the textbook by recourse to the teacher during class and to the textbook’s CDs privately over the course of the week. Intermediate Persian Grammar, Composition and Conversation (text and conversation, oral-based study)
Midterm exam.
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 44 | 106 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity | 44 | Teaching hours (four hours of teaching per week) |
| Guided Independent Study | 106 | Private study at home. Students will be given short readings from Persian Literature texts to study and translate at home that are later discussed by the whole class. Homework is also regularly given, consisting of a variety of quizzes, dictation, readings and translations Spelling Practice 22 hours Reading 16. h Easy writing 16. h Copy writing 16. h Grammar exercise 11h Listening 22 h 3 h for other activities e.g memorizing poem & etc |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home-assignments, essay writing, graded dictation assignments and mid-term quiz | Roughly 15-30 minutes of class time per class and 90-120 minutes of homework time | 1-6 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| In-class test 1 | 15 | 90 minutes | 1 and 2 | Written feedback |
| In-class test 2 | 15 | 90 minutes | 1-5 | Written feedback |
| Oral Examination | 20 | 15 minutes | 1-5 | Written and verbal |
| Written examination | 50 | 2 hours | 1 and 2 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-class test 1 | Written examination 1 (40 minutes; 15%) | 1 and 2 | August/September assessment period |
| In-class test 2 | Written examination 2 (40 minutes; 15%) | 1-5 | August/September assessment period |
| Oral examination | Oral examination (15 minutes) (20%) | 1-5 | August/September reassessment period |
| Written examination | Written Examination (2 hours) (50%) | 1 and 2 | August/September assessment period |
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Basic reading:
Safar Moghaddam and Yadollah Samareh’s Persian Language Teaching: Elementary Course, Book II Narguess Farzad, Modern Persian (London: 2005) Anne Lambton, Persian Grammar (Cambridge University Press) L. Elwell-Sutton, Elementary Persian Grammar (Cambridge University Press)
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | Elementary Persian II (ARA1020) or equivalent proficiency |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 5 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 01/10/2004 |
| Last revision date | 14/06/2018 |
