Advanced Arabic Language
| Module title | Advanced Arabic Language |
|---|---|
| Module code | ARAM081 |
| Academic year | 2019/0 |
| 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
This is a core module for MArabic final year students. There are three distinctive parts to this module: i) you spend the first term in an accredited language institution in an Arabic-speaking country, ii) you undertake a short (two week) work placement either in an Arabic-speaking country or with a Middle East-oriented organization anywhere in the world. This will take place immediately before or following this period of language study or simultaneous with it. And iii) you spend the second term being taught intensively in Exeter. During your period of study abroad you will be supported by both colleagues in the study abroad institution and by IAIS colleagues, including the Module Convenor who will act as your named IAIS contact. There will be scheduled regular (usually at least fortnightly) contact with IAIS colleagues by e-mail and/or Skype.
This module is at Master’s level. Building on knowledge from ARA3190, this module brings you to a high level of proficiency in Arabic. You will become familiar with variety of complex text types for writing and translation and learn to converse fluently on a wide range of topics. On graduation, your command of Arabic will be a significant asset for you in the employment market and you will have further enhanced your employment prospects following your work placements.
Pre-requisites: ARA3190 Intermediate Arabic Language or equivalent.
Module aims - intentions of the module
This module aims to develop your Arabic language proficiency to Master’s level in the following areas: 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. Furthermore, you will develop your conversational skills through intensive use of Arabic both abroad in term 1 and in the classroom in Exeter in term 2 and you will learn to intelligently present and debate topics in Arabic.
This intensive language study in combination with the work placement is intended to enhance your future employability as you will graduate with excellent knowledge and understanding of Arabic and 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. Demonstrate mastery of complex morphological and syntactical features of Arabic grammar;
- 2. Competently read, scan and listen to complex texts;
- 3. Accurately translate complex texts from Arabic to English and from English to Arabic;
- 4. Speak fluently in Arabic about a given topic.
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 5. Effectively employ stylistic features of written and spoken Arabic;
- 6. Develop a personal profile and curriculum vitae for work in the Middle East that demonstrates skills in Middle East and Islamic Studies.
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 7. Demonstrate effective use of IT and time management skills;
- 8. Demonstrate well developed communicative skills in a foreign language including the development of intelligent argument;
- 9. Perform in a work environment in a manner in keeping with the expectations of the host organisation.
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:
As regards the study abroad and work placement (Term 1):
1) Introduction to the study abroad period and the work placement to be delivered by IAIS and employability colleagues towards the end of the third year of study in Exeter (prior to study abroad period in the Middle East). This will include a health and safety briefing specifically designed for students going on study abroad and work placements;
2) Preparation for, and support with, the work placement application procedure;
3) Preparation for, and support with, arrangements for the period of study abroad at an accredited institution (e.g. University insurance paid by IAIS, accommodation details, study abroad briefing);
4) Actual Arabic language study at an accredited institution in the Middle East;
5) Actual work placement with a relevant NGO, media agency, or company in the Middle East that will be arranged through our IAIS network in association with specialised
6) Careers and employability colleagues at the University of Exeter. This can be within the main language placement city, although other places might be possible.
As regards the study period in Exeter (Term 2):
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 and interpreting: 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. You will also use your knowledge and skills to practice interpreting in verbal language.
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.) |
| Placement/study abroad | 50 | Work placement: 2-3 weeks work usually at the conclusion of the language study period |
| 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 | Written and verbal |
| One work placement application in Arabic | One-page covering letter, completed application form and two-page CV | 6 | Oral 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 in class test 10%, 1 oral presentation 10%, 1 extended essay in Arabic 10%) | 30 | In class test: 90 minutes, Oral presentation 15 minutes, Extended essay in Arabic (1000 words) | 1-5, 7-8 | Written/verbal feedback |
| Oral examination/interpreting | 10 | 15 minutes | 4, 5, 8 | Verbal feedback |
| Presentation | 10 | 15 minutes | 4, 5, 8 | Verbal feedback |
| Written examination | 50 | 3 hours | 1-3, 5, 7-8 | Written feedback |
| 0 |
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 | Assignment (1000 words) | 1-3, 5, 7-8 | August/September reassessment period |
| Oral examination | Oral examination (15 minutes) | 4, 5, 8 | August/September reassessment period |
| Presentation | Oral presentation (15 minutes) | 4, 5, 8 | August/September reassessment period |
| Written examination | Written examination (3 hours) | 1-3, 5, 7-8 | August/September reassessment period |
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.
Alaa Elgibali and Nevenka Korica Media Arabic: A Coursebook for Reading Arabic News. The American University Press, Cairo 2007.
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 | 11/02/2019 |
