Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2019-2020 (archived)

Module ARAB1012: ARABIC LANGUAGE 1

Department: Modern Languages and Cultures (Arabic)

ARAB1012: ARABIC LANGUAGE 1

Type Open Level 1 Credits 40 Availability Available in 2019/20 Module Cap Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • A or above at A level in a foreign European language or an equivalent qualification, subject to decision by the module’s language coordinator

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To provide an introduction to the grammar of Modern Standard Arabic (MSA).
  • to provide students with the language skills necessary for the further study of Arabic, in particular the study of Arabic texts in the original language.

Content

  • The module is based on the coursebook Al-Kitaab fii ta'allum al-'Arabiyya, supplemented where appropriate by additional materials.
  • No prior knowledge of Arabic, or of the Arabic alphabet, is assumed.
  • The course covers the basic grammar and syntax of Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) and includes a wide range of written and spoken exercises, with a view to developing a sound basis for further study.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Familiarity with some of the differences between formal and spoken Arabic.
  • A basic knolwedge of some aspects of Arab culture.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Ability to read simple Arabic texts on familiar topics.
  • Ability to form and understand most basic sentence structures of Arabic.
Key Skills:
  • The development of general written and oral communication skills.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Language classes enable the basic structures of Arabic to be explained in an interactive environment.
  • Language exercises enable the student to develop fluency and confidence in the language.
  • Regular class tests and homework ensure that progress can be carefully monitored throughout the year.
  • Tutorials provide an opportunity for practising oral and aural language skills and for the correction of errors.
  • Summative assessment of reading/writing skills and of grammatical knowledge will take the form of an end-of-year examination.
  • Oral skills will be summatively assessed by means of activities carried out in class during the year, including group work.
  • Formative assessment for this module will include a combination of self-assessed, peer-assessed and tutor-assessed exercises during the year.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Texts 21 1 per week 1 hour 21
Exercises 21 1 per week 1 hour 21
Workshop 21 1 per week 1 hour 21
Oral 21 1 per week 1 hour 21
Lectures 21 1 per week 1 hour 21
Grammar Practice 21 1 per week 1 hour 21
Preparation and Reading 274
Total 400

Summative Assessment

Component: Examination Component Weighting: 80%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Written examination 1 2 hours 50% Yes
Written examination 2 2 hours 50% Yes
Component: Oral Assessment Component Weighting: 20%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
In-class continuous assessment of oral skills 100% 10-minute oral examination

Formative Assessment:

Regular tests and marked homework exercises.


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University