Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2008-2009 (archived)

Module ARAB1012: ARABIC LANGUAGE 1B

Department: Modern Language and Cultures (Arabic)

ARAB1012: ARABIC LANGUAGE 1B

Type Open Level 1 Credits 40 Availability Available in 2008/09 Module Cap None. Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • B or above at A level in a foreign European language (or equivalent).

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • Not available to students following the European Studies programme.

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:

    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.
    • end-of-year examinations provide a measure of the level achieved over the year as a whole.

    Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

    Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
    Lectures 105 5 per week 1 hour 105
    Tutorials 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
    two-hour written examination 1 50%
    two-hour written examination 2 50%
    Component: Oral Examination Component Weighting: 20%
    Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
    oral test 100%

    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