Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook
This is an archived handbook for a previous year. The current undergraduate and postgraduate handbooks can be viewed using the links above.

Undergraduate Handbook 2010-2011 (archived)

Module ARAB2002: ARABIC LANGUAGE 2B

Department: Modern Languages and Cultures (Arabic)

ARAB2002: ARABIC LANGUAGE 2B

TypeLevelCreditsAvailabilityModule CapLocation
Open 2 40 Available in 2010/2011 None Durham

Pre-requisites

  • Arabic Language 1B (ARAB1012) or equivalent

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combinations

  • None.

Aims

  • To consolidate students' understanding of the grammar and syntax of Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) acquired in Arabic 1B.
  • To develop additional fluency in the reading of extended texts in MSA, and to consolidate translation skills both into and out of Arabic.
  • To prepare students for living abroad, including on the year abroad, in terms of language, practical knowledge and cultural competence.

Content

  • The module continues the syllabus used in Arabic Language 1B (ARAB1012). The main textbook used is Al-Kitaab fii Ta'allum al-Arabiyya Part 2, supplemented by additional materials, including English-Arabic translation exercises, and media taped materials (e.g. news broadcasts).

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge
  • By the end of the module, the student should have acquired:
  • a sound knowledge of the essential grammar and syntax of MSA, and have developed his/her vocabulary to the point where he/she is able to cope without undue difficulty with extended texts in straightforward MSA;
  • increased knowledge of and the ability to observe, absorb and evaluate cultural differences.
Subject-specific Skills
  • The student should be able to translate straightforward pieces of prose texts into and out of Arabic; to read and understand extended prose texts written in straightforward MSA; to understand straightforward spoken MSA (e.g. a news broadcast); and to communicate orally in MSA on straightforward topics.
Key Skills
  • Enhanced oral, aural and written communication skills.
  • Development of presentational and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Enhanced experience of language learning techniques, enabling students to further their study of Arabic on their own initiative.
  • Ability to present information and/or construct an argument effectively in the target language.

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

  • Language classes enable the grammar and syntax of MSA 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 through 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

ActivityNumberFrequencyDurationTotal HoursAttendance Monitored
Lectures 105 5 per week 1 hour 105 Yes
Tutorials 21 1 per week 1 hour 21 Yes
Language Lab sessions 21 1 per week 1 hour 21 Yes
Student preparation and reading time associated with the contact hours listed above, formative and summative coursework, general background reading, revision for written examinations etc 253
SLAT Totals 400

Summative Assessment

ComponentComponent WeightingElementLength/DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Written Examination 70% Written Examination 3 hours 100% Yes
Aural Examination 15% Aural Examination 45 minutes 100% Yes
Oral Examination 15% Oral Examination 15 minutes 100% Yes

Formative Assessment

Regular class tests and written homework exercises. Active participation (with feedback) in all language classes.


Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University.