Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2011-2012 (archived)

Module ARAB20140: INTENSIVE ARABIC B

Department: Modern Language and Cultures (Arabic)

ARAB20140: INTENSIVE ARABIC B

Type Tied Level 2 Credits 40 Availability Available in 2011/12

Prerequisites

  • Intensive Arabic A

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • The module continues the introduction to the basic grammar and syntax of MSA commenced in Intensive Arabic A
  • it further develops skills in the four areas of reading, writing, speaking and listening
  • it aims to provide a sound basis for the further study of the language in an Arabic-speaking environment during the placement abroad that follows the module
  • it provides an introduction to the skills needed for translation both into and from Arabic;

Content

  • The module continues the syllabus used in Intensive Arabic A.
  • The module is structured around the textbook 'Al-Kitaab fii Ta'allum al-Arabiyya', Part 1, supplemented where necessary with other materials.
  • The module covers the second ten units of 'Al-Kitaab fii Ta'allum al-Arabiyya', Part 1, which further develop the student's knowledge of the basic grammer and syntax of Modern Standard Arabic.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • a knowledge of most of the essential grammar and syntax of MSA,
  • an expanding Arabic vocabulary that will enable the student to begin to comprehend simple passages of MSA prose
Subject-specific Skills:
  • The student should be able to:
  • translate straightforward sentences into and out of Arabic;
  • read and understand more extended prose texts written in straightforward MSA on a limited range of topics;
  • understand straightforward spoken MSA using familiar vocabulary; communicate orally in MSA on a limited range of topics;
  • use an Arabic dictionary.
Key Skills:
  • The student will have:
  • enhanced presentational and interpersonal communication skills;
  • further experience of language learning techniques, enabling him/her to further his/her study of Arabic in a different learning environment during the placement abroad

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 practicing oral and aural language skills and for the correction of errors;
  • end-of-module 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 66 (@ 11 weeks) 6 per week 1 hour 66
Oral Tutorials 22 2 per week 1 hour 22
Seminars
Practicals
Fieldwork
Other
Preparation and Reading 312
Total 400

Summative Assessment

Component: Classwork Component Weighting: 15%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
classwork 100%
Component: Interim Examination Component Weighting: 25%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
2 hour examination 90%
oral examination 10%
Component: Final Examination Component Weighting: 60%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
3 hour examination 80%
oral examination 20%

Formative Assessment:

Students will be given regular class tests and written 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