Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2015-2016 (archived)

Module ARAB2041: PERSIAN I

Department: Modern Languages and Cultures (Arabic)

ARAB2041: PERSIAN I

Type Open Level 2 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2015/16 Module Cap Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • Arabic Language 1 (ARAB1012) OR an equivalent qualification to the satisfaction of the Chairman/Chairwoman of the Board of Studies in MLAC or his/her representative.

Corequisites

  • Modern Languages, Combined Honours and all Joint and 'with' programmes: Arabic Language 2 (ARAB2002). Other: see Chairman/Chairwoman of the Board of Studies in MLAC or his/her representative.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • The module introduces the basic structures of Persian grammar and is designed to teach students to read, understand, write and speak modern Persian.
  • At the end of the year, students will be able to translate elementary passages from and into Persian, and conduct simple everyday conversations.

Content

  • Persian at this level is taught communicatively, with emphasis on the main linguistic skills of listening, understanding, speaking, reading and writing.
  • New structures are presented orally, with the help of visual and audio-visual aids, and explained at length in a series of handouts which go to make up the Modern Persian for Undergraduates course book.
  • 25 units of grammar are given to the students at a rate of roughly one unit per week.
  • Persian pedagogical texts are also used for reading and comprehension practice.
  • By the end of the module, all of the six main tenses of Persian will have been covered, a large everyday vocabulary (1000 items) provided, and a solid foundation in modern conversational Persian established.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • By the end of the module, students will have received a solid foundation in modern conversational Persian.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Students will also be able to read simple texts and translate from and into Persian with ease.
Key Skills:
  • Enhanced oral and aural communication skills
  • Development of presentational and interpersonal communication skills
  • Enhanced experience of language learning techniques, enabling students to further their study of Persian on their own initiative.

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

  • Language classes enable the basic structures of Persian 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 21 weekly 2 hours 42
Tutorials 21 weekly 1 hour 21
Preparation and Reading 137
Slat Totals 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Written Examination Component Weighting: 80%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Written Examination 2 hours 100% Yes
Component: Oral Examination Component Weighting: 20%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Oral Examination 15 minutes 100% Yes

Formative Assessment:

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


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