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

Undergraduate Handbook 2023-2024 (archived)

Module ARAB1012: Arabic Language 1B

Department: Modern Languages and Cultures (Arabic)

ARAB1012: Arabic Language 1B

Type	Level	Credits	Availability	Module Cap	Location
Open	1	40	Available in 2023/2024	None.	Durham

Pre-requisites

A or above at A level in a modern foreign language or an equivalent qualification, subject to decision by the moduleâ€™s language coordinator

Corequisites

None.

Excluded Combinations

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.
The teaching and resources in this module reflect a commitment to linguistic and cultural diversity. It positions the richness of the (language area)-speaking world at the core of its syllabus.

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	Attendance Monitored
Texts	21	1 per week	1 hour	21	Yes
Exercises	21	1 per week	1 hour	21	Yes
Workshop	21	1 per week	1 hour	21	Yes
Oral	21	1 per week	1 hour	21	Yes
Lectures	21	1 per week	1 hour	21	Yes
Grammar Practice	21	1 per week	1 hour	21	Yes
Preparation and Reading				274
Total				400

Summative Assessment

Component	Component Weighting	Element	Length/Duration	Element Weighting	Resit Opportunity
In-class written assessment	70%	Reading comprehension, grammar and writing skills tests	3 hours	100%	Yes
In-class oral and listening comprehension assessment	25%	Continuous assessment of oral and listening comprehension skills		100%	Yes - 10-minute oral examination
In-class participation	5%	In-class participation		100%	No

Formative Assessment

Regular tests and marked homework exercises.

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.