Module CFLS1A31: ARABIC STAGE 3

Department: Centre for Foreign Language Study

CFLS1A31: ARABIC STAGE 3

Prerequisites

• Successful completion of Arabic Stage 2 or an equivalent qualification corresponding to A2 of the Common European Framework, subject to decision by the module's language coordinator. No higher Arabic language entry qualification permitted.

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• Any Core Language Modules offered by the School of Modern Languages & Cultures.

Aims

• To review, consolidate and further develop knowledge of main aspects of the Arabic language.
• To enable students to improve their Arabic language skills effectively.
• To enable students to communicate competently on a variety of general topics.
• To foster an understanding of contemporary society and institutions in the Arabic-speaking world.
• To develop presentation skills in Arabic.
• To develop essay writing.

Content

• The development of the students' language skills (reading, writing, listening, spoken production and interaction) will be integrated into a framework focusing on various aspects of contemporary Middle East and North Africa (culture, politics, everyday life, social issues, etc).
• Students will be introduced to the differences between Modern Standard Arabic and colloquial varieties through texts, and audio-visual materials.
• Course book materials will be supplemented with multimedia resources available online.
• Oral activities will promote the basis for developing confidence, flexibility and fluency in conversations.
• As part of this module students are required to complete a small project which will include an oral presentation.

Learning Outcomes

• By the end of this module, students are expected to:
• demonstrate a reasonable knowledge and understanding of the main Arabic language linguistic principles, structures and registers;
• understand the principal differences between Modern Standard Arabic and regional colloquial variations;
• demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of aspects of the culture and society of the Middle East and North Africa gained through the study of cultural products;
• demonstrate some knowledge of aspects of social, economic and political structures in the Arabic-speaking world.

• By the end of this module, students are expected to:
• write essays related to both personal and social spheres, expressing and discussing views;
• enter into conversation on issues related to the topics studied in class;
• understand and report on the main points of a selection of standard speech and authentic aural passages in Arabic on current affairs, customs and social issues;
• relate a series of events and take part in semi-structured discussion on current affairs, customs and social issues;
• apply a range of grammatical principles;
• make effective use of references material such as grammars and dictionaries;
• use a range of language learning techniques and skills effectively by independently developing strategies to extend their lexis and knowledge of grammar.

• By the end of this module, students will be able to:
• give an oral presentation in Arabic;
• write an essay demonstrating the ability to organise ideas in a logical and coherent sequence in sustained prose and critically analyse arguments;
• communicate information, ideas and arguments both orally and in writing;
• gather, process and reference information from a variety of paper, audio-visual and electronic resources;
• deal effectively with a range of basic situations whilst in an Arabic-speaking country.

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

• This module is delivered through three 1-hour seminars each week.
• Contact time will be used to introduce new material and provide the students with high quality target language input from the module tutor and multimedia sources.
• In preparation for each session students will be expected to revise new material and complete formative language exercises.
• The assessment scheme for this module is designed to test students' level of attainment in language production (speaking and writing) and reception (listening and reading).
• In order to reflect the continuous nature of the language learning process the module will be assessed by a combination of formative and summative in-course assessment and by formal written examination.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Regular homework/assignments will be given to the students to practise and consolidate what they have done in class and to prepare the following session, some of which will be submitted and marked as formative assignments and regular feedback will be given to the students accordingly.

■ 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