Postgraduate Module Descriptor

ARAM081: Advanced Arabic Language

This module descriptor refers to the 2024/5 academic year.

Module Content

Syllabus Plan

Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover some or all of the following topics:

Study abroad and work placement:

1) Introduction by IAIS and employability colleagues to the study-abroad period and the work placement to be delivered in Exeter prior to the study abroad period. This will include a health and safety briefing;

2) Preparation of the work-placement application procedure with support from Careers and employability officers at the University of Exeter. Work placement can take place within the main language-study city, although other places and online options might be possible;

3) Preparation for, and support with, arrangements for the proposed period of study abroad;

4) Arabic language study at an accredited institution in the Arab World (where circumstances allow);

5) Actual or on-line work placement with a relevant NGO, media agency, or company in or facing the Arabic world, arranged through the IAIS network;

Travel abroad for study and work placement will be subject to the travel advice of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. Where circumstances require cancellation of these activities, alternative provision will be made in Exeter.

Study period in Exeter (one term):

1) Reading: You will tackle different types of texts, editorials, texts on history, current affairs, literature, etc.

2) Writing: You will be introduced to different styles of writing. You will further enhance your understanding of how to present a topic, a discussion and a conclusion.

3) Translation: You will become familiar with a range of text types by translating them effectively (and in a timely manner) from Arabic into English and from English into Arabic.

4) Speaking: You will further enhance your speaking capabilities by discussing topical issues in depth.

Learning and Teaching

This table provides an overview of how your hours of study for this module are allocated:

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities	Guided independent study	Placement / study abroad
66	84	150

...and this table provides a more detailed breakdown of the hours allocated to various study activities:

Category	Hours of study time	Description
Placement/study abroad	100	Lectures and practical classes at host institution in destination country in standard Arabic (written) and spoken Arabic. 8 contact hours per week (approx.). Where FCDO advice leads to cancellation of study abroad, alternative provision will be made in Exeter or online.
Placement/study abroad	50	Work placement: 2-3 weeks work usually at the conclusion of the language study period. Should FCDO advice lead to cancellation of study abroad, alternative provision will be made in Exeter/UK or online.
Scheduled learning and teaching activity	44	11 weeks x 4 hours (in Exeter) Lectures and seminars on Arabic reading comprehension, translation and interpreting. Interactive class work on written texts consolidating the linguistic skills of reading, writing, and translating
Scheduled learning and teaching activity	22	11 weeks x 2 hours (in Exeter) Seminars, masterclasses and workshops
Guided independent study	84	Weekly homework assignments in reading, writing, translation, as well as oral presentations and projects (in Exeter).

Online Resources

This module has online resources available via ELE (the Exeter Learning Environment).

ELE – http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/