Postgraduate Module Descriptor

ARAM081: Advanced Arabic Language

This module descriptor refers to the 2021/2 academic year.

Module Aims

This module aims to develop your Arabic language proficiency to Master’s level in the following areas: reading, writing, grammar, translation, speaking and listening. You will be exposed to a variety of written materials, for example from business,

media, religion and politics, which you will read, analyse and translate under the guidance of your instructors. You will develop your ability to use complex syntactical and grammatical structures in written Arabic through regular practice and an extended essay in Arabic. Furthermore, you will develop your conversational skills through intensive use of Arabic both abroad where possible and in the classroom in Exeter and you will learn to intelligently present and debate topics in Arabic.

This intensive language study in combination with the work placement is intended to enhance your future employability as you will graduate with excellent knowledge and understanding of Arabic and with practical experience of working in an Arab country where possible.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
This module's assessment will evaluate your achievement of the ILOs listed here - you will see reference to these ILO numbers in the details of the assessment for this module.
On successfully completing the programme you will be able to:
Module-Specific Skills	1. Demonstrate mastery of complex morphological and syntactical features of Arabic grammar; 2. Competently read, scan and listen to complex texts; 3. Accurately translate complex texts from Arabic to English and from English to Arabic; 4. Speak fluently in Arabic about a given topic.
Discipline-Specific Skills	5. Effectively employ stylistic features of written and spoken Arabic; 6. Develop a personal profile and curriculum vitae for work in the Middle East that demonstrates skills in Middle East and Islamic Studies.
Personal and Key Skills	7. Demonstrate effective use of IT and time management skills; 8. Demonstrate well developed communicative skills in a foreign language including the development of intelligent argument; 9. Perform in a work environment in a manner in keeping with the expectations of the host organisation.

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:

As regards the study abroad and work placement (one term, where possible):

1) Introduction to the possible study-abroad period and the work placement to be delivered by IAIS and employability colleagues towards the end of the third year of study in Exeter (prior to study abroad period in the Middle East). This will include a health and safety briefing specifically designed for students going on study abroad and work placements;

2) Preparation for, and support with, the work placement application procedure;

3) Preparation for, and support with, arrangements for the proposed period of study abroad at an accredited institution (e.g. University insurance paid by IAIS, accommodation details, study abroad briefing);

4) Actual Arabic language study at an accredited institution in the Middle East, where possible;

5) Actual or on-line work placement with a relevant NGO, media agency, or company in the Middle East that will be arranged through our IAIS network in association with specialized organisations

6) Careers and employability colleagues at the University of Exeter will provide advice and support. Work placement can take place within the main language-placement city, although other places and online options might be possible.

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

As regards the 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 and interpreting: 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. You will also use your knowledge and skills to practice interpreting in verbal language.

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 FCO advice leads to cancellation of study abroad, alternative provision will be made in Exeter or on line.
Placement/study abroad	50	Work placement: 2-3 weeks work usually at the conclusion of the language study period. Where FCO advice leads to cancellation of study abroad, alternative provision will be made in Exeter or on line.
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/