Module ARAM081 for 2021/2
- Overview
- Aims and Learning Outcomes
- Module Content
- Indicative Reading List
- Assessment
Postgraduate Module Descriptor
ARAM081: Advanced Arabic Language
This module descriptor refers to the 2021/2 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:
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/
How this Module is Assessed
In the tables below, you will see reference to 'ILO's. An ILO is an Intended Learning Outcome - see Aims and Learning Outcomes for details of the ILOs for this module.
Formative Assessment
A formative assessment is designed to give you feedback on your understanding of the module content but it will not count towards your mark for the module.
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| One assignment per week - either a written exercise or oral presentation (during the study period in Exeter) | Written assignments: 500 words each; Oral presentations: 15 minutes each | 1-5, 7-8 | Written and verbal |
| One work placement application in Arabic | One-page covering letter, completed application form and two-page CV | 6 | Oral feedback |
| One work placement review in Arabic (including a brief statement from employer) | Two-page review | 6, 7, 9 | Oral feedback |
Summative Assessment
A summative assessment counts towards your mark for the module. The table below tells you what percentage of your mark will come from which type of assessment.
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 30 | 50 | 20 |
...and this table provides further details on the summative assessments for this module.
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Continuous assessment. 3x assessed assignments (1 written in class test 10%;, 1 oral presentation 10%;, 1 extended essay in Arabic 10%) | 30 | Written test: 90 minutes; Oral presentation 15 minutes; Extended essay in Arabic (1000 words) | 1-5, 7-8 | Written/verbal feedback |
| Oral examination/interpreting | 10 | 15 minutes | 4, 5, 8 | Verbal feedback |
| Presentation | 10 | 15 minutes | 4, 5, 8 | Verbal feedback |
| Written examination | 50 | 3 hours | 1-3, 5, 7-8 | Written feedback |
| 0 | ||||
| 0 |
Re-assessment
Re-assessment takes place when the summative assessment has not been completed by the original deadline, and the student has been allowed to refer or defer it to a later date (this only happens following certain criteria and is always subject to exam board approval). For obvious reasons, re-assessments cannot be the same as the original assessment and so these alternatives are set. In cases where the form of assessment is the same, the content will nevertheless be different.
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Continuous assessment | Assignment (1000 words) | 1-3, 5, 7-8 | August/September reassessment period |
| Oral examination | Oral examination (15 minutes) | 4, 5, 8 | August/September reassessment period |
| Presentation | Oral presentation (15 minutes) | 4, 5, 8 | August/September reassessment period |
| Written examination | Written examination (3 hours) | 1-3, 5, 7-8 | August/September reassessment period |
Indicative Reading List
This reading list is indicative - i.e. it provides an idea of texts that may be useful to you on this module, but it is not considered to be a confirmed or compulsory reading list for this module.
Texts:
El Mustapha Lahlali, Advanced Media Arabic. Edinburgh University Press, 2016.
El Said Badawi, Mike Carter and Adrian Gully Modern Written Arabic: A Comprehensive Grammar.Taylor & Francis, London, 2013.
Nariman Naili Al-Warraki and Ahmed Taher Hassanein The Connectors in Modern Standard Arabic. The American University in Cairo Press, Cairo, 1994.
Alaa Elgibali and Nevenka Korica Media Arabic: A Coursebook for Reading Arabic News. The American University Press, Cairo 2007.
Raji M. Rammuny Advanced Standard Arabic. University of Michigan Press, Michigan, 1995. (Recommended)
Hans Wehr A Dictionary of Modern Written Arabic. Harrassowitz, Wiesbaden 1976
