Undergraduate Module Descriptor

ARA2139: Intermediate Arabic Language II

This module descriptor refers to the 2018/9 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:

- Reading: You will be introduced to different types of texts, editorials, texts on history, current affairs, literature etc.

- Writing: You will be introduced to different styles of writing. You will learn how to present a topic, a discussion and a conclusion.

- Translation: You will be introduced to basic translation skills and techniques to use in translating a range of text types from Arabic into English and vice versa.

- Listening and Speaking: This includes listening to Media Arabic, broadcasts, news, interview, documentaries etc. and speaking about various topics in colloquial or modern standard Arabic. 

- Literature: You will be exposed to different types of classical and modern Arabic writings to deepen your knowledge of Arab culture.

Learning and Teaching

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

Scheduled Learning and Teaching ActivitiesGuided independent studyPlacement / study abroad
1761240

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

CategoryHours of study timeDescription
Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity 4422 x 2 hours translation
Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity 4422 x 2 hours reading, writing and grammar
Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity 2211 x 2 hours literature
Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity 4422 x 2 hours speaking
Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity 2211 x 2 hours listening
Guided Independent study 124Homework assignments over two terms: Translation: 22 h Reading &writing: 22h Literature: 22h Speaking: 22h Media listening: 36h

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 assessmentSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
Weekly assignments on one or more of the following components: Writing, reading, translation, oral presentations and literatureWeekly assignments on one or more of the components. 1, 2, 3, 4, 8Written and verbal 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.

CourseworkWritten examsPractical exams
305020

...and this table provides further details on the summative assessments for this module.

Form of assessment% of creditSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
Continuous assessment30-1 written in class test per term (80%) 2 hours - 1Listening test per term (10%) 30 minutes - 1 Speaking test per term: oral presentations (10%) 15 minutes1-7Written and verbal feedback
Oral examination1015 minutes4 speakingWritten and verbal feedback
Listening examination1030 minutes4 ListeningWritten and verbal feedback
Written examination503 hours1-7Written feedback

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 assessmentForm of re-assessmentILOs re-assessedTimescale for re-assessment
Oral examinationOral examination (15 minutes)4 speakingAugust/September assessment period
Listening examinationListening examination (30 minutes)4 ListeningAugust/September assessment period
Written examinationWritten examination (3 hours)1-7August/September assessment period
Continuous assessmentWritten examination (2 hours)1-7August/September assessment period

Re-assessment notes

Referral/ deferral:  Written examination 1 x 3 hour written paper (50%); Listening examination (10%); and Oral examination (10%); Written examination (30%) if student fails the continuous assessment.