Undergraduate Module Descriptor

ARA1015: Arabic for Beginners

This module descriptor refers to the 2020/1 academic year.

Module Aims

By the end of the module, you are expected to achieve basic proficiency in the language. You will first be introduced to the Arabic script, followed by the basics of Arabic grammar and syntax. Using a mixture of narrative-based and authentic content, both written texts and audio-visual material, you will be able to work on all language-related skills, including reading, listening, speaking, writing and cultural knowledge. You will be encouraged to practice learned material independently by means of digital materials.

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. read simple texts on familiar topics and understand the main ideas with and without a dictionary 2. use simple sentence structures, to ask questions and give information about oneself and one's environment and carry out basic conversation on a variety of topics 3. translate simple pieces of discourse to and from Arabic 4. listen to and understand simple audio clips in Modern Standard Arabic
Discipline-Specific Skills	5. use a range of simple sentence structures and to be able to apply basic grammar rules in writing and in conversation
Personal and Key Skills	6. develop time management skills and ability to conduct independent study 7. work in pairs and groups in conversation and on text-based work 8. use CALL techniques and, as an option, the language laboratory

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:

Arabic letters and sounds.
Introduction to Arabic grammar and syntax.
Introduction to vocabulary enabling students to talk about themselves, their families, what they do, and their immediate surroundings.

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
110	190	0

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

Category	Hours of study time	Description
Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity	80	Lectures. Emphasis on active and passive learning, listening and reading skills, as well as developing confidence to speak Arabic
Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity	30	Group and pair work with emphasis on conversation and writing skills
Guided Independent study	22	Using digital materials and/or the language laboratory
Guided Independent study	22	Assessed tests contributing towards continuous assessment mark. An average mark will be taken of all the marks of the assessed tests.
Guided Independent study	146	Private study

Online Resources

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

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
Listening/writing homework	10 assignments; 30 minutes per assignment (book unit)	1, 4	Verbal

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
Examination	50	2 hours	1-3, 5	Written feedback
Oral exam	10	7 minutes	2, 5	Written and oral feedback
Listening exam	10	30 minutes	1-5	Oral feedback
Continuous assessment	30	One test in the middle of each term, and one at the end of each term.	1, 3, 5, 6	Written and oral 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 assessment	Form of re-assessment	ILOs re-assessed	Timescale for re-assessment
Examination	Examination (2 hours)	1-3, 5	August/September reassessment period
Oral exam	Oral exam (7 minutes)	2, 5	August/September reassessment period
Listening exam	Listening exam (30 minutes)	1-5	August/September reassessment period
Continuous assessment	Written assignment (300 words in Arabic)	1-3, 5	August/September reassessment period

Re-assessment notes

The written assignment examination replacing the continuous assessment will focus on essay composition in Arabic and on translation of extended texts in Arabic and English.

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.

Al-Mashrafi, A.N.S., At-Takallum: A Comprehensive Modern Arabic Course, Elementary A1. The Light Inc.

Al-Mashrafi, A.N.S., At-Takallum: A Comprehensive Modern Arabic Course, Elementary A2. The Light Inc

Supporting Materials:

Wehr, Hans A Dictionary of Modern Written Arabic, Wiesbaden, Harassowitz, 1976.