Module ARA1015 for 2021/2
- Overview
- Aims and Learning Outcomes
- Module Content
- Indicative Reading List
- Assessment
Undergraduate Module Descriptor
ARA1015: Arabic for Beginners
This module descriptor refers to the 2021/2 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.
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 |
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 |
---|---|---|---|
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.