Undergraduate Module Descriptor

ARA1033A: Elementary Arabic Language I

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

Module Aims

The aim of this module is to introduce you to the basics of modern written Arabic starting with the alphabet and progressing to simple sentence structures.   You will study elementary Arabic grammar and learn how to read and write Arabic. You will also learn how to speak Arabic with elementary fluency and understand what you hear through “listening” activities.

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 Skills1. read elementary texts on familiar topics and understand the main ideas with and without a dictionary, to read texts for basic understanding and finding specific information.
2. speak about yourself and your environment and carry out conversations on a variety of topics.
3. listen to simple Arabic audio/video materials and demonstrate an understanding of what you hear.
4. write simple sentences in Arabic using correct grammar and to translate simple sentences from English to Arabic and from Arabic to English
Discipline-Specific Skills5. identify and use basic linguistic structures in writing and in conversation;
6. Use available learning aids in a variety of media, such as a reference grammar and bilingual dictionary, to consolidate learning;
Personal and Key Skills7. develop time management skills and demonstrate the capability to conduct independent study;
8. work in pairs and groups in conversation and on text-based work;
9. confidently use a foreign language;
10. use audio-visual material, online resources or the language laboratory.
11. work independently, within a limited time frame, and without access to external sources, to complete a specified task.

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
Preparation and revision for Arabic classes. This includes grammar drills, short pieces of writing and translation.100-300 words per week1-10Written and 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.

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
Examination502 hours1,4,5,7,9,11Written and verbal feedback
Continuous assessment. Assessed homework assignments and tests, contributing to continuous assessment mark. An average mark will be taken of all the marks of both the assessed homework assignments and tests30One 50-minute test in the fourth week of the term and one in the eighth week.1-10Written and verbal feedback
Oral test107 minutes2,5,9Verbal feedback
Listening test1030 minutes3,9Written and verbal 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 assessmentForm of re-assessmentILOs re-assessedTimescale for re-assessment
Examination 2 hoursExamination (2 hours)1,4,5,7,9,11January reassessment period
Oral testOral test (7 minutes) 2,5,9January reassessment period
Listening testListening test (30 minutes)3,9January reassessment period
Continuous AssessmentWritten assignment (300 words in Arabic; 2 hours)1,4,5,7,9,10January reassessment period