Undergraduate Module Descriptor

ARA2148: Arabic for Beginners II

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

Module Aims

This module aims to enhance your reading, writing and communication skills in Modern Written Arabic. The module aims to develop all language-related skills, including reading, listening, speaking, writing and cultural knowledge, by means of written texts and audio-visual clips. By the end of the course, you are expected to have achieved basic to intermediate proficiency in the language.

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. Use grammatical tools learned on the module to create and understand complex sentences that include main and subordinate clauses;
2. Use acquired vocabulary to converse and write on a range of topics, including: oneself; friends, family and colleagues; work; and location
3. translate basic pieces of discourse between Arabic and English;
4. understanding of simple audio-visual clips in Modern Standard Arabic.
Discipline-Specific Skills5. Apply elementary grammar rules in writing and in conversation;
6. read more advanced texts on a variety of topics and understand the main ideas with and without a dictionary.
Personal and Key Skills7. Develop time management skills and ability to conduct independent study;
8. Work in pairs and groups in conversation
9. Demonstrate the ability to work independently, within a limited time frame, and without access to external sources, to complete a specified task.

Module Content

Syllabus Plan

Learning/Teaching Methods

Interactive language learning approach: Pair work, group work, and work in the language laboratory. Emphasis on active and passive learning, listening and reading skills, as well as developing confidence to speak Arabic. Directed independent learning and private study.

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
1101900

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

CategoryHours of study timeDescription
Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity66Lectures (3 hrs/wk, scheduled). Emphasis on active and passive learning, listening and reading skills, as well as developing confidence to speak Arabic.
Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity44Group and pair work (2hrs/week, scheduled) with emphasis on conversation and writing skills.
Guided Independent study22Language laboratory work with the help of DVDs provided
Guided Independent study22Preparation for assessed in-class tests contribute towards continuous assessment mark. An average mark will be taken of all the marks of assessed in-class tests.
Guided Independent study146Private study, including reviewing new grammar rules learned in class; learning vocabulary; practising grammar and vocabulary through drill exercises; preparatory reading and vocabulary acquisition; reading for comprehension and language development; listening to and watching audio-visual materials; writing short compositions; web-based activities; revising for examinations.

Online Resources

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