Undergraduate Module Descriptor

ARA3103: Advanced Arabic Language

This module descriptor refers to the 2022/3 academic year.

Module Aims

This module aims to develop your Arabic to advanced level. It will develop your ability to use complex grammatical structures of Arabic through a wide range of written materials, e.g. media and cultural, and to hone your writing, speaking and listening skills. The module also aims to develop high-demand skills such as translation. Building on your existing knowledge, you will develop your ability to use complex Arabic in your writing, speaking and listening. The module will enhance your ability to tackle complex syntactical structures  through a wide range of written materials such as media, literature and religious texts. You will become familiar with a range of text registers in writing and translation. You will also learn how to present a topic for discussion and to engage in class debates. On completion of this module, your command of Arabic will be an asset in employment.

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. Extract a sense and specific details of authentic written texts at approximately C1 level of the CEFRL.
2. Extract a sense and specific details of authentic aural texts from these genres at CEFRL level C1.
3. Present a detailed argument written in Arabic in answer to essay questions on a range of topics at CEFRL level C1.
4. Verbally communicate competence in Arabic at CEFRL level C1.
5. Engage in an oral discussion of a range of topics in Arabic, articulating your own opinions and responding to the opinions of others.
6. Give an oral presentation in Arabic on a defined topic to a small group of listeners and engage in group discussion and debate of the topic presented at CEFRL level C1, articulating your own opinions and responding to the opinions of others.
7. Translate passages from a variety of authentic written sources from various genres (literary
8. Apply your detailed knowledge of a range of grammatical features of Arabic to a variety of linguistic tasks
Discipline-Specific Skills9. Consolidate your own learning by using available learning aids, in a variety of media, and organise this process independently and with guidance from course tutors.
10. Recognise and understand core linguistic terminology individually and as part of a group
11. Use a bilingual dictionary to glean information about meaning, register, usage and grammatical forms
12. Engage, independently and under guidance, with Arabic media printed and online
Personal and Key Skills13. Working in groups at solving linguistic tasks at approximately C1 level of the CEFR
14. Consolidate time management strategies through skills of self-study .
15. Deploy cognitive and analytical skills ,
16. Deploy independent strategies to utilise the subject knowledge gained in previous levels to solve problems and develop practical skills.
17. Show a nuanced appreciation of the literatures and cultures of people who speak (and spoke) Arabic.

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 authentic texts; including literary, practical and journalistic.

 

  • 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 using the translation skills you acquired in 3rd year to translate advanced texts from Arabic into English and vice versa.

 

  • Listening and Speaking: Here you will enhance your listening and speaking capabilities by listening to and discussing topical issues.
  • 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 176Mixed and interactive class activities (eight hours per week), spread to target the development of reading, writing, grammar, speaking and listening skills, together with knowledge of various genres of Arabic (e.g. media, literature)
Guided Independent Study124Weekly homework assignments: Translation: 22 hours reading & writing: 22 hours literature: 22 hours speaking: 22 hours; media listening: 36 hours

Online Resources

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

ELE – http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/