Undergraduate Module Descriptor

ARA3103: Advanced Arabic Language

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

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/

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
Weekly practical and written assignments Weekly practical and written assignments 1-17Written and 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.

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
Continuous assessment30 One 30 minutes listening assignment One Speaking assignment One 90 minutes written test Literature: One 1000-word essay in Arabic to be submitted in week 6 of term 2 1-12, 14-17Written and verbal feedback
Written Examination 503 hours 1,3,5,6,11,13Verbal feedback
Oral Examination 1015 minutes 2,6,11Written and verbal feedback
Listening Examination 1030 minutes3,6,11,12,13 Written and verbal 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 assessmentForm of re-assessmentILOs re-assessedTimescale for re-assessment
Continuous AssessmentOral Assignment: video recording (5 minutes) Listening Assignment (Up to 30 minutes) Timed Written Assignment (400 words; 2 hours; 2,5,6,8,11,12,13,14August/September reassessment period
Written Examination Written examination (3 hours; 50%) 2,5,6,8,11,12,13,14August/September reassessment period.
Oral Examination Oral examination (15 minutes; 10%)2,6,11August/September reassessment period.
Listening Examination Listening Examination (30 minutes; 10%)3,6,11,12,13August/September reassessment period.

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.

Basic reading:

Authentic materials selected by course tutors

 

Supporting Materials:

 

El Mustapha Lahlali, Radia Kesseiri, Essential Skills in Arabic: From Intermediate to Advanced, Edinburgh University Press, 2018

 

Alaa Elgibali, Nevenka Korica, Media Arabic: A Coursebook for Reading Arabic News, The American University in Cairo Press, 2007.

 

Raji Ramunny, Advanced Standard Arabic, Michigan, 1995. (recommended)

 

Badawi, Carter, Gully. A Referenced Grammar of Modern Written Arabic, London, 2000.

 

Nariman Warraki, Ahmed Hassanein, The Connectors in MSA, Cairo, 1993.

 

Wehr, H, A Dictionary of Modern Written Arabic, Harrassowitz, Wiesbaden 1979.