ULUR51010 - LEAP Urdu 1

  • Credits: 20
  • Pre-requisite: This unit is suitable for those who have never studied Urdu before.
  • Co-requisite: If you are studying a Modern Languages Degree, either single or joint honours, please refer to relevant guidance about eligibility for LEAP units on your programme structure.
  • Taught during: Both semesters (September to May).
  • Timetable: Timetable for the course.

Description

Urdu is the official language of Pakistan and it is also used in many parts of India. The spoken form is almost identical to Hindi, the principal difference between the two languages being the choice of alphabet.
This course is for absolute beginners. It is designed for those who wish to attain a basic understanding of the Urdu language covering four skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. It aims to introduce students to the Urdu alphabet, the basic language structure, and the basics of Urdu grammar. Students will also acquire limited vocabulary to be able to read simple texts and conduct a basic conversation in key areas of everyday communication. The course provides students with a solid foundation for further language learning.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:

  • handle some of the basic grammatical structures of Urdu;
  • understand and read some familiar and daily expressions used in common everyday situations and write very simple messages;
  • communicate orally at a basic level in a limited number of common everyday situations;
  • have some understanding and knowledge of South Asian culture and develop insights and skills appropriate to working and communicating with people of South Asian backgrounds and cultures.

By the end of the course, students should be able to perform at Level A1 of the Common European Framework.

Transferable skills

At the end of the course, students will have developed their:

  • Active listening skills;
  • Skimming and scanning skills;
  • Presentation skills;
  • Ability to extract and process information textual information;
  • Intercultural competence.

Teaching and learning methods

One three-hour seminar per week, delivered through blended learning which integrates on-campus and online instruction as necessary. This will also include online digital learning available via Blackboard and supplemented by extra online resources to aid students in their independent learning.

In order to develop their communicative skills, students will engage in pair work and group work activities and will have the opportunity to listen to and read a range of adapted and authentic texts. Traditional exercises and written work will be used for grammar practice and consolidation. The course will also incorporate visits to the local Urdu-speaking community in Manchester. The course will also have a facility for participants to engage and participate in the class remotely using ‘Go to Meeting’


Language of teaching: English and Urdu

Teaching hours

69 hours (3 hours per week) including assessment time

Independent study hours

140 hours (not including assessment time)

Assessment

Five pieces of assessed work as follows:

  • Semester one: Week 12- Written Exam 30%
  • Semester two: Week 11- Listening 10% & Written Exam 30%; week 12 - Oral Exam 30%

If government or university guidance requires assessment to be held online, then Listening Exam may be assessed alongside the Oral Exam

Nature and timing of feedback

Feedback will include a combination of:

  • Informal ongoing oral and written feedback resulting from homework and class-based learning activities;
  • Formal written feedback will be given following every assessment.

Convenor

Dr Orieb Masadeh-Tate

Taught by

Sheraz Ali

Maximum entry

20

Set texts

  • Teach Yourself Complete Urdu, Mohamed Kasim Dalvi (Hodder Education Teach Yourself Books, 2010), ISBN (book): 9781444106053.
  • Book and CD pack (recommended), ISBN: 9781444106879.
  • Urdu Reading and Writing, Sheraz Ali, Mega Publishers, ISBN: 978-0957653429

Recommended text

  • Urdu, an essential Grammar, Ruth Laila Schmidt, Routledge Grammars, ISBN: 0415163811.

Pathway

None

Employability

Successful completion of this course unit will enhance your curriculum vitae and your employability by showing that you have the capacity to learn other languages and the desire to engage with other cultures.