ULAR51002 - LEAP Introduction to Arabic (A1.1)

  • Credits: 10
  • Pre-requisite: None.
  • Co-requisite: Open to all students with no prior knowledge of Arabic. If you are studying a Modern Languages Degree, either single or joint honours, please refer to the course unit selection guidance, which includes information about eligibility for LEAP units, on your programme structure.
  • Anti-requisite: Students taking the unit for university credit as part of their degree must not have already taken the unit ULAR51010 LEAP Arabic 1 (A1).
  • Taught during: Semester 2 (January to May)
  • Level of attainment: (A1.1) By the end of the course, students should be able to perform at Level A1.1 of the Common European Framework.
  • Timetable: Click here

Description

This course is for absolute beginners. It is designed for those who wish to attain a basic understanding of the Arabic language with focus on speaking. The course teaches MSA (Modern Standard Arabic).

Students will be introduced to the Arabic alphabets and some of the basics of pronunciation, reading and writing of letters and short words, and understanding of some very simple spoken texts in Arabic, as well as the opportunity to acquire some high-frequency words and phrases.

Topics will include: alphabet, numbers, days of the week, months and dates, seasons, family, countries and nationalities. The course serves as a starting point to enable for further language learning. 

The introductory course differs from ULAR51010 LEAP Arabic 1 (A1) in length, topics covered, and learning outcomes. ULAR51010 LEAP Arabic 1 (A1) is a full-year course taught over two semesters, and goes further and deeper into the language structure and grammar. It is approximately double the number of teaching hours and double the number of self-study hours, whereas the introductory level – Introduction to LEAP Arabic– is only one semester long.

Learning outcomes

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

  • communicate simply at a very basic level in spoken Arabic in a limited range of everyday situations; 
  • demonstrate understanding of key information in basic spoken texts and texts written in Arabic; 
  • read some familiar and daily expressions used in common everyday situations and write very simple messages; 
  • have some understanding and knowledge of ways of life in the Arab world and it’s culture. 

By the end of the course, students should be able to perform at Level A1.1 of the Common European Framework.

Transferable skills

Pair and team work, focussed listening, informal presentations, language awareness, and cultural appreciation.

Teaching and learning methods

2 x 2 hours seminar per week (total 4 contact hours), delivered through blended learning which integrates on campus and on-line instruction as necessary.

This will also include online digital learning available via Blackboard and will be supplemented by extra online resources to aid students in their independent learning.

Teaching Hours

48 hours (4 hours per week) including assessment time.

Independent Study Hours

98 hours (not including assessment time).

Assessment

All assessments are summative.

Non-credit students and members of the public need to be aware that written exams will not take place during lesson time.

Semester 2

  • Listening exam; 10% weighting; held in week 11
  • Speaking exam; 40% weighting; held in week 12
  • Written exam; 50% weighting; held in university's semester 2 exam period in May/June

Dates to be confirmed.

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

Dr Abdelghani Mimouni

See timetables

Maximum entry 

23 per group

Set texts

TBC

Pathway

Fee-paying students can move on to the ULAR51010 LEAP Arabic 1 (A1), but should note that much of the material will be a repeat of the introductory unit. For the same reason, degree students cannot take ULAR51010 LEAP Arabic 1 (A1) for degree credits if they have already completed Introduction to LEAP Arabic. 

Students may be able to proceed to ULAR51020 LEAP Arabic 2 (A1/A2) subject to: 

  • achieving a mark over 80% 
  • agreeing to study independently the material recommended by the language tutor to reach the Common European Framework level required at the end of ULAR51010 LEAP Arabic 1 (A1) 
  • an entry-level assessment carried out by the tutor

By taking this option students agree to cover the material recommended by the language tutor independently. They will be taking this at their own risk. Once they have enrolled on the course, they are not allowed to move back to ULAR51050 LEAP Arabic 1 or ask for a refund.

Employability

Successful completion of this course unit will enhance your curriculum vitae and employability. It will help prepare you for travelling to and working in the Arab world if followed by further learning of Arabic.