ULUR51010 - LEAP Urdu 1 (A1)

  • 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).
  • Level of attainment: (A1) By the end of the course, students should be able to perform at Level A1 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 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 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

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

Teaching and learning methods

One three-hours or two 90 minutes seminars per week, 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

69 hours (3 hours per week) including assessment time.

Independent study hours

140 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 1

  • Written exam; 30% weighting; held in university's semester 1 exam period in January

Semester 2

  • Listening exam; 10% weighting; held in week 11
  • Speaking exam; 30% weighting; held in week 12
  • Written exam; 30% 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 feedback resulting from class-based learning activities and formal written feedback given following summative assessments.

Convenor

Dr Orieb Masadeh-Tate

Taught by

TBC

Maximum entry

23 per group

Set texts

TBC

Recommended text

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

Pathway

None

Urdu Bursary

Note: An Urdu Bursary funded by the High Commission of Pakistan will be available for the academic year 2024/25 for a member of the public who wishes to learn Urdu at the beginners level to enhance their career or connections with local communities.

If you would like to be considered for the bursary, please submit a one-page statement (approximately 300 words) explaining why you would like to study Urdu and how this would benefit your work or career and the local community. The deadline is Wednesday 28th August 2024 at 12:00pm. Please send your statement to Orieb Masadeh-Tate, the Director of LEAP: orieb.masadeh-tate@manchester.ac.uk

This bursary is subject to confirmation from the Pakistani Consulate.