On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:

• respond to and produce a basic range of spoken language in very familiar contexts;
• respond to and produce simple written texts. in these, you will be able to apply your knowledge and skills of grammar and vocabulary at A1-level (in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) and demonstrate the relevant level of intercultural awareness in your handling of everyday social interactions in arabic and your use of language;
• engage with a basic range of digital language learning tools to support your production.

In this module, you will cover the following linguistic structures:

• articles: definite/indefinite (0);
• demonstratives;
• nouns and adjectives;
• ‘al-nisba’ adjectives;
• subject pronouns; gender and number of nouns and adjectives;
• the simple nominal (descriptive) sentence;
• interrogatives (question words);
• negation (negative particles);
• plural patterns: masculine, feminine and ‘broken’ forms;
• colour terms: gender;
• prepositions;
• adverbs of time and frequency;
• the possessive pronouns;
• the possessive; structure;
• the preposition ‘3inda’ (to have);
• the past ‘complete’ tense;
• the present ‘incomplete’ tense.

Topics include:

• the arabic writing system;
• family and relations;
• positions and locations;
• basic mathematics;
• quantities, sums and measurements;
• jobs, professions and workplaces;
• describing people, places and objects;
• geography of the arab world;
• countries, nationalities and people;
• the climate;
• past and present activities.

In line with modern foreign languages communicative and active learning methodologies, the in-class activities will cover all four skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking). These will include pair work and group work (dialogue practice, information gap exercises, discussion), individual tasks, discovery and formulation of grammatical rules, work with texts, etc. Homework and coursework tasks will give you the opportunity to revise and consolidate your knowledge and skills and to develop your awareness of how to use language learning tools independently. Our approach not only ensures you engage with a wide range of tasks and activities, but also seeks to support different learning styles.

All pieces of coursework are marked and returned within two weeks. Marking criteria and rubrics are included as needed with each coursework to ensure learners are supported to complete their work and aware of assessment expectations. Feedback is provided for each individual section of the coursework, giving the correct answer(s) along with suggestions for improvement. In addition to the number of points out of a maximum total, an overall percentage grade is given. Generic feedback on each individual piece of coursework is also provided in class.

• Coursework (10%): Set mid-term (term 1) on the virtual learning environment, it consists of listening comprehension, grammar control/knowledge, and writing (full task: approximately 120 words - 1 Week to complete).
• Examination (20%): In-class test. This 1-hour test will take place at the end of term 1. It will include reading, grammar tasks, and writing (full task approximately 200 words).
• Coursework (10%): In-class speaking task (5 minutes).
• Examination (20%): In-class test. This 1-hour test will take place at the end of term 2. It will include reading comprehension, grammar tasks, and writing (full task: approximately 220 words).
• Practical (40%): Oral exam. Approx. 10 minutes incl. self-presentation plus questions and spontaneous dialogue.

• 7.5 ECTS points awarded on successful completion of the module.
• Available to take for credit towards your degree where your department allows. Also available for extra-credit.
• You must be prepared to attend all classes and and undertake approximately 3 hours of private study each week in addition to the assessment.

Coursebook: Wightwick, J and Gaafar M (2007), Mastering Arabic, Palgrave Macmillan, 3rd edition, ISBN: 9781137380456, supported by additional materials

Relevant websites:

http://www.funwitharabic.com/

http://www.arabiconline.eu/

http://www.arabicpod.net/