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

• respond to and produce simple spoken language in familiar contexts applying your knowledge of grammar and vocabulary;
• respond to and produce simple written texts. you will be able to apply your knowledge and skills of grammar and vocabulary at A2-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 range of digital language learning tools to support your production.

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

• the nominal and verbal sentences;
• plural forms (al-jam3): masculine, feminine and ‘broken’ patterns (taksiir);
• noun-adjective phrases;
• plural of non-human nouns and agreement with singular feminine adjectives and verbs;
• the idafa structure (possessive: ‘of’ structure);
• ‘to have’: 3inda, ma3a, li;
• object and possessive pronouns;
• the past (complete), present (incomplete) and future tenses;
• conjugation of irregular verbs;
• the subjunctive mood of the present tense form;
• negation: the negative particles, e.g. ‘laysa’, ‘maa’, ‘laa’;
• interrogative particles;
• verb patterns;
• the modal verbs: ‘wish’, ‘want’ and ‘must’;
• nunation of adverbs (tanwiin);
• ‘mundhu’ (since/for);
• the conjunctions ‘bi-sabab’ and ‘li-anna’;
• the gerund: al-masdar.

Topics include:

• living and working abroad;
• stages of education in the arab world;
• immigration and childhood memories;
• reminiscing about the past and future aspirations;
• personal ads in newspapers, personal qualities and preferences (culturally sought-after qualities);
• comparing the past with the present;
• city life and the environment;
• the weather and seasons;
• family and friends;
• daily activities: work, study and hobbies;
• working as a graduate fellow/teaching assistant at the university;
• job adverts and careers;
• arabic food.

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 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 are 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%): Coursework tasks including listening, grammar, and writing (full task approximately 220 words). Submission window: 1 week.
• Examination (20%): In-class test. This 1-hour test including reading, grammar task(s) and writing (full task approximately 300 words).
• Coursework (10%): In-class speaking task (6 minutes).
• Examination (20%): In-class test. This 1-hour test will take place at the end of term 2. It will include reading, grammar task(s) and writing (full task approximately 300 words).
• Practical (40%): 15-minute end-of-year oral exam consisting of a presentation and general conversation.

• 7.5 ECTS points awarded on successful completion of the course.
• 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: Al-Kitaab fi Tacallum al-Carabiyya with DVDs. A textbook for Beginning Arabic Part 1 Third Edition (2011) by Mahmoud Al-Batal, Abbas Al-Tunsi and Kristen Brustad, Georgetown University Press (ISBN 978-1-58901-736-8)Al-Kitaab fi Ta ‘allum al-‘Arabiyya with DVDs supported by additional materials

Dictionary: Cowan, J.M. 1999. The Hans Wehr Dictionary of Modern Written Arabic. Fourth Edition. Spoken Language Services.

Relevant websites:

http://www.arabicpod.net/

http://readarabic.nflc.org

http://arabic-media.com