Arabic level 4

A Post-A Level or equivalent module in Arabic language and culture

Module details

A communicative module for students with prior knowledge of the Arabic language and culture of the Arabic-speaking countries.

You will be encouraged to converse with some spontaneity, discuss familiar topics and contemporary society, and listen to radio and TV broadcasts.

This module aims to:

Further develop the skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing in a range of regularly encountered contexts e.g. at work, university, public life, and leisure
Familiarize you with more complex grammatical structures, constructions, and cohesive devices
Broaden your range of vocabulary items relating to social, political, cultural and scientific aspects of life in the Arab world
Explore different language registers to improve communication skills, fluency and spontaneity
Explore and reflect on aspects of the Arab World’s contemporary culture as presented in the media and academic texts
Develop the skills of critical analysis, autonomous learning and problem solving in language learning.
Develop your oral and written proficiency in Arabic in a wider range of situations and with a degree of fluency and spontaneity.
Extend your knowledge of the culture and contemporary Arabic society through the study of a range of texts and/or recordings and current affairs news.

The level is between levels B1 and B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

To be eligible for this module you need to have done one of the following:

Successfully completed Arabic Level 3 or equivalent
Gained an Arabic A- level Qualification at grade C or below
Already achieved B1 or equivalent on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR)

This module will equip you with the ability to:

interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity to discuss and debate a range of topics at an upper intermediate level
understand main ideas of TV and radio broadcasts when the input is standard and clear
express opinions, compare, contrast and negotiate ideas using appropriate register
understand and appreciate the main ideas of texts on concrete and abstract topics though the exploration of authentic materials
produce clear and coherent texts on a range of topics and explain own viewpoints giving reasons and evaluating options
analyse and discuss various aspects of Arab culture and compare it with own cultural practices
use cultural insights to interpret and evaluate newly encountered situations

Language

Topics

Coursework 35% - 4 pieces of coursework (may include in-class test coursework and in-class oral tests in the form of discussions/debates)
Written examination 35% - A two-hour written examination at the end of the Spring term
Oral examination 30% - A 20-minute oral examination at the end of the module

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: TBC

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

Relevant websites:

http://www.arabicpod.net/