Arabic for Research - LAN00126M

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  • Department: Language and Linguistic Science
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25
    • See module specification for other years: 2025-26

Module summary

Learning a language can be a transformative and enriching experience. Both the process and the outcomes are beneficial at various levels, from increased neuroplasticity to improving your overall academic performance, fostering empathy and intercultural awareness, and enhancing your career opportunities.

The module introduces complete beginners, or those with only a little experience, to the fundamentals of Standard Arabic writing and reading skills, and grammar to assist their study of the global middle ages.

MA in Medieval Studies, MA in Medieval Literatures & Languages & MA in Medieval History students completing this module are also expected to attend a workshop in Week 5 with other medieval language learners, which allows students to reflect on linguistic cultures and approaches to the study of language in the middle ages.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 1 2024-25

Module aims

The aim of the Arabic for Research module is to introduce complete beginners, or those with only a little experience, to the fundamentals of Standard Arabic writing and reading skills, grammar, and to raise their awareness about related key cultural aspects.

Module learning outcomes

At the end of the course students should:

  • have a sound grasp of basic Arabic writing skills and basic rules in grammar.

  • be able to read simple documents with confidence and to attempt slightly more difficult ones with help.

  • be able to use the dictionary in search for information, and extract the information they want from documents which they may not be able to translate in full.

  • understand language-related aspects in Arab culture.

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) 100

Special assessment rules

Pass/fail

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) 100

Module feedback

There will be weekly exercises with feedback as well as formative assessments in weeks 6 and 9, the latter providing written feedback on progress. Exam results are given within 25 working days.

Indicative reading

Recommended Dictionary:

  • Oxford Essential Arabic Dictionary: English-Arabic/Arabic-English (provided by CMS)

Imran Alawiye and Sadiq Toma, Gateway to Arabic (Book 1).

Handouts designed by the tutor and available on the VLE.