- Department: Language and Linguistic Science
- Credit value: 60 credits
- Credit level: M
- Academic year of delivery: 2024-25
- Notes: This is an independent study module
This module introduces complete beginners, or those with only a little experience, to the fundamentals of Arabic in order to assist their study of the global middle ages. The focus is on developing an ability to read Arabic texts, and so on reading and writing skills rather than conversation. It also includes a consideration of elements of Arabic culture, particularly those that relate to language. Careful attention is paid to grammar, history of the language, making use of dictionaries, and reading different types of calligraphy and handwriting styles. A workshop with other medieval language learners allows students to reflect on linguistic cultures and approaches to the study of language in the middle ages.
Occurrence | Teaching period |
---|---|
A | Summer Semester 2024-25 |
The aim of the 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.
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.
Task | % of module mark |
---|---|
Essay/coursework | 100 |
Pass/fail
Task | % of module mark |
---|---|
Essay/coursework | 100 |
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.
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 available on the VLE.