Accessibility statement

Arabic for Research - LAN00129H

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  • Department: Language and Linguistic Science
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: H
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25

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.

This course 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.

Related modules

The module is open to students in stage 3 of their undergraduate programme from any department.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 1 2024-25

Module aims

The aim of the Arabic for Research: Beginner 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 module students should:

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

  • be able to read simple documents 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

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

Handouts designed by the tutor and available on the VLE.

Recommended Dictionary:

  • Oxford Essential Arabic Dictionary: English-Arabic/Arabic-English


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.