Syllabus

The introduction to Arabic Grammer is made through the following topics, while linking the topics to themes in culture and spoken Arabic:

• The alphabets, vowels and other extra-alphabetical symbols; the Sun & Moon letters and their significance; the definite article; Some prepositions; Arabic Numerals; Basic arithmetic in Arabic, some adjectives; pronouns; conjunctions;
• Masculine & Feminine, the Definite article, Nisbah adjectives
• Independent Pronouns; Plurals – Sound Masculine, Sound Feminine & Broken; Nominal sentence
• Possession construct, suffix pronouns
• Present Tense; verbal sentences
• Relative pronouns, phrases vs. sentences, adverbs
• Verbal Nouns, Accusative particle LI ANNA
• Prepositions, Precedence of Predicate, ‘To be’ in the past tense, How much/many
• Past Tense, Roots and Forms/patterns, Arabic Dictionary, Numbers 11-100
• Laysa, Ordinal numbers, telling the time
• Present Subjunctive, and prepositions

Learning outcomes

Knowledge
On completion of this module the successful student will be able to:

• Read, write and speak basic Arabic with textbook vocabulary. (A6)
• Identify and discover the differences in formal written and spoken Arabic (A6)

Skills
This module will call for the successful student to:

• Be able Identify and form some of the basic structures of Modern Standard Arabic and read Arabic with diacritical marks. (C3, C6, D1)
• Apply Arabic Grammar to formal written and spoken Arabic. (D2)
• Be able to take part in translating sentences from Arabic into English. (D1, D4)

Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategy

The module will be taught through lectures, class exercise and conversation, discussion, listing to DVD records of native speakers on different occasions listed in the textbook and group tutorials conducted in the spoken hours of the module.  Students will present and discuss work in progress.  Students are expected to develop their skill independently and in group environment. Students should attend class well prepared and complete assignments on time. All assignments must be handed in at the beginning of class on due date. Developing language skills in an on-going process requires regular study, practice at home and in class; hence regular attendance is essential.

Assessment Modes

Formative Assessment:
Students are set bi-weekly formative assignments on Arabic, and receive feedback as they are handed in throughout the year. Although portfolios are done during class, students are required to see the module leader regularly in tutorials to receive formative feedback on their performance and support with their portfolio work. Additionally, revision sessions are arranged that will cover topics in preparation for exams, continuously strengthening and developing students’ competence in the Arabic language.  Moreover, tutorial time enables the module leader to supported continuously while providing the opportunity for constant engagement with the language, and constructive feedback related to the development of language skills.

Summative Assessment:
Summative, graded assessment is by portfolio, which will comprise of three exercises to be completed in class, of around 350 words each, on syllabus topics assigned by the lecturer (Outcomes 3, 4, 5). Additionally, a 2 hour written examination will take place at the end of the yearlong module (Outcomes 1, 2).

Assessment Weighting
Portfolio: 30%
Written examination: 70%

Learning materials

Core Reading

• Brustad, K., Al-Batal, and Al-Tonsi (2006), Al Kitaab Fii Tačallum al-čArabiyya: A Textbook for Beginning Arabic Part One Georgetown University Press; 2nd Bk & DVD edition.