Tag(s)
GC
Admission Requirements
The prerequisite for this course is Arabic-Beginners (8101GCARA). Students that do not meet this prerequisite should contact the instructor regarding the required competencies before course allocation.
Description
This is an elementary MSA (Modern Standard Arabic) course. MSA is the common language of the 22 Arabic countries, and is widely spread in the inter-Arab media (such as al-Jazeera). Building on the basics students have acquired at the Beginners level, this course will enable them to reach a solid intermediate proficiency by the end of the semester. It provides them with the background information they need if they wish, later on, to learn one of the many dialects of the region. Communicative skills as well as grammar basics will be activated through the story of Egyptian and Syrian students, introducing learners to an Arabic cultural environment.
Course Objectives
Converse about routine matters
Read simple texts and understand basic information in it without the help of the Dictionary
Write informal notes
General understanding of the basic aspects of Arabic culture
Mode of Instruction
The course is based on an interactive method, giving space to the student to practice and to make sure he/she is progressing in the learning process. Based on an attractive text book, with audio visual material helping the student to efficiently improve pronunciation as well as listening and fluency skills, the course requires a lot of self-teaching at home.
Assessment
- Use of the target language to converse with correct pronunciation, vocabulary items and grammar: assessed through In-class oral assignment (10% of final grade):Twice per semester
- Mastering Arabic script: assessed through In class dictation test (10% of final grade):Twice per semester
- Use of course contents, including vocabulary items, grammar: assessed through Written exam (20% of final grade):Reading week 1
- Use of the target language to converse with correct pronunciation, vocabulary items and grammar: assessed in Final listening/Oral exam (30% of final grade): Reading Week 2
- Use of course contents, including vocabulary items, grammar: assessed in Final Written exam (30% of final grade):Reading Week 2
Literature
Compulsory Literature
Kristen Brustad, Mahmoud Al-Batal, Abbas Al-Tonsi, Al-Kitaab fii Ta’allum al-‘Arabiyya: A Textbook for Beginning Arabic, Part One, Third Edition, 2011, Georgetown University Press.
Recommended Literature
Hans Wehr, A Dictionary of Modern Written Arabic (Arabic-English). Edited by J. Milton Cowan. Fourth Edition, considerably enlarged and amended by the author. (Ithaca, N.Y., 1994).
Contact Information
Course instructor: ajaber9@gmail.com
Course convener: d.heshmat@hum.leidenuniv.nl
Weekly Overview
As this is a general language course, all language skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing) will be dealt with every week.
Preparation for first session
N/A