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IMPORTANT NOTICE
From 13 March - 15 May 2020 University College Utrecht offered this course in an online fashion, under orders from the Dutch government. It was one of the measures to curb the spread of Corona virus. As a result, some of the course goals and assessments listed in this outline may have been altered with the approval of the Exam Board. We have taken the utmost care to stay as close as possible to the original course content and goals. The text of this course outline has not been adapted.
After completing this course students are able to:
- Read and write the Arabic alphabet.
- Speak basic Arabic at a beginner’s level
- Be familiar with the differences in sounds and basic structures between MSA and Colloquial Arabic.
- Understand and actively use familiar everyday expressions and basic phrases in written and oral communication on everyday topics
- Demonstrate a general understanding of the Arabic culture and history
| Description of assignment |
Assesses which course aims? |
- Quizzes
- Language Portfolio
- Final examination
- Presentation on Arabic culture
- Essay on cultural topic of choice
- Online and Class participation
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1
2, 4
1, 2, 3, 4
5
5
1-5 |
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Arabic is the official language of 22 countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and is one of the six official languages of the United Nations. With over 375 million native speakers, Arabic is the fifth most commonly spoken language in the world. Not only the language, but also the influence of Arabic culture is widespread throughout the world. Arabic culture contributed significantly to the development of science, agricultural techniques and medicine. And with the turn of recent developments in the MENA-region, it is now more important than ever to provide students with a complete framework to understand and interpret the Arabic language and cultures. This course will help to broaden your perspective on the Arabic world.
This course focuses not only on the Arabic language, but also on the history and culture of the Arabic-speaking people. This course will educate students on the philosophy, music, religions, literature, poetry and art of the Arabic-speaking communities. Language learning is used to prepare communication with native speakers of Arabic. In exploring the Arabic world, you will learn to appreciate its distinct cultural products and customs, and you will come to understand some of the values important to the Arabic people, such as honour, dignity, and hospitality. Next to Modern Stand Arabic (MSA), the course introduces important features of the main dialects.
Format
The course deepens knowledge on both language and culture by integrating these aspects on a weekly basis. An interdisciplinary format is used, in which language-focused classes are alternated with in-class seminars on various interdisciplinary topics. Towards the end of the course, students will prepare this type of seminars themselves. Culture, history and art are addressed via texts in Arabic, as well as translated texts. Tasks in various forms related to these topics will be performed individually and in groups.
The course follows the flipped classroom pedagogy, letting the students prepare the content at home, so that class time can be used for interactive activities in which the students use the language actively and critically discuss the cultural content. The course follows a communicative approach to language teaching, in which communicating in Arabic is the central goal. Towards the end of the course, Arabic will mainly be used as the language of instruction. Language skills are tested through written quizzes, portfolio assignments and a final exam. The cultural component will be graded based on a presentation, class participation and a short essay on a topic of the student’s choosing.
Reader:
Can be collected at the reception desk in College Hall (pin transaction only, not in cash) at printing costs.
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