Language Outreach Programmes Arabic courses

Arabic Language Syllabus

Level: Beginners (A1)

Sessions: 40 hours

Duration: First term:    September -      November       (1st term)

                 Second term:    January     -    March            (2nd term)

Course material:

Wightwick, J. and Gaafar, M. (2007) Mastering Arabic 1, Macmillan International Higher Education. (The student’s book)

Arabic language course description:

The Arabic language course introduces the basics of the modern standard Arabic language (MSA) and highlights the four language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Moreover, audio-visual materials and other learning software are integrated. Simultaneously, the course aims to introduce Arabic cultural aspects, Arabic language history, Arabs traditions, and customs.

During the first semester, students are expected to learn the 28 letters of the Arabic language, the pronunciation and sound system, handwriting (Arabic is written from right to left), and the correct combinations to form words and sentences in Arabic.

Grammar, vocabulary, and everyday Arabic language are taught using “Mastering Arabic 1” book, which covers various topics such as (family, jobs, describing things, places, countries, people, counting in Arabic, eating and drinking…etc). By the completion of the course, students will be able to develop good communication skills using the Arabic language. They will practice the language together and be engaged in collaborative learning.

Course objectives:

The main objective of the Arabic course is to create an enjoyable, supportive, and welcoming learning environment for students to learn, and express themselves at ease.

The Arabic language course aims at:

• Delivering a beginner’s course in the Arabic language that covers the four language skills listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
• Introducing the Arabic Alphabet and later tackling various topics in Arabic ( Daily conversations, family, jobs, descriptions…etc)
• Present the students with notions regarding Arab culture and traditions.
• Foster students’ autonomous learning and motivate them.

Teaching method

• Encouraging classroom communication using the Arabic language as much as possible.
• Small group and peer work interactions and activities.
• The use of different materials from textbooks to audio-visuals, and software (Padlet, Kahoot…etc).

Self-assessment grid:

Students can assess their improvement and understanding based on the self-assessment grid below for A1 (beginners level). The participants can tick (✔) the sentences which correspond to their progress and evaluate themselves accordingly. Some examples can be found in the table below:

Note that the course is expected to cover further skills, and sub-skills (pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary) in addition to other topics, which students can add to the table themselves.