Arabic Communication Skills I

This course is designed to stretch students’ vocabulary and knowledge about each theme through discussions, role plays, research and presentations.

Working individually and in groups, you will be invited to draw on personal interests and experience to support your participation whilst exploring the broadest aspects of the following themes:

Introducing yourself/personal details:

• ask and answer questions about personal details
• describe your own town or village and list local landmarks and any tourist attractions.

Daily activities:

• work
• travelling
• watching TV
• practising sports
• going to cinema and theatres
• attending parties, etc.

In an airport:

• understanding and following the regulations and directions inside the airport halls and offices
• meeting security officers and how to ask for help.

Holidays/safari:

• describe and discuss past and present holidays, spending weekends, places visited and the experience as a whole
• give some facts about places of interest in cities/towns, like historical and architectural landmarks and tourist attractions.

In a hotel:

• choosing a hotel, booking a room and ordering meals.

In a café

• inviting a friend for tea/coffee.

In a restaurant:

• reading and understanding menus and how to order a meal.

Work-related matters:

• CV
• writing brief autobiography: place of birth and growing up, etc
• applying for a job, understanding a dialogue about a job interview and take part in a role-play based on it.

Jobs:

• types of jobs (male vs female)
• work experiences/stories
• talking about/advertising job projects.

Course materials are provided on first session.

Extensive use of our digital language laboratories.

Learning and teaching

This course is aimed at students who have a basic knowledge of the Arabic language and culture.

The emphasis of the course is on developing students' communicative skills via oral conversations.

Therefore, you will be encouraged to actively participate in group as well as class discussions.

Coursework and assessment

For us the most important element of assessment is that it should enhance your learning.

Our methods are designed to increase your confidence and we try very hard to devise ways of assessing you that are enjoyable and suitable for adults with busy lives.

The assessment of this course is divided into four parts to assess each of the following skills: speaking, listening, reading and writing. It is designed to enhance what you have learnt during the course.

Additionally to the weekly sessions, we recommend that you spend time between the lessons, revising and practising what has been done in class.

Reading suggestions

Coursebook: BBC Talk Arabic (for Beginners, 2^nd Edition, 2015).

Depending on your level, you may want to visit our library and have a look at the periodicals we receive.

Another good source of information is our website where we have listed Arabic websites which you may find interesting.

Library and computing facilities

As a student on this course you are entitled to join and use the University’s library and computing facilities. Find out more about using these facilities.

Accessibility

Our aim is access for all. We aim to provide a confidential advice and support service for any student with a long term medical condition, disability or specific learning difficulty. We are able to offer one-to-one advice about disability, pre-enrolment visits, liaison with tutors and co-ordinating lecturers, material in alternative formats, arrangements for accessible courses, assessment arrangements, loan equipment and dyslexia screening.