The Intensive Intermediate Arabic Summer Programme aims to develop competence in reading and understanding classical Arabic texts (i.e. texts of literary or academic merit) in various fields of the humanities and social sciences. It will improve language skills through continuous assessment of topics covered in class. This course seeks to provide students who have learnt the fundamentals of Arabic with the tools to access scholarly resources by focusing on both classical and contemporary materials.

Additionally, a cultural approach through the use of texts and audio materials will provide students with opportunities to understand and apply the language in the frame of their academic work and interests. The texts used in the class will be related to Muslim cultures and civilisations. The summer programme includes elements of listening, speaking, reading and writing.  The student who successfully completes the session will be able to:

• understand and exploit simple classical texts related to Muslim cultures and civilisations;
• read and comprehend written Arabic of average difficulty by using Arabic dictionaries or specialised tools, such as Ma’agim and encyclopedias;
• Write and analyse short texts in Arabic, summarise simple articles, and read a selection of newspaper articles etc.

Teaching and Learning

The course is taught in small groups with a maximum of 10 students. The course will aim to enhance students’ knowledge of Arabic by:

• Progressively introducing students to historical, legal, theological/philosophical and mystical texts from the classical and medieval periods;
• Introducing students to Arabic terminology in literary criticism, history, theology, Prophetic history, speech presentation (Khutba) and terminology of sharia and the Hadith;
• Using modern written (newspapers) and oral materials in order to provide students with the opportunity to read, listen and understand discussions about contemporary Muslim thought and debates.

Assessment

Continuous assessment will be undertaken in order to gauge students’ progress in speaking, listening, reading and writing.

There will be a final exam which will assess learning of key elements of the Programme.

Duration

An intensive four week Summer Programme, from 6 – 31 July 2009. Courses will be held from 9:30pm to 3:30pm, Monday to Friday.

• Five hours of tuition per day
• Total of 100 hours of tuition
• 4 credit points awarded

Who should attend?

This course is suitable for students who already have a good working knowledge of Arabic, and wish to apply their language skills in an academic setting. For example, students who wish to conduct intensive research using Arabic materials, or intend to undertake field-work in an Arabic-speaking setting will find this course useful.

Participants will be awarded a Certificate of Attendance by the Aga Khan University and 4 credit points.

Pre-requisites

The Programme assumes prior knowledge of Arabic. As this course will introduce students to classical Arabic texts and language for research and study, students must have undertaken prior study of Arabic in order to participate in the Programme.

Programme Venue

The Summer Programme will be held at AKU-ISMC's premises at 4 – 5 Bedford Square, London, United Kingdom, WC1B 3RA.

The Institute's premises are situated in the heart of London, accessible by many forms of transport and near to a number of educational facilities, including the British Museum, British Library and University of London.

Making an Application

To register for the Intensive Intermediate Arabic Summer Programme at AKU-ISMC please download an application form and return it, along with payment, by 3 July 2009 (email or fax is preferred):

Email: ismc.shortcourses@aku.edu

Fax: +44(0)20 7907 1030

Aga Khan University
Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations
4 - 5 Bedford Square
London, WC1B 3RA

Please direct any enquiries to Nida Kamal Sidiqqui by email: nida.kamal@aku.edu or telephone: +44(0)20 7907 1020.

Admission is on a first come, first served basis. The University reserves the right to conduct brief telephone interviews with applicants and level entrance test.

As part of its selection of participants, AKU-ISMC may conduct a short interview or a level assessment test with applicants. AKU-ISMC reserves the right to refuse admission to the course.