Language Centre

Arabic (Modern Standard) Intermediate Course

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Key information

Duration
1 term per sub-level; 10 weeks per term
Attendance mode
Part-time, online/blended learning

Course overview

Course aim

This Intermediate course is for students who have completed the full Pre-Intermediate course at SOAS or an equivalent number of hours of formal Arabic language study (approximately 180 hours). If neither of these apply to you but you think this may be your level, an online assessment can be conducted, please book an assessment.

Learners will be able to converse with more confidence, give presentations and engage actively in discussions about various topics they have covered. They will be able to read and write longer texts and understand the main ideas of complex texts on both informational and abstract topics. This course is delivered by the Language Centre

Method

The course is taught in Arabic with support in English and includes an increased exposure to Arabic grammar and vocabulary, while further developing the skills of comprehension in listening and reading, and the skills of expression in speaking and writing.

This will be achieved through 20 hours of blended learning: 15 hours of online structured lessons with the teacher and supplemented by a minimum of 5 hours of guided independent learning which is supported by complementary material. The course objective will be achieved within the 10-week course.

Material

Our course materials page shows you what you need to buy for this course.

Entry requirements and progression route

This course is aimed at students who have completed the full Pre-Intermediate Course (Arabic MSA Pre-Intermediate 1, 2, and 3) or equivalent (approximately 180 hours of formal study). After completing Intermediate 1, students progress onto Intermediate 2, and then Intermediate 3. After this, students can begin the Upper Intermediate level.

Please note, that each term, courses are subject to quorum requirements.

MSA Intermediate 2 online and MSA Intermediate 3 online are scheduled for our next term commencing 24 April 2023.

For course dates and information, please see our timetables

Structure

Arabic (Modern Standard) Intermediate 1

In this course you will:

  • talk about the history of Arabic media
  • discuss the influence of women in Arabic media
  • learn to use the passive form
  • participate in a debate in Arabic
  • understand elements of the history of the Arabian Peninsula
  • access some Arabic literature texts
  • understand and use time condition verbs
  • discuss aspects of the Ottoman Empire
  • learn about the education system in the Arab World
  • explore the history of the University of Al-Azhar
  • learn about the prominent figures who took part in the 1919 and 1936 Egyptian Revolutions

Arabic (Modern Standard) Intermediate 2

In this course you will:

  • have conversations about feminism and female figures in the Arab world
  • access biographies of Arab writers
  • understand authentic newspaper adverts
  • explore the life and works of the playwright, Tawfiq al-Hakim
  • express affirmative sentences and justifications
  • expand on your knowledge of comparatives
  • familiarise yourself with irregular verbs
  • learn about Huda Sha’arawi and her work

Arabic (Modern Standard) Intermediate 3

In this course you will:

  • further your knowledge of superlatives
  • use expressions of exclamation
  • gain a wider knowledge of more complex verb patterns
  • understand and use native Arabic expressions
  • understand and use the imperative
  • give instructions and commands
  • talk about past events using narrative language
  • learn to write a CV in Arabic
  • listen with the aim of picking up factual information
  • use rhetorical questions
  • explore other Arabic dialects
  • read and comment on literary extracts
  • discuss and examine the tale of Alf Leila wa Leila
  • look at aspects of Arabic social history
  • explore Gamal al-Ghitani’s perspective on the art of literature

The above is an indication of content that may be covered over the duration of the course but it could vary depending on the level and progress of students in the class.

Contact us

  • arabic@soas.ac.uk

Disclaimer

Important notice regarding changes to programmes and modules

Related information

See the full list of Language Centre short courses in Arabic on the Arabic language homepage

Back to the Language Centre

Image credit: Mario Cruz via Unsplash