Module: Introduction to Classical Arabic

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Introduction to Classical Arabic
Module Code	RET1001 (ITS: TP200)
Faculty	Theology, Philosophy & Music	School	Humanities & Social Sciences
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

The purpose of this module is to introduce students to Classical Arabic. Arabic, in a number of local spoken forms, is the mother-tongue of more than 250 million people. The classical form of the language, however, plays a central role in the lives of the world’s approximately 1.2 billion Muslims as it is the language of the Islamic revelation – the Qur’ān. Classical Arabic is also the language of canonical prayer and the religious discourse (scriptural exegesis, jurisprudence and theology, for instance.) In this module students develop knowledge and skills in the morphology, syntax and vocabulary of Classical Arabic, and will begin to read and translate basic texts in Classical Arabic

Learning Outcomes

1. Read and write using the Arabic writing system
2. Understand the basic morphology and syntax of Classical Arabic
3. Manipulate a core vocabulary of the most frequently encountered Arabic words
4. Read, and translate basic texts in Classical Arabic from both the modern and pre-modern period
5. Use the standard reference tools necessary for engaging with Classical Arabic texts

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	24	No Description
Independent Study	101	No Description
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	20039	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale		Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category		Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Jonathan Kearney	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Assignment	Weekly written assignments	70%	n/a
In Class Test	In-class vocabulary quizzes	20%	n/a
In Class Test	In-class reading exercises	10%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Arabic – a brief historical and linguistic survey

The Arabic writing system

Arabic Morphology

Arabic Syntax

Arabic core vocabulary (thematic)

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Jones, Alan: 2005, Arabic through the Qur’ān, Islamic Texts Society, Cambridge,
Versteegh, Kees: 2001, The Arabic Language, Edinburgh University Press, Edinburgh,
Fischer, Wolfgang: 2002, A Grammar of Classical Arabic, 3rd ed, Yale University Press, New Haven,
Shah, Mustafa: 2008, “The Arabic language.” Pages 261–277 in The Islamic World (ed. Andrew Rippin), Routhledge, London,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None