Latest Module Specifications
Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026
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Description This module introduces participants to a form of Arabic known as al-'Arabiyya al-Fuṣḥā (literally: ‘the most eloquent / pure Arabic’). This language – in its different historical phases – is described in English by a variety of terms: Classical Arabic, Literary Arabic, Modern Standard Arabic, Formal Arabic and so on. To those who use the language, both forms are Fuṣḥā, and if a distinction is made, the terms Fuṣḥā al-Turāth (‘heritage’) and Fuṣḥā al-Ar (‘contemporary’) are used. This formal and standardised form of the language is the only form of Arabic that enjoys official status in the Arabic-speaking world and in international organisations. Fuṣḥā is not to be confused with the numerous local spoken forms of Arabic (spoken as the first language of more than 250 million people – and sometimes referred to as ‘dialects’). Fuṣḥā also plays a central role in the lives of the world’s approximately 1.8 billion Muslims as it is the language of the Islamic revelation (the Qur’ān) and the corpus of Islamic tradition (the Ḥadīth). Fuṣḥā is also the language of canonical prayer and the numerous Islamic religious discourses (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. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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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. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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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 |
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Indicative Content and Learning Activities
Syllabus 1. The history and sociolinguistics of Classical Arabic 2. The Arabic writing system and transliteration / romanization systems 3. Arabic morphology 4. Arabic syntax 5. Arabic lexis 6. Classical Arabic literary genres 7. Using standard reference works 8. Working with Arabic manuscripts | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Indicative Reading List Books:
Articles: None | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Other Resources None | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||