BERGAMO
Overview
Date/time interval
Syllabus
Course Objectives
- Disciplinary objectives:The official course aims at providing knowledge and language skills suitable for operating mainly in the field of international communication and cooperation. Specifically, it aims to develop: 1. theoretical knowledge pertinent to morpho-syntactic, lexical and phraseological aspects of an advanced level; 2. written, oral and practical skills relating to relevant issues in Arab societies and their international relations; 3. ability to understand, rework and translate texts characterized by specialized languages.
- Instrumental objectives: The language learning activities (AAL) enhance the skills of oral exposition and expression, and translation from Italian into Arabic as well as written expression in Arabic. Therefore, attendance at the language learning activities (AAL) is highly recommended.
Specifically, by the end of the module, students should have achieved the following objectives, as defined by the Dublin descriptors:
Knowledge and understanding (D1):
- Comprehension of advanced-level written and oral texts in standard Arabic on complex topics, with a particular focus on the vocabulary, phraseology, and style of public discourse relating to international political relations. Skills in understanding the effective use of language in a social context (pragmatic and rhetorical aspects).
- Distinguishing between text genres and types.
- Understanding of relevant issues in Arab societies and public discourse.
Applying knowledge and understanding (D2):
- Production of written texts that are morphosyntactically correct and register-appropriate for professional communication and international cooperation contexts.
- Ability to express oneself precisely and appropriately in contexts related to professional figures in communication and international cooperation.
- Application of knowledge of text genres and types to the production and analysis of written and oral texts; production of Arabic-Italian and Italian-Arabic translations with reflection on the translation method used.
- Application of socio-cultural and political knowledge of the Arab world to simulate realistic professional contexts.
Making Judgements (D3):
- Critical analysis of the different functions and stylistic characteristics of the texts under consideration, in order to identify salient features in terms of genre, type and theme. This will enable judgements to be formulated on the use of morphosyntactic, lexical and phraseological structures that are original to the Arabic language, or that have been influenced by the spread of foreign languages.
- Critical reflection on the appropriateness of linguistic and textual choices in relation to the context of use and communicative objectives.
- Reflection on socio-cultural and political issues to express independent judgements on them, including through the presentation of new and complex ideas.
Communication skills (D4):
- Ability to communicate appropriately and clearly, both in writing and orally, on topics within their field of expertise, both with their peers and in professional settings and, more generally, in Arabic-speaking communities.
Learning skills (D5):
- Development of autonomous strategies to improve linguistic and metalinguistic skills, both individually and in shared learning contexts.
- Acquisition of tools to research, understand, analyse and translate authentic texts relevant to the field of work.
Course Prerequisites
Arabic language skills equal to level B1 of the CEFR, which is equivalent to that acquired in the three-year LLSM course at the Department of Foreign Languages, Literatures and Cultures of the University of Bergamo.
Online Language Learning Activities (AAL) are planned to enhance language knowledge and skills corresponding to level B1.
Teaching Methods
Lectures, with activities to be carried out in small groups or in pairs, exercises, use of materials taken from the Web and from specialist publications - written, audio and video -, use of the Moodle e-learning platform. There will be hours of language training (AAL: conversation and exercises in the classroom; exercises at home; online remote work).
Assessment Methods
Compound activities (12 CFU): single exam for modules A + B starting from the summer session.
- The written test includes: 1. translation from Arabic into Italian; 2. comprehension exercises of a text written in standard Arabic; 3. translation from Italian into Arabic. Dictionary allowed. The test focuses on topics covered in the official courses (MOD. A and B) and in the AAL of “Propaedeutics for Translation and written expression”.
- The oral test includes: 1. reading, comprehension, and analysis of a Arabic texts; 2. theoretical questions on morpho-syntactic, lexical and phraseological aspects; 3. interview in Arabic during which students will have to demonstrate they can express themselves correctly on the topics covered during the official courses (MOD. A and B) and in the AAL of "Presentation and oral expression".
The written test is preparatory to the oral test. The final grade is given by the average of the written and oral tests.
The assessment will take into account the level of acquisition of the knowledge and skills envisaged by the course, in particular linguistic correctness (lexical, morphosyntactic, pragmatic and phonological), terminological accuracy, appropriateness to the task at hand and mastery of the tools of linguistic analysis and reflection.
Grades are given in thirtieths according to the following bands:
- Excellent (30 cum laude) - Knowledge and skills fully acquired and applied with precision, effectiveness and autonomy. No errors.
- Very good (30-27) - Very sound knowledge and skills, applied correctly and with confidence. Minor and non-recurring errors.
- Good (26-24) - Adequate knowledge and skills, with some uncertainty or imprecision. Errors present but not serious or systematic.
- Sufficient (23-18) - Basic knowledge and skills acquired but applied partially or with evident errors. Sufficient general understanding.
- Insufficient (less than 18) - Insufficient knowledge and skills not adequately developed. Numerous errors impairing the success of the task.
Contents
- Disciplinary contents: The official course introduces students to the knowledge of Arabic as an official language used in international relations. The educational activities (written and oral) consist in listening and reading Arabic texts on which to carry out the following exercises: 1. comprehension; 2. translation; 3. reworking and written expression; 4. oral presentation; 5. text analysis. Morpho-syntactic, lexical and phraseological insights are planned.
- Instrumental contens: The contents of the exercises (AAL), “Propaedeutics for Translation and Written Expression” and “Presentatione and Oral Expression” are indicated in the section of the website dedicated to the University Language Centre (CLA) by selecting Arabic.
Online Resources
More information
Students are highly recommended to attend lectures and training activities (AAL Propaedeutics for written translation + Exposition and Oral Expression). Students can also join guided study-groups at the Centro Competenza Lingue (CLA). During the Language training activities students will learn grammar structures and practice translation, and will work on oral and written texts, carrying out activities of listening, reading, comprehension and written/oral production in Arabic language. The course contents are the same for attending and non-attending students. For registration to the e-learning Moodle Platforms – COMPULSORY to take the exam – students must ask the teachers the access key. All tests that form the exam must be achieved within the 18 months following the first test. For detailed description of the exams, please refer to the e-learning Moodle platform (Official course). For a detailed description of the language training programs, please refer to the official page of CLA .