University of Sydney Handbooks - 2018 Archive

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Arabic Language and Cultures Descriptions

Arabic Language and Cultures

Major

A major in Arabic Language and Cultures requires 48 credit points from this table including:
(i) 12 credit points of 1000-level language units*
(ii) 12 credit points of 2000-level language units
(iii) 6 credit points of 2000-level culture units
(iv) 12 credit points of 3000-level language units
(v) 6 credit points of 3000-level Interdisciplinary Project units

Minor

A minor in in Arabic Language and Cultures requires 36 credit points from this table including:
(i) 12 credit points of 1000-level language units*
(ii) 12 credit points of 2000-level language units
(iii) 6 credit points of 2000-level culture units
(iv) 6 credit points of 3000-level language units
* Appropriate language units are assessed either by language level and grade therein achieved in Higher School Certificate or International Baccalaureate, and/or by one-on-one interviews prior to commencement.

1000 level units of study

Language
ARBC1611 Introductory Arabic 1A

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2x2hr tutorials/week Prohibitions: ARBC1311 or ARBC1312 or ARBC1101 or ARBC1102 Assessment: 3x2000wd total quizzes (2000wd total) (45%), 3x500wd total dictation (15%), 2x500wd total cultural presentation (10%), 1x1500wd presentation/skit (20%), participation (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day Faculty: Arts and Social Sciences
This unit is designed for students with little or no prior knowledge of Arabic. Its main objective is to teach you how to communicate in both formal and colloquial Arabic about some familiar topics using simple words and phrases. You will learn to recognize and produce the alphabet and communicate basic information about yourself in writing. You will explore topics related to Arab cultures. Preparation for class and active participation in small group activities are essential components of the unit.
ARBC1612 Introductory Arabic 1B

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 2x2hr tutorials/week Prerequisites: ARBC1611 Prohibitions: ARBC1311 or ARBC1312 or ARBC1102 or ARBC2613 or ARBC2614 or ARBC3615 or ARBC3616 or ARBC3636 or ARBC3638 or ARBC3639 Assessment: 3x500wd total cultural presentations (5%), 3x2000wd total quizzes (45%), 2x250wd writing portfolio (10%), 1x1000wd skit (20%), 2x250wd take-home exercise (10%), participation (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day Faculty: Arts and Social Sciences
This unit continues to build your communicative skills in formal and colloquial Arabic through listening, speaking, reading and writing activities in and outside of class. You will communicate about familiar topics using memorized phrases and simple sentences. Preparation for class and active participation in small group activities remain essential components of the unit.
Culture
ARBC1651 Introduction to Arab Cultures

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prohibitions: ARIS1671 Assessment: 1x10min tutorial presentation (25%), 1x2500wd research project (40%), 1x1000wd reportage (25%), participation (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day Faculty: Arts and Social Sciences
This unit focuses on Arab societies and cultures. Main themes include: national boundaries, ethnic and religious diversity, Islam, Muslim contributions to world civilisations, religion and politics, including colonialism and nationalism, aspects of cultural life, including women and gender issues.
ARBC1652 Visions of Contemporary Arab Cultures

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 2x1hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prohibitions: ARIS1672 Assessment: 1x10min tutorial presentation (25%), 1x2500wd research project (40%), 1x1000wd reportage (25%), participation (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day Faculty: Arts and Social Sciences
This unit examines contemporary Arab cultural productions. It covers the period from the nahdah (Arab renaissance in the XIX century) until today. Main themes include: Arab modernity and the birth of the novel; representation of otherness in Arabic literature; political dissidence and creative writing; visual arts, cinema, music, and popular culture.

2000 level units of study

Language
ARBC2613 Intermediate Arabic 2A

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2x2hr tutorials/week Prerequisites: ARBC1612 Prohibitions: ARBC1311 or ARBC1312 or ARBC2633 or ARBC2634 or ARBC2103 or ARBC3615 or ARBC3616 or ARBC3636 or ARBC3638 or ARBC3639 Assessment: 3x500wd total cultural presentations (5%), 3x500wd quizzes (45%), 2x250wd writing portfolio (10%), 1x1500wd skit/presentation (20%), 2x250wd take-home exercise (10%), participation (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day Faculty: Arts and Social Sciences
This unit continues to build your communicative ability in formal and spoken Arabic. You will move from simple phrases to connected sentences to communicate about familiar topics. You will continue to develop reading and listening strategies with the aim of becoming an autonomous learner. We will explore various cultural topics though in-class discussions. Preparation for class and active participation in small group activities remain essential components of the unit.
ARBC2614 Intermediate Arabic 2B

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 2x2hr tutorials/week Prerequisites: ARBC2613 Prohibitions: ARBC2104 or ARBC1311 or ARBC1312 or ARBC2313 or ARBC2314 or ARBC2633 or ARBC2634 or ARBC3635 or ARBC3636 or ARBC3637 or ARBC3638 or ARBC3639 Assessment: 2x250wd cultural presentations (5%), 3x500wd quizzes (45%), 1x1500wd skit (20%), 2x250wd writing portfolio (10%), 2x250wd take-home exercise (10%), participation (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day Faculty: Arts and Social Sciences
This unit will further your proficiency in reading, speaking, writing, listening, and culture. You will be able to write on and speak about a variety of familiar topics using organized, connected sentences. Learner autonomy will be emphasized through developing your reading and listening strategies that you can apply independently outside the class. Preparation for class and active participation in small group activities remain essential components of the unit.
Culture
ARBC2671 Transnational Muslim Women and Veiling

This unit of study is not available in 2018

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: 12 Junior credit points from Arab Language and Cultures, French Studies, Asian Studies, American Studies, History, Studies in Religion. Assessment: 1x tutorial presentation (equiv to 500wd) (10%),4x250wd short reflection essays (20%), 1x2250wd research project (40%), 1x750wd experimental veiling project (20%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day Faculty: Arts and Social Sciences
This unit examines the history of Muslim veiling, the religious discourses which are regularly cited as dictating a dress code for Muslim women, and the historical, political, regional, and cultural variations in veiling practices. We also consider the multiple meanings that the veil has had for Muslim women, and pay attention to Muslim women's voices of resistance toward stereotypical images of the veil as they are disseminated by the media and by fundamentalist Islamist regimes.
ARBC2680 Artistic Expressions of Arab Diasporas

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: 12 credit points at 1000 level in Arabic Language and Culture Assessment: 1x Tutorial Presentation (500wd equivalent)(20%), 10x100wd Reading and Film Reflections (20%), 1x2000wd Research Project (30%), 1x End of Semester Conference (1000wd equivalent) (20%), Tutorial Participation (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day Faculty: Arts and Social Sciences
This unit examines the cultural production of artists from the Arab world and its diasporas. We look comparatively at the way artists (painters, photographers, musicians, performers) respond to the political and social climates of the societies in which they live and the extent to which they challenge social, political, and religious norms. We offer an overview of the multiple diasporas from which artists work and the influential role they play on the international scene and in social media.
ARBC2681 Gender and Politics in the Arab World

This unit of study is not available in 2018

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Lucia Sorbera Session: Semester 2 Classes: 2x1hr lectures/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: 6 junior credit points in Arabic and Islamic Studies, European Studies, European, Middle Eastern, or 6 junior credit points in Classical Languages or Studies, English, Government, History, Political Economy, Sociology, Media and Communication, Gender and Cultural Studies Assessment: Class participation (10%), Essay plan 1 1000wd (20%), Class presentation 1 500wd (15%), Final essay 1 2000wd (50%), Cultural portfolios 2 1000wd total (5%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day Faculty: Arts and Social Sciences
This unit focuses on the interplay between gender, culture and politics in the Arab world. Representations of gender and sexuality, and their politicization, will be studied through feminist, literary, and historiographical criticism, permitting a deep historical understanding of current debates.
ARBC2210 Screening the Arab World

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x1hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: 12 credit points at 1000 level in Arabic Languages and Culture or 12 credit points at 1000 level in Film Studies Assessment: 2x500wd film reviews (35%), 2x250wd cultural portfolios (10%), 1x2000wd research assignment (35%), 1x1000wd researh oresentation (10%), participation (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day Faculty: Arts and Social Sciences
This unit focuses on the history of cinema in the Arab world. The chefs-oeuvre of Arab cinema, the contemporary independent productions, and the poetic of their authors are studied in relation to the cultural, social and political history of the Arab world.
HSTY2607 Palestine, Israel and the Middle East

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Assoc Prof Dirk Moses Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week and 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: 12 Junior credit points in History, Arabic and Islamic Studies, Hebrew, Biblical and Jewish Studies or 12 credit points at 1000 level in History or 12 credit points at 1000 level in Arabic Language and Culture or 12 credit points at 1000 level in Jewish Civilisation, Thought and Culture Prohibitions: JCTC2008 or GOVT2772 Assessment: 5x200wd lecture posts (15%), 2x750wd film review (30%), 1x2000wd take-home exercise (45%), tutorial participation (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day Faculty: Arts and Social Sciences
This unit provides a historical grounding in the region of the Middle East and its conflicts. It identifies the causes of conflict and attempted avenues for peace, as well the politicised scholarship on the subject. The unit commences in the Ottoman period, and includes the emergence of Zionism and Palestinian nationalism, colonial interests, the role of diasporas, and subsequent geopolitical developments until the present day. It covers political, social, and cultural history, and takes account not only of the official narratives but also of the voices from below. Visual arts, film, and literary texts will be considered as part of the historical narratives about Israel and Palestine.

3000 level units of study

Language
ARBC3615 Advanced Arabic 3A

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2x2hr tutorials/week Prerequisites: ARBC2614 Prohibitions: ARBC2105 or ARBC1311 or ARBC1312 or ARBC2313 or ARBC2314 or ARBC2315 or ARBC2316 or ARBC2633 or ARBC2634 or ARBC3635 or ARBC3636 or ARBC3637 or ARBC3638 Assessment: 3x500wd total cultural presentations (5%), 2x250wd writing portfolio (10%), 1x1500wd skit/presentation (20%), 3x500wd quizzes (45%), 2x250wd take-home exercise (10%), participation (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day Faculty: Arts and Social Sciences
This unit will expand your communication skills in formal and spoken Arabic. You will move from connected sentences toward coherent paragraphs to provide descriptions and narrations. You will be able to discuss and present information about a variety of everyday and personal interest topics. We continue to engage with a variety of cultural topics through asking questions and engaging in group discussions. Preparation for class and active participation in small group activities remain essential components of the unit.
ARBC3616 Advanced Arabic 3B

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 2x2hr tutorials/week Prerequisites: ARBC3615 Prohibitions: ARBC2106 or ARBC1311 or ARBC1312 or ARBC2313 or ARBC2314 or ARBC2315 or ARBC2316 or ARBC2633 or ARBC2634 or ARBC3635 or ARBC3636 or ARBC3637 or ARBC3638 Assessment: 2x300wd writing portfolio (10%), 3x500wd total cultural presentations (5%), 1x1000wd skit/presentation (20%), 3x500wd quizzes (35%), 2x450wd take-home exercise (20%), participation (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day Faculty: Arts and Social Sciences
This unit will further develop your language skills so you are able to express yourself fully on familiar topics as well as concrete social and professional topics. You will address and comprehend some complex issues. You will practice delivering organised, coherent presentations, descriptions and narratives. An understanding of contemporary Arab societies and cultures will be enhanced through examination of supplementary authentic materials. Preparation for class and active participation in small group activities remain essential components of the unit.
ARBC3636 Advanced Media Arabic 1

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2hr seminar/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: ARBC3616 Assessment: 2x1000wd oral presentations (40%), 3x2500wd total written reflections (45%), participation (15%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day Faculty: Arts and Social Sciences
This unit introduces you to Arabic media in its diverse forms and styles, both written and electronic. It allows you to practise your advanced Arabic language skills, enrich your understanding of Arab cultures, and become familiar with specialised vocabulary, structures, and regional variations. In the process, you will develop your analytical and critical skills.
Culture
ARBC3200 Arab and Middle East Politics

This unit of study is not available in 2018

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: 12 Senior credit points from any of; Arabic Language and Cultures; European, Middle Eastern, or Classical Languages or Studies; English; Government; History; Political Economy; Sociology; Media and Communication; Gender and Cultural Studies. Assessment: 1x2000wd research assignment (40%), 1x1000wd research plan (25%), 1x1000wd research presentation (25%), 1x500wd cultural portfolio (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day Faculty: Arts and Social Sciences
This Unit focuses on power, resistance, and political change in the Arab World and Middle East, from the First World War until today. It examines the trajectory of the State, transnational politics, the developments of civil society, mechanisms of power, transformations of gender politics, and resistance to authoritarianism.
ARBC3201 Arab Cities: Texts and Contexts

This unit of study is not available in 2018

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2x1hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: ARBC3616 Assessment: 2x750wd written reflections (30%), 4x125wd homework assignments (15%), 1x1000wd group project (20%), 2x250wd cultural portfolio (5%), 2x500wd presentations (20%), class participation (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day Faculty: Arts and Social Sciences
This unit examines Arab cities in terms of their social, historical, linguistic, religious, and cultural composition. It explores the cities through literature, music, visual arts, and popular culture. Arabic will be the means to the exploration and subject of the investigation in itself.

Interdisciplinary Project units of study

FASS3999 Interdisciplinary Impact

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 1hr lecture/performance event week for 5 weeks 2hr workshop per week for 10 weeks 2hr online learning modules for 5 weeks Prerequisites: 18 credit points at 2000 level Assessment: 1x 2000 wds equivalent Mapping knowledge exercise (30%), 1x 10 minutes Collaborative Presentation (30%), 1x 2000 wds equivalent Critical reflection essay (40%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day Faculty: Arts and Social Sciences
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Interdisciplinarity is a key skill in fostering agility in life and work. This unit provides learning experiences that build students' skills, knowledge and understanding of the application of their disciplinary background to interdisciplinary contexts. In this unit, students will work in teams and develop interdisciplinarity skills through problem-based learning projects responding to 'real world problems'.

Honours

Honours in Arabic Language and Cultures requires 48 credit points from this table including:
(i) 12 credit points of 4000-level Honours Seminar units
(ii) 36 credit points of 4000-level Honours Thesis units

Honours seminar units of study

ARBC4113 Theory and Method in Arab Studies

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2hr seminar/week Assessment: 1x 1500wd commenatary piece (25%), 1x 1500wd presentation (25%), 1x 3000wd research paper (50%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day Faculty: Arts and Social Sciences
This unit examines the scholarly debates that have happened in the fields of Arab, Islamic and Middle East Studies from the emergence of the criticism of Orientalism in the late 1970s until today. The epistemological debates occurred within the Arab intellectual and cultural spheres will be examined, and the critical and theoretical contribution of Arab intellectuals to the arts and social sciences will be surveyed. In both seminar discussion and individual projects, students will examine case studies that will prepare them to critically engage with their research topic.
ARBC4114 Advanced Arabic for Research

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr seminar/week Assessment: 1x 3000wd translation of primary sources (50%), 1x 2000wd abstract of the thesis in Arabic (30%), 1x 1000wd oral presentation in Arabic (20%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day Faculty: Arts and Social Sciences
This unit is designed to enhance the students' ability to select, to read and to critically analyse primary sources in Arabic. They will achieve high proficiency in the specific Arabic terminology of their research field, and will develop written and oral skills to discuss and present academic contents in Arabic.

Honours thesis units of study

ARBC4111 Arabic Language and Cultures Thesis 1

Credit points: 18 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 7 x half-hour supervision meetings/semester, at least. Mode of delivery: Supervision Faculty: Arts and Social Sciences
In this unit you begin a substantial, independent research project in Arabic Languages and Cultures. Regular meetings with a supervisor approved by the Honours Coordinator will guide your progress. You will develop a plan for researching and writing the thesis, submit an ethics application if appropriate, familiarise yourself with disciplinary conventions and standards, engage with relevant literature, theories and methodologies, submit drafts at agreed times, and give a seminar on your work.
ARBC4112 Arabic Language and Cultures Thesis 2

Credit points: 18 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 7 x half-hour supervision meetings/semester, at least. Assessment: 1x 18-20000wd Thesis (100%) Mode of delivery: Supervision Faculty: Arts and Social Sciences
In this unit you complete and submit your substantial independent research project in Arabic Language and Cultures. Regular meetings with a supervisor approved by the Honours Coordinator will guide your progress. You will continue to submit drafts at agreed times, and develop your expertise in relevant research methods and analytical skills as well as in the subject matter of your specialist topic.

Advanced Coursework

The requirements for advanced coursework in Arabic Language and Cultures are described in the degree resolutions for the Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Advanced Studies.
24 credit points of advanced study will be included in the table for 2019.