Modern Standard Arabic - Express courses

Applications for 2025 courses starting in January are now OPEN.

Please click here to register.

These two courses aim to develop students' reading, writing, speaking and listening skills and cover a variety of personal, social, cultural, and political topics. The course tutor will set assignments during the term and provide feedback and assessment on each student's progress. (See below for further details.) The courses follow a largely communicative approach to learning the Arabic language and culture, whereby students are exposed to the structure and vocabulary through texts, audio-visual material and conversation. However instruction on grammatical topics will be regularly incorporated in order to deliver a comprehensive understanding of the language at the appropriate level. Students will also be introduced to various cultural elements relating to the Arab world, including food, dress, festivals, traditions, etiquette, and other cultural practices.

Levels: The course comprises two-hour weekly classes spread over two 10-week terms: Term 1 (Jan.–April), and Term 2 (April–June) focusing on beginner levels (Complete Beginner and Elementary). The first term will focus largely on understanding the structure and use of the language, whereas the second term will concentrate primarily on implementing the vocabulary and grammar through an array of speaking and listening activities.

Level 1A will be held on Fridays from 11.00am–1.00pm

Level 1B will be held on Mondays from 11.30pm–1.30pm.

If you are applying for the Elementary Course (1B), you will be asked to take a Placement Test to assist the Course Tutor in assessing language abilities. (See bottom of the page for details.)

Cost: £420 per course (i.e. two terms, 36 hour course). 

Tutor: Mrs Sara Youssef

Course Timings: Please note all timings given below are subject to change, applicants will be informed of any proposed changes before the start of the term. If you have any questions about course timings please contact the Academic Office on msa@oxcis.ac.uk

Course Location: Classes will take place at the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies building on Marston Road OX3 0EE. Please note we do not provide online learning.

Level 1a – Complete beginners

Course description This course is designed for students who have no or very little previous knowledge or exposure to the Arabic language. In the first term, students will be taught how to read, write and accurately pronounce the Arabic script. The second term will cover the foundations of forming basic sentences in Arabic. The course will cover topics including: greetings and introductions, describing people and objects, ordering at a restaurant, friends and family, work and the workplace, and travelling. By the end of the second term students should have reached Level A1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

Course books: Alif Baa [Georgetown University Press, ISBN: 9781589016323] 

Timings: Fridays 11.00am–1.00pm

17 January  - 14 March 2025 (Term 1)

18 April - 13 June 2025 (Term 2)

Level Arabic 1b – Elementary

Course description This course is designed for beginner students who have little or no knowledge of Arabic grammar or conversation but who can write and read the script (albeit without comprehension). The first term will cover the foundations of forming basic sentences in Arabic. Term 2 will build on these skills and will introduce students to more complex ways of talking about themselves and other subjects. It will also introduce students to using an Arabic root dictionary. The course will cover topics including: greetings and introductions, describing people and objects, ordering at a restaurant, friends and family, work and the workplace, and travelling, talking about the past and present. By the end of the second term students should have reached Level A1+ of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

Course books: Arabic for Life [Yale University Press, ISBN: 9780300141313]

Timings: Mondays 11.30am–1.30pm

13 January  - 10 March 2025 (Term 1)

14 April - 9 June 2025 (Term 2)

Please note that these courses will run with a minimum class size of four.

REGISTRATION: Please click here to register.

Payment: 

You will be invited to pay by bank transfer once the Course Tutor has confirmed your acceptance to your chosen course level. A non-refundable payment of £140 (or £126 if eligible for the discount) should be made by the the start of the course. The balance of £280 (or £252 if eligible for the discount) will be required by 24 February in order to continue and complete the course. If preferred, you may pay the Centre the full course payment (£420.00) in one go by the start of the course. Please confirm which payment option you would prefer once you have received confirmation of acceptance on the course.

Payments should generally be made by bank transfer. Alternatively, by prior arrangement, you may make payment by credit/debit card (Visa and MasterCard) or, if this is not possible, by cash or cheque at the Academic Office. Credit/Debit card payments cannot be made remotely at the present time.

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Students applying for Level 1b (Elementary) will be sent a Placement Test (including audio file) to assist the course tutor in assessing language competence. Course places are limited. Some arrangements may be subject to change. Students will be informed of any changes by text or email before the start of the term. For all enquiries, please contact the Academic Office.

Academic Office
Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies
Marston Road
Oxford OX3 0EE

Tel: +44 (0) 1865 618543, 618500

Email: msa@oxcis.ac.uk