Module manager: Adam Gargani
Email: A.Gargani@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
This module is for people who have no or limited previous knowledge of Quranic Arabic but who are already able to read the Arabic script. This module is not for you if you are already able to understand the Quran in the original Arabic. It is not possible to take this module if you are enrolled on a single or joint honours degree programme in Arabic
This module is approved as a discovery module
This module is approved as a skills discovery module
This module covers basic Quranic Arabic that you can use to understand the Quran both when reading and listening. Quranic Arabic is the language of the Quran and is the basis of the standardised literary form of Arabic used since the 7th century. This module is designed for people who have no or limited previous knowledge of Quranic Arabic but who are already able to read the Arabic script. If this module runs in both semesters, you can take it in either semester 1 or semester 2 but not both. Please note this is an optional module and runs subject to enrolments. If a low number of students choose this module, then the module may not run and you may be asked to choose another module.
Through this module you study the basic Quranic Arabic language needed to read and understand the language of the Quran following the key themes of theology, law and religious practice, and parables, including stories about the prophets. You will learn relevant vocabulary, start to become familiar with the sounds of the language, and gain basic knowledge of Quranic Arabic grammar. Class activities involve reading aloud and for gist, analysis of basic sentence structures and relations between words (shared roots and patterns), using appropriate resources, and translation, and involve working in pairs or groups. You are expected to self study between classes as well as preparing for the assessment. You are encouraged to make use of the resources in the Language Zone (https://students.leeds.ac.uk/languagezone), use digital resources, and engage in other opportunities to put language skills into practice outside the taught sessions.
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
1. Read aloud an extract of the Quran with sufficient clarity to be understood by those familiar with Quranic Arabic.
2. Analyse the use of high-frequency vocabulary, grammatical structures and relations between words (shared roots and patterns) in an extract of the Quran in order to map Quranic Arabic to an English translation.
3. Identify and persevere with opportunities by adopting appropriate learning strategies
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practicals | 10 | 2 | 20 |
| Private study hours | 80 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 20 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 100 | ||
80
Feedback in class on grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation. Feedback on a draft video.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Video | 100 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 12/05/2026
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