Cert HE Arabic, Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies

Year 1

(Award available for year: Certificate of Higher Educ)

Learning outcomes

On completion of the programme, students should demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- Key themes, events and issues associated with the principal beliefs of Islam, interpretation of key texts within Middle Eastern Religions, Arab and Islamic history, culture and society;
- How to evaluate the appropriateness of different approaches to problem-solving in the study of Middle Eastern and Islamic values, cultures and societies;
- Basic skills in Arabic language;
- How to evaluate and apply different approaches to ethical issues;
- Global and cultural perspectives on Middle Eastern culture and the Islamic tradition;
- How to use basic generic and subject-specific intellectual qualities to:
Communicate the results of their work,
Present a structured and coherent simple argument,
Interpret and evaluate the concepts and principles underlying the study of Islamic Studies and the Middle East,
Evaluate the reliability and accuracy of the source,
Appreciate their strengths and weaknesses as learners.

Transferable (key) skills

Students will have had the opportunity to acquire, as defined in the modules specified for the programme:
- Ability to analyse and critically evaluate issues in Islamic Studies and to relate theoretical understanding to experience;
- Ability to analyse and critically evaluate issues affecting the Middle East and to relate theoretical understanding to experience;
- Academic skills required for enquiry along with the ability to communicate information, understanding arguments and analysis in a variety of forms;
- Professional qualities and skills necessary for employment and professional development.

Assessment

Achievement will be assessed by a variety of methods in accordance with the learning outcomes of the modules specified for the programme and will include:
- Continuous activities are given on regular basis to monitor the students understanding, and an opportunity to provide feedback;
- Presentation allows students to reflect on their learning experiences, their own research, and enhance their communication skills;
- Essay is a mean of independent learning and research; while allowing students to develop their ideas through critical analysis. The student will have also acquired the skills of time-planning, and meeting deadlines;
- Exam confirms and consolidates understanding of the course.

The range of assessment provides students with the opportunity to:
- Demonstrate understanding of relevant concepts and theoretical perspectives in Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies;
- Demonstrate acquisition of skills in Arabic language;
- Use of range of formats for assessed work that develop skills of effective communication for academic settings;
- To explore new ideas and to test, evaluate and criticise received opinion.