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Arabic Immersion
Year

Arabic Immersion Year Overview

The Arabic Immersion Year is tailored for students of Islamic knowledge who have progressed beyond the foundational level. The year-long course provides an immersive environment for students to improve in their knowledge of Arabic grammar and morphology, as well as further develop their skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing in the Arabic language. Students who successfully complete all modules of the Arabic Immersion Year (including written assignments and examinations) will be awarded a Diploma in Classical Arabic Language.

Qualification

Diploma in Classical Arabic Language

The Diploma in Classical Arabic Language is awarded upon satisfactory completion of the Arabic Immersion Year.

Students’ aptitude is tested throughout the year through a series of examinations and assignments designed to prepare the student for their termly and end of year exams. The outcome of these exams will form the substance of the certification.

Students will be issued a transcript of their results and can request an academic reference from the Institute to aid in their undergraduate or postgraduate applications. They will also be eligible to apply for entry onto subsequent stages of the ISP.

Entry Requirements for the 2023-2024 Academic Year:

Language Proficiency
Classical Arabic
Time Commitment
Practical Considerations

Classical Arabic Language

Students will be expected to demonstrate proficiency in Classical Arabic to the level of a Foundation Year student, or equivalent. This will include being able to have sound understanding of introductory Arabic grammar and basic comprehension of Arabic sentences with diacritics (tashkil).

Students will be required to complete a placement test in order to assess their Arabic language proficiency. If they do not have proficiency they will be eligible to apply for the Foundation Year instead.

Time Commitment

Students are expected to spend approximately 6 – 8 hours per week during term time in independent study. As a general rule, we recommend students complementing each hour of teaching with approximately 1 hour of personal study.

There may also be some scheduled tutorials and/or online classes for students to additionally benefit from.

Course Structure

The programme is delivered by a series of live-streamed lectures and tutorials, and students will also have access to a number of seminars and tutorials uploaded onto the ASI Portal to review and revise at their own convenience. The Arabic Immersion Year consists of six mandatory modules, covering Arabic Grammar, Morphology, Grammatical Parsing, Applied Arabic, Arabic Composition & Tafsir. Students will also have the opportunity to join us on two scheduled student retreats per year, an Arabic Summer School, day trips and SU events, during which students can benefit from the company of their peers, teachers and staff. We strongly encourage attendance at these events in order for students to not forget or become disconnected from the blessings of good company.

Teaching Delivery

Introduction

Our unique four-tier structure makes our Islamic Scholarship Programmes unlike any other. The Programmes are split into four distinct levels: Foundation Year, Quran Study Programme, Arabic Immersion Year, and the Alimiyyah Programme. These four programmes together form the UK’s first part-time ‘Alimiyyah Degree taught exclusively in the English language.

Core Lectures

Students of the Islamic Scholarship Programme all gather for the compulsory lectures on ‘Study Sundays’. These are the core lectures that take place during term-time over 30 weeks. They provide the core information to be further applied in tutorials, essays, and examinations. Core lectures are streamed live to our students around the world. Thereafter, recordings are made available to all students via the ASI Portal.

Tutorials

Tutorials take place during a weekday evening, usually lasting no more than two hours. Tutorials allow students to review their answers or theories developed over the duration of the course. They also allow students to explore ideas that arise in discussions with peers and tutors alike.

Workshops

Workshops are arranged to provide practical study experience that may not always be available in a formal classroom setting. From Islamic funeral rites to essential study skills, these workshops provide a more holistic approach to a student’s further studies.

Seminars

Seminars on the Arabic Immersion year are intended to introduce students to new areas of study and develop their thinking and perspective into a more nuanced understanding. For Arabic Immersion Year students, these are often provided as day-long intensives on topics such as the Etiquettes of a Student of Knowledge, Arabic Skills Workshops or Classical Arabic Literature seminars.

Arabic Refresher Course

Al-Salam Institute will be teaching a live online 4-day intensive Arabic Refresher Course in July. This carefully constructed double-weekend course is intended to assist students who have previously completed foundational Arabic either at ASI or elsewhere to refresh and enhance their knowledge. The course is ideal for prospective students of the Arabic Immersion Year or Quran Study Programme.

This £300 course is available for free for students who enrol onto the Arabic Immersion Year or Quran Study Programme and require a refresher.

The course aims to cover key rules of Arabic grammar and morphology to help students reconnect with their previous studies. Additionally, students will practice applying these rules through in-class activities and homework exercises. With many students losing touch with their Arabic language skills, this course offers an excellent opportunity to refresh their memory and resume their studies.

This course is free for all prospective Arabic Immersion Year students who need to refresh their Arabic language skills to pass the respective programme placement test.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the Arabic Refresher Course, students must first complete the application form for either the Arabic Immersion Year or the Quran Study Programme. They must then complete the respective placement tests, which will be emailed to them upon submission of the application.

Dates

15th – 16th July and 22nd – 23rd July

Fees

£300 – deductible from the Arabic Immersion Year fees for students wishing to progress onto AIY.

Term dates for the 2023-2024 Academic Year:

Induction Day:
Sunday 1st October 2023
Autumn term:
Sunday 8th October 2023 – Sunday 17th December 2023*
Winter term:
Sunday 7th January 2024 – Sunday 3rd March 2024
Spring term:
Sunday 21st April 2024 – Sunday 30th June 2024
Core Lectures:
30 full-day lectures on Sundays during the academic term-time
Workshops:
2-5 half-day practical sessions on Saturdays throughout the calendar year
Seminars:
8-15 one-day intensive seminars throughout the calendar year
Residentials**:
Winter 2023: 7th - 10th December
Spring 2024: TBC

Term dates may be subject to change.
*No live Sunday classes on 10th December due to Winter Retreat. See dates above
**Residentials are elective programmes and are priced separately

Overview

MODULES
UNITS
CREDITS
Morphology
  • Unit 1: Arabic Morphology
  • Seminar 1: Introduction to Arabic Morphology
30
Grammar
  • Unit 1: Arabic Grammar
  • Seminar 1: Introduction to Arabic Grammar
30
Grammatical Parsing
  • Unit 1: Grammatical Parsing
30
Applied Arabic
  • Unit 1: Applied Arabic
  • Tutorial 1: Arabic Language and Literature
30
Arabic Composition
  • Unit 1: Translation & Composition
30
Quranic Studies
  • Unit 1: Quranic Exegesis
  • Seminar 1: Exegesis of The Last Ten Surahs
  • Seminar 2: Coherence of the Quran
30
Skills and Training
  • Workshop 1: Arabic Study Skills
  • Seminar 1: Etiquettes of a Student
  • Seminar 2: Academic Writing and Research Methodology
AUX

Arabic Morphology

Unit 1:
Arabic Morphology
Seminar 1:
Introduction to Arabic Morphology

Overview

The science of morphology is the study of the structure, formation and patterns of words. Having studied this science before, students on the Arabic Immersion Year will learn this science even more comprehensively and in the Arabic medium with Shaykh Akram Nadwi’s classical Arabic textbook on the foundations of morphology, Mabadi’ al-Tasrif. Students will complete his book and gain the skill of extracting any given word from a text, determining its stem and using that knowledge to derive various other words through the knowledge of word templates.

Primary Text

Mabādi’ al-Taṣrīf

About the Text

Mabadi al-Tasrif is part of a series of five books written by Shaykh Akram Nadwi in order to introduce the sciences of Quran, Hadith, Islamic law and Arabic language. The book provides an introduction to Sarf in a concise yet comprehensive manner, making it a suitable book for Intermediate students.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this module students should be able to:

• Identify 8 types of nominal derivatives, their patterns, meanings and be able to form them with any given root letters
• Confidently recall the verb forms and be able to recognise them in texts within their various patterns
• Demonstrate mastery of the following verb forms: trilateral verb forms 1-15 sound, hamzated, doubled, initial-weak, middle-weak, end-weak, dual-weak and the quadrilateral verb forms 1-4
• Recognise the above verbs and their appearance in all three cases and in all 14 pronominal conjugations
• Form words when provided appropriate root letters and a context

Arabic Grammar

Unit 1:
Arabic Grammar
Seminar 1:
Introduction to Arabic Grammar

Overview

While morphology teaches the study of the patterns of individual words, grammar teaches the principles governing how to link individual words into phrases and sentences and what meaning is respectively formed after they are brought together. These two approaches are commonly known as syntax and semantics respectively. Every word in Arabic has some syntactic and/or semantic effect on a given sentence, therefore every type of word must be studied. Students will be given a firm grounding in the fundamentals of Arabic grammar in order to be able to confidently analyse the place of each word in a given sentence, derive its meaning and by the end of the year being able to easily and accurately read intermediate level Arabic texts.

Primary Text

Mabādi’ al-Nahw

About the Text

Mabadi al-Nahw is part of a series of five books written by Shaykh Akram Nadwi in order to introduce the sciences of Quran, Hadith, Islamic law and Arabic language. The book provides an introduction to grammar in a concise yet comprehensive manner, making it a suitable book for Intermediate students.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this unit students should be able to:

• Know the qualities that each type of word in Arabic possesses
• Understand the grammatical agents, majzumat, mansubat, marfuʿat and majrurat that govern the case of a word
• Dissect each individual component of a given sentence with respect to the words grammatical title, function, case and case indicator
• Recognise all the phrases of the Arabic language and their respective rules in order eloquently form them
• Comprehend the types of sentences employed in classical Arabic and their individual function as part of a larger passage

Grammatical Parsing

Unit 1:
Grammatical Parsing

Overview

Al-Iʿrāb, or grammatical parsing, is a classical sub-science or an off-shoot of Arabic grammar. This science breaks down the individual components of sentences and ascribes a fixed Arabic recitation, or template, to each individual component, providing students an easier way to understand Arabic grammar applied in texts.

Primary Text

ASI I’rab Workbook

About the Text

This textbook is part of ASI’s own specially designed course materials. Many books have been written in classical Arabic about grammatical parsing, but virtually no books exist on this topic in the English language. The textbook, chapter-by-chapter, introduces grammatical titles, provides a brief, yet comprehensive grammatical explanation and then gives numerous examples of that grammatical title with its respective Arabic parsing in each type of sentence. The English translation of each parsing is also provided to support students at this intermediate level in their study of Arabic.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this unit students should be able to:

• Expand upon the knowledge gained in Arabic grammar from module two, i.e. the syntax and semantics of Arabic words
• Confidently recall from memory the classical Arabic templates for grammatically parsing individual words
• Isolate words from sentences and give their grammatical parsing which includes a fixed template for the grammatical function of a word, its case, case indicator and its respective position

Applied Arabic

Unit 1:
Applied Arabic
Tutorial:
Arabic Language and Literature

Overview

Applied Arabic is an opportunity for students to practice the sciences of the Arabic language, namely grammar and morphology and apply them to practical situations via reading, writing, listening and speaking exercises. Students will read intermediate-advanced level texts, translate a pre-written paragraph about each text into Arabic, take part in group reading and speaking exercises and to listen to a short audio-clip of a lecture, sermon, documentary or seminar in Arabic on the same topic of the reading for the week. The class is largely interactive and will be initially taught in a mix of Arabic and English; however, the instructor will gradually teach in Arabic only as the year progresses.

Primary Texts

Al-ʿArabiyyatu Lil-Nāshiʿīn
ASI Applied Workbook

About the Texts

Al-ʿArabiyyatu Lil-Nāshiʿīn is a six-volume textbook consisting of a variety of articles in classical Arabic on Islamic-themed topics, such as stories of the prophets, the companions of the prophet Muhammad (pbuh), historical events in Islamic history, general articles on spiritual and personal development and more. Students will be reading extracts from books 4, 5 and 6 of this series. By term 2, students will be reading publications by established scholars and writers that already assume the reader is fluent in the Arabic language. Each text is followed with comprehension questions and exercises.

The module is supplemented by our bespoke Applied Workbook, which clearly set outs each weeks teaching, provides the vocabulary words for each text (between 40-100 vocabulary words per text) and includes sections on listening, writing and translation.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this unit students should be able to:

• Read and comprehend intermediate to advanced-level texts without a need for the vowels
• Demonstrate a wide range of vocabulary by being exposed to more than 2000 new vocabulary words
• Possess the confidence and ability to listen, on one’s own initiative, to Arabic videos and audio recordings with an intermediate level of comprehension
• Demonstrate excellent writing and translation skills
• Carry more complex multi-layered conversations with their peers in different contexts
• Build upon the growing confidence in all skills of the Arabic language.

Arabic Composition

Unit 1:
Translation & Composition

Overview

There are three types of Arabic that an Arabic language student may learn: colloquial/dialectical Arabic, Modern Standard Arabic and classical Arabic. Each are like a language of their own, often with their own vocabulary and even rules in grammar. Students at Al-Salam Institute have a primary interest in classical Arabic and, therefore, this module aims to train students in how to both translate and compose their own works in classical Arabic. This is a unique module in which students are able to get hands on experience with the Arabic language, learning how to express themselves accurately and eloquently.

Primary Text

ASI Writing & Composition Workbook

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this module, students should be able to:

• Be able to accurately translate intermediate level texts from English to Arabic
• Be able to compose original pieces in Arabic on a variety of subjects
• Demonstrate a basic understanding of Arabic idiom and expression
• Benefit spiritually and intellectually from the content presented in each story/piece

Quranic Studies

Unit 1:
Quranic Exegesis
Seminar:
Exegesis of the Last Ten Surahs

Overview

In this module various Chapters (surah) of the Quran will be studied with theological, legal and spiritual emphases. Classical and contemporary interpretations of the Quran in the Muslim world will also be discussed and critically analysed, as well as highlighting the concept of thematic and structural coherence in the Quran; a concept which was developed by the great Indian scholar Mawlana Hamid al-Din Farahi (d.1930).

Primary Text

The Quran

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this unit students should be able to:

• Demonstrate a knowledge of the major exegetical types and works
• Critically analyse and evaluate Quranic exegetical works
• Relate multiple meanings of Quranic text by reference to exegetical works
• Demonstrate critical ability to deduct theological, legal and spiritual meanings from the Quranic verses by following correct exegetical methodology

Skills and Training

Workshop 1:
Arabic Study Skills
Seminar 1:
Etiquettes of a Student
Seminar 2:
Academic Writing and Research Methodology

Overview

The Skills and Training module consists of the essential skills that will enhance the students’ development whilst at ASI. Students who have entered onto the programme without any prior studies in the science of Quran recitation (tajwid) will be able to study the theory and practice of the discipline in supplementary classes conducted online. Similarly, etiquettes of a student of knowledge is an essential point of study for those embarking upon the noble path of religious knowledge. In addition, Academic Writing and Research Methodology will detail the best practices in constructing a written paper, transliterating from Arabic into English (and back again), and referencing methods in academic articles, journals and assignments.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this module students should be able to:
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of the theory (rules) of tajwid
• Recite the last ten Surahs of the Quran from memory
• Appreciate the values and etiquettes sought after in a student of Islamic knowledge
• Demonstrate an understanding of the most crucial elements of academic writing and study skills
• Confidently reference using the most popular referencing methods, including Chicago and Harvard
• Understand the need for consistent transliteration and demonstrate proficiency in this regard

Assessment

Students are expected to complete a series of assessments in order to graduate from the Arabic Immersion Year. At ASI, we use a variety of formative and summative assessments throughout the duration of the course. There will be termly examinations in the sub-sciences of the Arabic language and students will also be required to submit weekly Arabic composition pieces that are assessed as part of their final grade. Assessments take place online and must be completed within the assessment window.

Further information on assessments will be provided upon enrolment.

Progression

Students that successfully graduate from the Arabic Immersion Year will be eligible to apply for two programmes; the Quran Study Programme or the Alimiyyah Programme. The Quran Study Programme will provide a unique opportunity to study the Quran over three years in order to deeply engage with the Book of Allah. The Alimiyyah Programme is a rigorous 5-year programme for students that seek to gain a thorough grounding in the Islamic Sciences.

For further information on these programmes, please visit our Admissions page.

Where and when do the classes take place?

The classes are held live online on Sundays.

Are the programmes taught in English?

Yes. All of the programmes are taught in the English language. Many of the texts are studied in the original Arabic with translation, explanation, and tuition in English.

I have a very busy schedule and cannot always dedicate an entire Sunday to my studies. Are the classes mandatory to attend?

Yes and no. Due to recent events we have been able to successfully launch all our courses online, thereby becoming a worldwide course provider. Our students have some level of flexibility to allow for the differences in time zones. However, we strongly recommend for all students to attend all classes live.

Can I study entirely online?

Yes. Each of the programmes can be studied online from start to finish. Further, recorded access is available for all core lectures until the end of the academic year.

Does Shaykh Akram Nadwi teach the entire programme?

No. There are over 20 faculty members teaching the Islamic Scholarship Programmes who are experts in their respective fields. Shaykh Akram teaches certain modules in each programme and authorises graduation from ASI, but he does not teach everything!

Is the Alimiyyah Programme recognised by Nadwat al-‘Ulama or any national or international universities?

At the moment – no. The entire programme is authorised by Shaykh Akram Nadwi.

How will I be assessed?

Students are assessed by a mixture of written assignments and examinations, as well as an independent research project in the final year.

Do I have to sit the exams in the UK even if I live abroad?

No. All exams and assignments are conducted online via the ASI Portal. The final year (graduation) exams are required to be sat onsite. Students living outside of the UK are able to sit these exams at a designated test centre near to their location.

Are the Residential programmes included?

Yes and no. The Residential programmes, which includes two Student Retreats based in the UK, as well as international trips such as the Knowledge Retreat and Sacred Sciences Journey, exist in order to enable students to spend time together in good company, study together and on SSJ's to spend time visiting and gaining ijazah from some of the leading scholars of the Muslim world. However, they are elective programmes and are priced separately. Find out more.

What happens once I graduate?

Graduates of ASI are marked by their embodiment of religious knowledge and are encouraged to contribute to society through their writings, actions, and dealings with others. Graduates may also choose to pursue post-graduate study in order to specialise in legal verdicts, hadith classification, or Arabic language.

What are the tuition fees?

Tuition starts from £1,800 per annum. For further details please visit: https://alsalam.ac.uk/fees/


Can I enrol one year at a time, instead of the entire programme at once?

Yes.

How many teaching hours are there per week?

There are 7-8 hours of core lectures on a weekly basis, as well as an average of 4 hours per week of seminars and tutorials.

How many hours of independent study is recommended?

We recommend 4 hours of independent study per week, in addition to the core lectures on Sundays.

I live outside of London. Should I attend onsite or online?

Online; all of our classes are now being held live online.

What are the entry requirements to join my intended programme?

Entry requirements for each programme are detailed on their respective pages. Generally, the entry requirements for each programme is successful completion of the preceding programme (or equivalent).

I have been studying the Islamic sciences for quite a while on my own, do I have to start at the Foundation Year?

No. Students who have already graduated from an Islamic studies programme may be eligible to enter directly into a programme more suited to their educational history.

How can I determine which level I should enrol onto?
Will I automatically be enrolled onto the following year?

No. Entry onto the next year of your chosen programme is subject to satisfactory results in the end of year examinations.

Where do I sign up?

Visit our Islamic Scholarship Programmes page to find the right programme for you and apply.

Tuition Fees for 2024-25 academic year

Single Payment (GBP)
Instalment Plan (GBP)
Over 3 consecutive months
3x
Total
*Ramadan / Early Bird
£1,800
£700
£2,100
Full Price
£2,100
£800
£2,400

 

*Ramadan Discount Ends: 5th May 2024

 

Apply Now Online

The online enrolment option is available for all students who wish to study the Arabic Immersion Year. The classes are streamed live online to students all over the world via the ASI Virtual Portal. Lessons are streamed at high-definition with a multi-camera setup, facilitating an interactive learning environment for dynamic student engagement and participation.

Apply Now

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