THE UNIVERSITY of EDINBURGH

DEGREE REGULATIONS & PROGRAMMES OF STUDY 2026/2027

Draft Edition - Due to be published Thursday 9th April 2026

Timetable information in the Course Catalogue may be subject to change.

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DRPS : Course Catalogue : School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures : Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies

Undergraduate Course: Introduction to Quranic Arabic (IMES08054)

Course Outline
SchoolSchool of Literatures, Languages and Cultures CollegeCollege of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Credit level (Normal year taken)SCQF Level 8 (Year 1 Undergraduate) AvailabilityAvailable to all students
SCQF Credits20 ECTS Credits10
SummaryIntroduction to Quranic Arabic introduces students to the fundamentals of Islam's literary form of Arabic used in the Quran which is unlike Modern Standard Arabic. The course involves the study of basic grammar, vocabulary, and script. Open to students from any background or discipline, the course provides the skills to engage with simple Quranic texts while exploring their cultural and historical context. It is worth 20 credits, runs in Semester 2, and is accessible to students who have completed an elementary Arabic course or have some prior knowledge of the Arabic alphabet.
Course description Introduction to Quranic Arabic introduces students to the fundamentals of Islam's literary form of Arabic used in the Quran which is unlike Modern Standard Arabic. The course involves the study of basic grammar, vocabulary, and script, and is open to students from any background or discipline. Students will engage with simple Quranic texts, develop essential language skills, and explore the cultural and historical context of the Quran. The course is worth 20 credits and runs in Semester 2. Completion of an elementary Arabic language course, such as Arabic 1 a or the Introductory Arabic Language course, is sufficient to enrol. Some prior knowledge of Arabic, including familiarity with the alphabet, is required. Students are encouraged to contact the course organiser for guidance on the appropriate level.

Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
Pre-requisites Co-requisites
Prohibited Combinations Other requirements None
Information for Visiting Students
Pre-requisitesIf you are a visiting student you must first pass an entrance test before you will be allowed to take the course. Please contact LLC.taughtenquiries@ed.ac.uk to make arrangements.
High Demand Course? Yes
Course Delivery Information
Academic year 2026/27, Available to all students (SV1) Quota:  0
Course Start Semester 2
Timetable Timetable
Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) Total Hours: 200 ( Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 4, Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours 196 )
Assessment (Further Info) Written Exam 0 %, Coursework 100 %, Practical Exam 0 %
Additional Information (Assessment) Coursework: 100%

Mid Semester Test: 40% [meets LOs 1-5]

Two Assessed Homework assignments, each weighted at 30% (2 x 30% = 60%) [meets LOs 2,3, and 4)

Both the mid-semester test and the assessed assignments contribute to meeting the Learning Outcomes. By passing these components, students demonstrate the skills and understanding required across all of the Learning Outcomes for the course.
Feedback Students will receive written feedback on summative and formative assessments of the course, with marks and feedback made available in line with the University¿s timeframe policy for returning assessed work. The feedback provided will be constructive and forward-looking, helping students apply what they have learned to subsequent assignments. A dedicated feedback session will also be arranged to give students the opportunity to discuss their work, ask questions, and further develop their skills.
No Exam Information
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
  1. Differentiate between Quranic Arabic and Modern Standard Arabic, understanding their historical and linguistic distinctions
  2. Identify and analyse the unique linguistic features of Quranic Arabic
  3. Apply Arabic grammar concepts to the analysis of Quranic texts, enhancing comprehension and translation skills
  4. Translate selected Ayat/Surahs (verses/chapters) of the Quran, and identify frequently occurring Quranic vocabulary in verses
  5. Understand how Quranic Arabic has shaped cultural values and social practices
Reading List
None
Additional Information
Graduate Attributes and Skills Studying this course supports the development of a range of personal and professional skills. Students will enhance critical thinking and analytical skills through Quranic texts, and improve communication skills by engaging with both written and spoken Arabic. Working with culturally and linguistically diverse materials fosters cultural awareness, adaptability, and global citizenship, while managing coursework and language tasks strengthens independent learning, time management, and self-motivation. These transferable skills align with the University¿s Graduate Attributes, preparing students for further study, professional contexts, and life long learning.
KeywordsQuranic Arabic,Arabic language,Arabic script,Islamic studies
Contacts
Course organiserMrs Alaa Alshaikh Sulaiman
Tel:
Email: Alaa.Sulaiman@ed.ac.uk
Course secretary
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