UCL - Interactive communication in Dutch - upper-intermediate level

[NEER1500]

[30h] 3 credits

Teacher(s): Isabelle Demeulenaere(coord.), Rita Fenendael

Language: NL

Level: First

Aims
Main themes
Content and teaching methods
Other information (prerequisite, evaluation (assessment methods), course materials recommended readings, ...)

Aims

The aim of the course it to develop students' interactive communication skills in order to enable them to be operational in formal as well as informal situations. (meetings, conferences, professional contexts as well as visit to friends, travelling, etc) The aim is also to make the students familiar with the Dutch and Flemish culture by making them actively participate in it.

Reading Comprehension

o Students should be able to read articles and reports concerned with contemporary problems in which the writers adopt particular attitudes or viewpoints.

B2 level of the " Common European Framework for Languages "

Listening Comprehension

o Students should be able to understand extended speech and lectures provided the topic is reasonably
familiar.
o Students should be able to undersand most TV news and current affair programmes and films provided
standard language is used.
B2 level of the " Common European Framework for Languages "

Speaking Skills

Individual :
o Students should be able to deliver a clear, prepared talk on a chosen topic and create interaction with
the public
o Students should be able to account for and sustain their views by giving explanations and arguments
Interactive :
o Students should be able to interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction
with native speakers quite possible
o Students should be able to take an active part in discussions in familiar contexts, accounting for and
sustaining their views.
B2 level of the " Common European Framework for Languages "

Writing Skills

o Students should be able to write a simple connected text on a wide range of subjects related to their interests.
o Students should be able to write an essay or report, passing on information or giving reasons in support of or against a particular point of view.
B1 level of the " Common European Framework for Languages "

Code

Vocabulary : development and widening of vocabulary, beyond the basic 2000 words.Grammar : reinforcement of specific Dutch grammatical structures by doing productive and interactive exercises The use of the code is seen primarily in a communicative perspective without neglecting correctness.

Culture

Throughout the development of the different language skills, the aim is to make students more aware of the Flemish and Dutch culture : cultural activities, film, reading the press, reading literature

Main themes

The course is based on practicing interactive communication. The activities done in class aim at developing spontaneous communication while developing at the same time the mastery of the code (vocabulary, grammar). These activities stimulate real situations which require oral proficiency and, to a lesser extent, written skills. Among the activities suggested : role plays, debates on various topics chosen by the teacher and/or the students, more or less directed discussions based on articles, films, video sequences, books Students are required to organise a one-hour class, a debate, a role play, suggest a discussion topic (which can be study-related or not), deliver a formal or less formal talk, During this session, they are asked to create interaction with the public. All these activities require some preparation work to be done by the students who are also themselves responsible for perfecting their linguistic knowledge (vocabulary study, revision of grammatical points,). Teachers will guide them in this work and a self-tuition centre (with multimedia room) is at the students' disposal at the language institute.

Content and teaching methods

- 30-hours course taught 1 hour a week throughout the academic year
- Intended for students of all faculties - 3 ECTS

Prerequisites :
Good productive knowledge of basic grammar and vocabulary
Level B1+ for receptive and productive skills

Aims :
Developing interactive communication skills
Reinforcing and developing vocabulary beyond the basic level
Developing knowledge of Dutch and Flemish culture
B2 level of the CEF for the speaking skills (main objective)
B2 level for the reading, listening and B1 level for the writing skills

Contents and pedagogical approach :
- listening and reading comprehension exercises
- individual and interactive speaking exercises
- writing exercises (to some extent)
- texts and activities on subjects of general interest (culture, current affairs)
- reinforcement of specific Dutch language structures through productive and interactive exercises

Evaluation :
continuous assessment, oral exam.

Other information (prerequisite, evaluation (assessment methods), course materials recommended readings, ...)

A 30-hour course taught one hour a week throughout the academic year

Requirements
This course of upper-intermediate level requires a good productive knowledge of basic Dutch grammar and vocabulary. Students should have reached an Upper-B1 level (reading, listening and speaking) of the " Common European Framework for Languages (European Council)

- Workload

Classroom hours: 30
Self-study : 42

- Guidance

Course taught in groups of 15 to 20 students.
Every teacher has at least one office-hour a week and can be contacted by e-mail.
Accompaniment at the Self-Tuition Centre (CAA) and the Multimedia Room (SMM)

- Teaching Material

o Texts, exercises, distributed to students throughout the year

- Evaluation

o Continuous assessment which takes into account the active participation to class activities, the work done (essay writing) and the talk (presentation).o Oral exam based on a cultural file compiled by the student and containing a critical report on at least two cultural activities in which the student has participated (visit of a museum, concert, film, book,)