Dutch communication skills for Law students - Upper-intermediate level
[NEER2421]
[30h] 3 credits
This course is taught in the 1st & 2d semester.
Teacher(s): Lutgarde Schrijvers, Marie-Paule Vanelderen(coord.)
Language: NL
Level: Second
Aims
Reading Comprehension:
This course focuses on developing the student's autonomy in reading comprehension The student should be able to read authentic articles concerned with contemporary and field-related subjects and to understand the particular viewpoints adopted by the writer.
Level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
Listening Comprehension
Individual :
- To be able to follow a presentation or a lecture provided the topic is reasonably familiar and field-related.
- To be able to understand most TV news and current affairs programs provided the topic is reasonably familiar (field-related).
Interactive :
- To be able to understand most of what is said in an everyday conversation provided standard language is being used.
Level B2- of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
Speaking Skills (main objective)
Individual :
- To be able to give a prepared and cleary developed presentation on a field-related subject and to manage the following debate .
- To be able to explain briefly his or her viewpoint on a topical issue using cohesive devices to link his/her utterances into clear, coherent discourse.
Interactive :
- To be able to take part in a conversation about a familiar subject, to express his/her personal opinion and to exchange information about that subject.
- To be able to take an active part in discussion in familiar contexts, accounting for and sustaining his/her views.
Level B1+ of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
Writing Skills:
- To be able to write a short report, summary or formal letter in order to pass on factual information.
Level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
Code
Vocabulary : consolidation of basic vocabulary (+/- 2000 words) and assimilation of specific vocabulary (+/- 1000 words)
Grammar: consolidation of the command of the basic and more complex structures of the Dutch language.
The use of vocabulary and grammar is seen from a communicative viewpoint Nevertheless, accuracy is not neglected.
Culture:
In the development of all the above-mentioned skills the course will aim at making the students aware of Dutch and Flemish cultural aspects.
Main themes
Content and teaching methods
1) presentation and activation of language functions related to the professional life (everyday socializing, telephoning, contributing to / organizing and conducting a meeting, taking part in a jobinterview / a negotiation, writing formal letters, a memorandum, an e-mail, ).
2) Individual and interactive speaking activities related to the field of study. This part includes a presentation on a topic related to the field of study and a 30- minute-debate.
These activities require a certain amount of preparation on the part of the student, who has to improve his or her linguistic knowledge autonomously. The teacher will advise him/her in that matter and the Self-tuition Centre of the Institute is at his/her disposal.
Other information (prerequisite, evaluation (assessment methods), course materials recommended readings, ...)
The course being of upper-intermediate level, the productive command of basic grammar and vocabulary as well as the command of the language skills as described for the course of the first year (NEER 1821 intermediate level) are required.
Assessment:
- Continuous assessment which takes into account the student's work and participation, his /her oral presentation and tests.
- Oral exam based on a file of press articles and presentations given in class
Course material
Course notes : Interactieve Communicatie
+ reading file with vocabulary lists
Training staff:
Classes in groups of 15 to 18 students.
The teacher is available during his office hours and can be contacted by e-mail.
Guidance is also provided at the Self-tuition Centre.
Workload
- Classroom hours : 30 hours
- Self-study : 42 hours