Intermediate Dutch for Social Science [ LNEER1810 ]

This course is of intermediate level and students should have a good knowledge of the basic grammar and vocabulary.
They should also  master the receptive skills described in the course LFLTR1250 and LFLTR1730.

The course deals with general topics related to social science and themes linked to the student's domains (history of Flanders and the Netherlands, Flemish art, etc.).

Reading Comprehension :

• The student should be able to understand the essential meaning of standard texts and the author's viewpoint
• The student should be able to understand the essential meaning of standard texts related to his/her field of specialization.

Level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages

Listening Comprehension :

• The student should be able to understand an informal conversation in standard Dutch on everyday subjects and current events
• The student should be able to understand a radio or television programme related to his/her field of specialization

Level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages

Speaking Skills

The student can expose his/her point of view, can keep with  some ease a conversation or discussion with a native speaker, in standard language on a general topic or a topic related to his/her field of study.

Level B1+ of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages

Writing Skills :

The student can write a personal letter or a short report in which he expresses his point of view

Level B1- of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages

Code :

• Vocabulary : increase of the standard vocabulary and broadening of the student's range of specialized vocabulary
• Grammar : consolidation of the command of the more complex structures of the Dutch language.

Culture :

In the development of all the above-mentioned skills,  the course aims at making the student aware of  Dutch cultural aspects

• Continuous assessment which takes into account the student's active participation and preparation to the classroom activities, vocabulary and grammar tests,  presentations
• Written test at the end of the first semester (code: general vocabulary of Reading Portfolio and grammar)
• Written test at the end of the second semester on field-related vocabulary, Reading and Listening Comprehension and writing a short memorandum
• Oral test based on an oral presentation in group and a 15-minute individual oral test/exam based on topics previously chosen by the student and related to his field of study

The more general vocabulary and the field-related vocabulary are presented in written as well as audio-texts used to exercise the reading and listening comprehension techniques  as well as to introduce some communicative skills.

The vocabulary, the typical structures of the Dutch language and some communication skills are exercised and consolidated by means of written and oral production exercise (role plays, debates, presentations).

In the development of the above-mentioned skills, the course aims at making the student aware of Dutch and Flemish cultural aspects through active participation (cultural trips to Flanders, films, interviews of native speakers)

• The general vocabulary will be revised, extended and tested by means of self-tuition in a Reading portfolio  with adapted exercises on vocabulary and reading skills
• The knowledge of the specific Dutch grammatical structures will be tested by means of self-tuition on the Moodle-e-learning platform
• Reading and Listening Comprehension exercices. The more specific vocabulary related to the student's fields of specialization will be extended through these receptive activities.
• Interactive speaking activities such as debates, real-life simulations, discussions based on general topics or topics related to the student's field of study.
• Individual and group speaking activities: one part is short, individual and is related to the culture of Flanders; the second part is a 45-minute presentation in group and related to the students'field of study.
• Writing skills exercises such as personal letters or summaries of films with personal appreciation commentary
• Two excursions to Flanders related to the culture of Flanders and the students' fields of study.

1. Course material Course notes :syllabus « LNeer 1810 Néerlandais de sciences humaines- Niveau moyen »
2. Reading Portfolio with vocabulary lists and reading comprehension exercises + mini-grammar with exercises
3. Moodle e-learning Platform

• Training staff: Classes in group of 20 to 25 students
• The teacher is available during his office hours and can be contacted by email
• Workload : 60h classroom hours ' self-tuition 30 hours