Aims

The course aims at developing the communication skills (mainly reading, listening and speaking) in order to enable the student to function in a social and professional context.

Main themes

Reading Comprehension

o The student should be able to understand long and complex texts (articles, reports, …) concerned with contemporary and field-related problems. o The student should be able to understand standard professional and field-related correspondence.
Level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages

Listening Comprehension

Individual : o The student should be able to understand extended speech and lectures and follow even complex lines of argument provided the topic is reasonably familiar or field-related.
o The student should be able to understand most TV news and current affairs programs.
Interactive :
o The student should be able to understand in detail what is said in an everyday conversation in standard language.
Level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages

Speaking Skills

Individual :
o The student should be able to present a complex, field-related subject and set out clearly the various viewpoints or problems.
Interactive :
o The student should be able to interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible provided the subject is familiar or field-related.
o The student should be able to take an active part in a debate on a field-related issue, accounting for and sustaining his/her views.
Level B2- of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages





Writing Skills

o The student should be able to synthetise information coming from various sources and to develop and support his/her own opinion with relevant arguments.o The student should be able to write a short professional letter.
Level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages

Code

Vocabulary : broadening of the students' range of specialized vocabulary Grammar: consolidation of the command of the basic structures as wel as the 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.

Content and teaching methods

NEER 1531 - upper intermediate level

- 60-hours course taught 2 hours a week throughout the academic year
- Intended for the students SPOL 13 BA - 3 ECTS

Pre-requisites :
the student should have followed the course of intermediate level part 2 (NEER 1331) in the second year of his/her bachelor's degree or a course of similar level (level B1 of the CEF for the speaking skills, level B2- of the CEF for the reading and listening skills and B1- for the writing skills)

Aims :
B2 level of the CEF for the speaking skills (main objective).
B2 level of the CEF for the reading and listening skills and B1 level of the CEF for the writing skills.
Contents and pedagogical approach : The field-related and the socio-professional vocabulary is presented in written or spoken texts linked to the students' domain, that are also used to exercise and develop reading and listening strategies and to introduce oral communication skills.The vocabulary, the structures and the oral communication skills are exercised and consolidated by means of written and oral production (roleplays, debates, presentations, meetings, negociations, …).

Evaluation : continuous assessment, written and oral exam.

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

A 60-hour course taught 2 hours a week throughout the academic year

Pre-requisite(s)
The student should have followed the second year course of intermediate level (NEER 1331) or a course of similar level, corresponding to the upper B1 level of the "Common European Framework of Reference for Languages".


- Content and Pedagogical Approach

The field-related and the socio-professional vocabulary is presented in written or spoken texts linked to the students' domain, that are also used to exercise and develop reading and listening strategies and to introduce oral communication skills.The vocabulary, the structures and the oral communication skills are exercised and consolidated by means of written and oral production (roleplays, debates, presentations, meetings, negociations, …).

- Workload

Classroom hours : 48 hours
Self-study : 24 hours

- Guidance

Lessons in groups of max. 25 students
The teacher is available during his office-hour(s) and can be contacted by e-mail.
Guidance is also provided at the Self-tuition Center (CAA) and the Multimedia Room (SMM).

- Teaching material

Course notes : "Het Nederlands van de politiek" + audio- and videotapes used in the language laboratory.

- Evaluation

o Continuous assesment (summative and formative)
o Written exam
o Oral exam

Other credits in programs