Aims

Aims:
The course aims at developing the Dutch communication skills of the student in order to enable him/her to function in the relevant social and professional contexts .

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 :
o To be able to follow a presentation or a lecture provided the topic is reasonably familiar and field-related.
o To be able to understand most TV news and current affairs programs provided the topic is reasonably familiar (field-related).

Interactive:
o 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 :
o To be able to give a clearly developed presentation on a field-related subject and to manage the following debate .
o To be able to explain his or her viewpoint on a topical issue using cohesive devices to link his/her utterances into clear, coherent discourse.

Interactive :
o To be able to take an active part in discussion in familiar contexts, accounting for and sustaining his/her views.
o To be able to interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible

Level B2- of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages


Writing Skills:

o 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

The course focuses on interactive communication within the professional framework. The proposed activities therefore aim at developing communication skills in that area, as well as improving mastery of the language. These activities, which simulate real-life situations, are of two types:

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 negociation, 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 Selftuition Center of the Institute is at his/her disposal.

Content and teaching methods

NEER 2421 -upper intermediate level

- 30-hours course taught 1 hour a week throughout the academic year
- Intended for the students DROIT 13 BA - 3 ECTS

Pre-requisites:
the student should have followed the course of intermediate level (NEER 1821) in the first year of their Bachelor's degree or a course of similar level (level B2 of the CEF for the reading skills, level B2- of the CEF for the listening skills, level B1- for the speaking skills and A2 for the writing skills)

Aims:
B2- level of the CEF for the speaking skills (main objective).
B2 level of the CEF for the reading skills, B2- level for the listening skills and B1- level of the CEF for the writing skills.

Contents and pedagogical approach:
The course focuses on interactive communication within the professional framework. The proposed activities therefore aim at developing communication skills in that area, as well as improving mastery of the language. These activities, which simulate real-life situations and involve speaking as well as writing skills, require a certain amount of preparation on the part of the student, who has to improve his or her linguistic knowledge autonomously.

Evaluation:
continuous assessment and oral exam.

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

Pre-requisite(s) :
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.

Workload:

Classroom hours : 30 hours
Self-study : 42 hours


Guidance:

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 Selftuition Center.


Teaching material:
Course notes : "Interactieve Communicatie" + reading file with vocabulary lists

Evaluation:

o Continuous assessment which takes into account the student's work and participation, his /her oral presentation and tests.

o Oral exam based on a file of press articles and presentations given in class

Other credits in programs