Saint-Louis University - Bruxelles
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MHAN1241 - English : Grammar in Practice II and Translation A-C



Credits : 5

Lecturers :
Mode of delivery :
Face-to-face , second term, 30 hours of exercises.

Language of instruction :
English

Learning outcomes :
Target learning outcomes:
On completing this Unit students should:
• Be able to convey in language A, both orally and in writing, all the subtleties of content and meaning, including cultural subtleties, of a foreign language (FL) text through acquiring (i) a sophisticated understanding of different linguistic parameters (content, intertextuality, socio-cultural aspects, allusions, stereotypes, etc.) of an authentic oral or written text and (ii) an ability to apply the linguistic and cultural knowledge they have learnt.
• Draw on the body of theory mastered during the course to update and further develop their linguistic (i.e. language) skills and cultural expertise, in both language A and in the FLs studied.

Specific target learning objectives:
On completing this Unit students should be able to:
• Define, giving supporting examples, the grammatical concepts related to the use of the noun phrase, the adjective phrase and the adverb phrase.
• Use the grammatical structures (noun phrase, adjective phrase, adverb phrase) in context
• Justify the use of these grammatical structures
• Compare the different options that are available in a given context (sentence, text) taking into account their differences in meaning and register as well as geographical variation
• Produce a short grammatically accurate text in English on a given theme
• Identify grammatically complex structures in preparation for a translation task
• Accurately translate intermediate level sentences from French into English, using, in particular, appropriate verb forms and tenses
• Master the syntax and spelling of standard English
• Identify the common language difficulties inherent in standard English usage, in particular those encountered by French-speaking learners, and be able to avoid the linguistic errors associated with them.


Prerequisites :
None

Co-requisites :
None

Course contents :
The grammar course focuses on the in-depth study of the noun phrase (premodifiers, postmodifiers, plural of nouns), the adjective phrase and the adverb phrase. The course also contrasts different English and French structures with the aim of honing students' awareness of those that are typically problematic for translators. The students are asked to put the theory into practice in their personal written work, which is analysed and discussed in class.
The translation course (A-C) involves French to English translation exercises that focus on the uses of the different English tenses and on the most common usage difficulties (with spelling, special structures, differences in rules for the use of verbs or prepositions, etc.).



Planned learning activities and teaching methods :
The grammar course runs over 15 hours. It is delivered, in the first instance, through a range of practical exercises, which are followed up through a series of lectures. In-class exercises are used to monitor students' comprehension as the course progresses.
The translation course (15 hours) provides exercises with systematic formative correction in order to offer students useful comments and explanations with respect to the difficulties they encounter during their translations.



Assessment methods and criteria :
Grammar: theory and exercises. Written examination.
Translation : translation of sentences from French into English based on the lessons covered during the course. Written examination.

This module/course is subdivided into two parts (part Grammar and part Traduction) and has two separate exams. The global mark is an average calculated as described above/below (Grammar: 50% and Traduction: 50%). In case of a fail grade, you're invited to visit the MOODLE page of the course and check the details. A 10/20 or higher mark will automatically be transferred to the second or third exam session. It's thus not possible to re-sit the exam related to this part of the course.



Recommended or required reading :
Berland-Delépine, S. (2004) La grammaire anglaise de l'étudiant. Paris : Ophrys
Swan, M. (2005) Practical English Usage. Oxford University Press
Thorne, S. (2008) Mastering Advanced English Language. Palgrave