Saint-Louis University - Bruxelles
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GERM1232 - Dutch : linguistics and practical exercises II B



Credits : 5

Lecturers :
Mode of delivery :
Face-to-face , second term, 30 hours of theory and 15 hours of exercises.

Timetable :
Second term
Monday from 12:30 to 13:30 at 109 Marais 410
Friday from 13:30 to 15:30 at 109 Marais 611

Language of instruction :
Dutch

Learning outcomes :
Dutch: Linguistics IIB
The objectives of the course Dutch: Linguistics IIB are threefold.
On the one hand (1), the course aims to cover in depth a series of questions specific to Dutch syntax, particularly related to verbs, argument structure and sentence structure, while, on the other hand (2), introducing a series of concepts within the framework of generative grammar.
Additionally (3), the course aims to familiarise students with scientific research in linguistics. Students are given a sound introduction to scientific communication (study of scholarly articles, formal oral presentations) and discover the practice of linguistic research by (individually) developing an analysis of a Dutch linguistic phenomenon.
Dutch: Practical exercises IIB
To improve students' knowledge of Dutch and their general language skills (we work on all four skills: oral and written expression & reading and listening comprehension) through the study of a specific theme. The students also broaden their vocabulary, namely with the study of phrasal verbs and common idioms and proverbs. The level is equivalent to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages level C1.
In addition, some course hours will also be devoted to the methodology of scientific research in the field of Dutch linguistics.



Prerequisites :
For the Bachelor in Modern Languages and Letters: German, Dutch and English :


Co-requisites :
None

Course contents :
Dutch: Linguistics IIB
The course begins with an empirical and theoretical part designed to introduce and discuss some specific topics of Dutch syntax (for example the passive voice, the infinitival clause) within the framework of generative grammar. The discussions regarding these Dutch syntax topics are accompanied by numerous exercises. Next, the students get to work themselves. They read and study scholarly articles, and they complete exercises accompanying these articles, and the exercises are then discussed in class. Then, the individual tutorials start: the students choose the subject of their scholarly paper, and each week, they report on the progress of their research. At the end of the course, the students present their paper (formal oral presentations).



Dutch: Practical exercises IIB
Each class includes practice of the 4 skills and is based on the study of one of the following themes:
o media in Flanders and The Netherlands,
o linguistics (study and presentation of scientific articles),
o how to write scientific texts in Dutch,
o Dutch grammar and pronunciation revision,
o vocabulary study based on the vocabulary presented in the syllabus, which concerns the use of phrasal verbs as well as common idioms and proverbs.
In addition, some course hours will also be devoted to the methodology of scientific research in the field of Dutch linguistics.



Planned learning activities and teaching methods :
The teaching unit Dutch: linguistics IIB and practical exercises consists of two parts: (1) the course Linguistics IIB and (2) practical exercises. The weighting between the linguistics course and the practical exercises is 60/40.
Dutch: Linguistics IIB
1. Lectures (interactive, implying active participation of the students), accompanied by numerous exercises (also more advanced exercises, in which the students learn how to identify and analyse new linguistic facts).
2. Interactive class sessions (discussions of scientific articles and exercises), implying active participation of the students.
3. Individual tutorials.
Dutch: Practical Exercises IIB
The course adopts a seminar format with interactive exercises that require the active participation of the students.
Students are regularly asked to prepare exercises at home before coming to class, in order to allow for a good progress of the course.


Assessment methods and criteria :
The weighting between the linguistics course and the practical exercises is 60/40.

The participation in the course “practical exercises” will be taken into consideration in the calculation of the overall course grade in compliance with article 4 of the specific exam provisions (cf.
http://www2.usaintlouis.be/public/enseignement/dispositions_philo_2016-17.pdf).

Dutch: Linguistics IIB
Formative assessment:
The various exercises done in class throughout the year should give the students an accurate idea of how to understand and assimilate the course materials.

Summative assessment during the exam session: oral exam in June.
The summative assessment consists of the following parts:
- a paper (+/- 4000 words) on a subject related to the matter covered during the course (50%)
- an oral exam (50%), consisting of three parts: (1) a question on the contents of the syllabus (25%), a formal presentation of a scientific article (15%), (3) a formal oral presentation of the paper (10%).
Dutch: Practical exercises IIB

Formative continuous assessment : Throughout the semester, the students are asked to prepare several written tasks and a presentation at home. They receive feedback on these tasks in order to improve their performance for the final assessment.

Summative assessment during the exam session: written and oral examination in June.
Evaluation of the scientific research article written by the student (to be handed in for Dutch : Linguistics IIB) and of the presentation of this paper regarding language proficiency and form.


Recommended or required reading :
Syllabus.
Selection of scientific articles.

A complete bibliography is provided in the syllabus.



Other information :
A syllabus and scientific articles will be supplied by both the professor and the assistant.
Audio, video, and paper-based learning materials: newspaper articles from the Belgian Dutch-language press as well as from the Dutch press of the Netherlands.

Course materials (videos, articles, hand-outs, …) will be available on Moodle.