At the end of the course, students should be able to:
GRAMMAR - VOCABULARY:
demonstrate they master grammar and vocabulary at level B1 in tests, in reception activities (reading, listening), and apply it in production activities (writing, speaking). The same applies to basic vocabulary and thematic vocabulary seen in course documents.
READING:
read a text and extract general or detailed information from it/explain its content/demonstrate understanding of it;
apply reading techniques/strategies to facilitate comprehension of written messages.
LISTENING:
listen to an audio clip and extract general or detailed information/explain its content/demonstrate understanding;
apply listening techniques/strategies to improve comprehension of spoken messages.
SPEAKING:
express oneself orally on social and current affairs topics, alone or in interaction (present facts, formulate an opinion or a critical view, lead a debate, etc.);
in a short video, introduce oneself and report on a discovery related to the Dutch-speaking cultural world, formulate a critical view of this discovery.
WRITTEN EXPRESSION:
For example, write a report following a presentation, write an argumentative text/personal opinion on a controversial topic presented in class, write an email to a teacher, etc.
Given the differences in levels of knowledge and proficiency in Dutch, differentiated teaching is organised from the first year onwards. Two Dutch language learning pathways are therefore offered throughout the bachelor's degree: one aiming for level B1 (independent user level) at the end of Block 3 (ECDL B191), and the other aiming for level B2 (advanced level, expected on the job market for professional practice in Dutch) at the end of Block 3 (ECDL B181).
The ultimate goal of the Dutch course (pathways 1 and 2) is to prepare students as well as possible for professional life through scenarios from everyday life and the world of work.
The ECDL B181 course aims to achieve level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages in all skills, with the following main objectives:
At the beginning of the academic year, a diagnostic test is organised to give students an indication of their level: from A0 (complete beginner) to C2 (excellent mastery). On the basis of this result, students make a choice as to the learning pathway: pathway 1 (target B1 at the end of Block 3) or pathway 2 (target B2 at the end of Block 3)
For pathway 2, learning will take place through activities mainly related to societal and current affairs topics: reading of various texts and press articles, listening to videos/audio excerpts, oral exercises (alone: presentation, report, in interaction: position papers, debates) and writing (reports, position papers), discovery of the Dutch-speaking culture Students will also be encouraged to revise/learn grammar at the expected level, as well as thematic and basic vocabulary.
The materials and content of the course will be the same for all Track 2 students.
Most materials will be available on Webcampus.
Face-to-face classes will take place once a week for one hour. Students will be placed in groups of up to 30 students.
The course will be based, among other things, on the principle of the flipped classroom:
- Q1:
o Students prepare materials (texts, videos) provided by the teacher and during the course, the teacher provides additional insight into both language comprehension and reading and listening techniques. Oral expression (based on preparation) will also be worked on in relation to these themes. Writing assignments will also be required, either in preparation or in class.
o Grammar exercises (homework/in class)
o Throughout the year, students will be required to compile a press file (on average one source every two weeks) in order to be able to report on the essential information. The final oral exam in June will consist of a discussion with the teacher on these topics. This monitoring of current events (press file) will serve as the basis for the oral assessment in June, as will the oral presentations in Q2.
- Q2:
o The first few hours of Q2 are aimed at providing the theoretical background for the students' presentations, as well as practical exercises;
o Each student then gives the rest of the class a presentation on a controversial topic. Each class hour consists of a presentation followed by a discussion and/or a written exercise (report, reasoned position statement, etc.);
o Grammar exercises (homework/in class);
o Following current events: same as Q1
In addition, an cultural discovery work will be required throughout the year, at the end of which a short individual presentation video will be assessed.
Particular attention will be paid to the enjoyment of learning, based on fun activities offered to students on a voluntary basis.
A compulsory diagnostic test is available on the Webcampus virtual course platform for all sections to give students an indication of their level, enabling them to choose the most suitable course for them.
Continuous work/regular learning is essential for success in this course.
A significant part of the assessment will take place during class sessions (active participation, oral interaction exercises and written exercises).
An exam during the January session will test the following skills:
o mastery of basic and thematic vocabulary; mastery of grammar points at A2 level;
o listening and reading comprehension: texts seen and unseen
During a final oral exam in June, students will present a press file (written and oral) containing articles and videos prepared during the year and will be able to discuss them spontaneously with the teacher (taking a reasoned position). They will also be able to briefly present controversial topics presented by students in the group and debate them with the teacher.
Students will explore Dutch-speaking culture and report their observations in two short videos (Q1: formative, Q2: certifying).
In order to develop their autonomy in learning, students will be required to keep a learning journal (“Logbook”) in which they will describe their efforts and initiatives and report on their commitment to improving their Dutch language skills during the year. This will be submitted at the end of the year on Webcampus.
The course can only be passed if all parts of the assessment have been submitted and none of the parts has a mark lower than 7/20.
Any part not submitted or any unjustified absence from part of the assessment will prevent us from calculating the student's mark and will result in a mark of 1/20 for the entire course.
However, for the August session, if the overall average for the course does not reach 10/20, each student will only retake the parts for which they did not obtain 10/20. Students who arrived late in the year following a change of course will have to submit the parts they were unable to attend in the second session.
Continuous assessment (during the year)
- regular and active participation in class (minimum 75% attendance);
- presentation of a controversial topic;
- written and oral assessments, participation in class discussions
Grammar and vocabulary: 2 online formative tests, January exam, June test
CA/CL: January exam
Video clip, cultural challenge
June oral exam
Submission of logbook (required for passing)
The January exam (G&V and CA/CL) can be retaken in the June session.
Course materials (texts and videos) will be available online on Webcampus
‘Evolutieve en contrastieve Grammatica’ (Part 1: Theory and examples, Part 2: Exercises) + additional exercises online on Webcampus.
Vocabulary:
‘S'exprimer en néerlandais, Aide à la conversation’ (Expressing Yourself in Dutch, Conversation Aid), Alain Gondry, Christophe Vercruysse, De Boeck Supérieur publishers, and thematic vocabulary from the texts covered in class (Webcampus).
Thematic vocabulary from all texts and videos studied, as well as oral presentations.
Tips for reviewing grammar basics:
Book: La pratique du néerlandais de A à Z (Didier Hatier)
Book: Nederlandse Oefenbijbel (Didier Hatier)
The above materials are available in bookshops.
| Training | Study programme | Block | Credits | Mandatory |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor in Business Engineering | Standard | 0 | 3 | |
| Bachelor in Economics and Management | Standard | 0 | 3 | |
| Bachelor in Information and Communication | Standard | 0 | 3 | |
| Bachelor in Political Sciences : General | Standard | 0 | 3 | |
| Bachelor in Business Engineering | Standard | 1 | 3 | |
| Bachelor in Economics and Management | Standard | 1 | 3 | |
| Bachelor in Information and Communication | Standard | 1 | 3 | |
| Bachelor in Political Sciences : General | Standard | 1 | 3 |