Dutch Language in Daily Life
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This course aims to provide an introduction to the Dutch language and culture. Through task-based and interactive methods, a basic understanding of the Dutch language will be obtained. Students will master some basic vocabulary in order to participate in limited conversations and express themselves in some general situations. Besides the language aspect, students will also learn about some of the most important Dutch traditions and holidays, recent political history and some cultural aspects. A practical component and course-related trips are part of this course.
Attendance is mandatory for all IES classes, including field studies. Any exams, tests, presentations, or other work missed due to student absences can only be rescheduled in cases of documented medical or family emergencies. If a student misses more than two classes in any course half a letter grade will be deducted from the final grade for every additional absence. Five absences in any course will result in a failing grade. Unexcused absences may result in failing the course.
By the end of the course, students will be able to achieve some of the outcomes for the Novice Abroad level as defined by the Model Assessment Practice (MAP) for Language and Intercultural Communication. The key learning outcomes from the MAP are summarized below:Learning outcomes:
Intercultural Communication
- Students will be able to meet basic everyday needs using verbal communication, they will be able to use compensatory strategies when they do not know the word or expression (repetition, body language, etc.), and they will be able to identify some basic non-verbal communication strategies.
- Students can recognize basic appropriate and inappropriate expressions and behaviours in the Dutch language.
- Students will be able to distinguish between basic representations of formality and informality in the Dutch language.
- Students will understand that there may be differences between cultural stereotypes and generalizations between the home culture and host culture.
Listening
- Students will be able to understand basic statements, requests, descriptions, and questions in specific cultural context relevant to them (hosts’ interactions, Center interactions, studying, shopping, transportation, meals).
- Students will be able to use context to understand the gist of some basic spoken language they overhear, including the media, conversations between others, and announcements.
Speaking
- Students will be able to use some basic phrases appropriately in some everyday situations (home, the IES Abroad Centre, and the community).
- Students will be able to express some basic needs by asking questions, and get what they need in uncomplicated, everyday situations.
Reading
- Students will be able to identify and understand basic sentences.
- Students will be able to interpret main ideas in short passages and news headlines, but their understanding is often limited to the words or groups of words that they have seen in class
Writing
- With limited accuracy, students will be able to write short sentences and short paragraphs about basic and concrete topics they have studied, such as themselves, their families, their friends, their likes and dislikes, and their daily routines.
- Students will be able to send basic emails, text messages, and fill out some basic forms.
Classroom activities: listening to audio fragments; watching video fragments; preparatory exercises for communicative tasks; communicative exercises.
Language lab activities: vocabulary exercises; listening en writing exercises
English during the first two weeks, then Dutch
The course contents will be delivered by applying a communicative student-centered methodology. The first approximation to the contents will be through texts (written and oral). Students will work individually and in groups in order to acquire and to practice (written and orally) the new structures and vocabulary. Also, homework will be assigned so that the students can systematize, practice, and clarify doubts.
There will be special assignments related to field study trips. Amsterdam and its people are the perfect scenario for practicing the target language and learning about the ways people live. Therefore, we will draw on this setting to collect pieces of information for our class discussions and to develop a firsthand appreciation of the Dutch language and culture. Information and communication technology will be very present in the classroom. Some assignments will involve internet research; others will involve blog posts, a podcast or twitter. The e-learning module Moodle will provide instructions, assignments, and ancillary materials and activities.
Student Profile
This course is designed for students with little or no prior knowledge of the language. By the end of the course, the successful student will develop a basic foundation in the five skills: intercultural communication, reading, writing, listening and speaking to accomplish a variety of basic everyday needs in the host culture as described in the learning outcomes below
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Language Exam - 30%
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Attendance and participation - 10%
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Oral exam - 20%
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Languages quizzes - 20%
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Homework assignments - 20%
The course is roughly divided into two parts: one part of the course will be aimed towards language acquisition, so that students obtain a sufficient level of Dutch for basic communication. This part will be formalised through a final language exam during week 6, which will count for 30% of the final grade, and two language quizzes during week 2 and 5 (20%). There will be an oral exam during the final class, in which speaking and listening practices will be assessed (20%).
The other part of the course will focus on the cultural component and participation in the Dutch community through 5 homework assignments (20%). These will form a language and interaction portfolio will be collected from daily situations in Dutch society in order to get a true insider’s view of the Dutch culture and community. Language acquisition will be strongly aimed towards practical application. Students are required to submit homework assignments through Moodle and are expected to stay up to date regarding the topics announced in class. Lastly, students’ level of participation during class and attendance will form 10% of their grade.
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WEEK |
CONTENT |
ASSIGNMENTS |
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WEEK 1 Lesson 1 Introducing yourself
Lesson 2
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Grammatical: Vocabulary: Culture: Functional: talking about personal identity, introducing yourself & classmates |
Assignment 1 : First Impressions!
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WEEK 2 Lesson 3
Lesson 4 Language Quiz 1
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Grammatical: Vocabulary: Culture: Functional: |
Assignment 2 : Which Dutch stereotypes did you experience and/or encounter?
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WEEK 3 Lesson 5
Lesson 6
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Vocabulary: Grammatical: Culture: Functional: |
Assignment 3 : Find out which Dutch holidays there are, what they mean and relate them to your own country – are there any differences?
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WEEK 4 Lesson 7
At home: p. 93-97 Lesson 8
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Vocabulary: Grammatical: plural/singular, common verbs Culture: Functional: |
Assignment 4: Fieldtrip to Jewish History Museum
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WEEK 5 Lesson 9
Language Quiz 2 Lesson 10
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Vocabulary: Grammatical: Culture: Functional: |
LANGUAGE QUIZ 2: You will be tested on the language material presented during the previous classes and some basic Dutch conjugations and telling time. You need to learn the vocabulary for shopping, food & drinks, holidays and meeting up.
Assignment 5 : Dutch Civic Integration. Write a summary and give your opinion about the City Hall Presentation about the Dutch Civic Integration course. Interview a Dutch citizen and introduce yourself, using the same format of the Dutch Integration Portfolio (handout). Portfolio assignment II: Get information about naturalization and how to obtain a Dutch passport, find out what are the requirements and how you can get financing for them. Fill in the portfolio form and present this information in class. Can you become Dutch? |
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WEEK 6
Lesson 11 p. 145 (body parts) p.126+127 (holidays) p.86 +87+88 (directions) p. 101, 102 (clothes) Exam preparation, rehearsal previous classes. Lesson 12
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Recap previous chapters Functional: Grammatical: Vocabulary:
FINAL LANGUAGE EXAM |
FINAL Language Exam: you will be tested on your ability to read and write basic Dutch (introductory) sentences and vocabulary as used and explained during previous classes. A basic understanding of simple grammatical constructions (common verbs conjugation, singular/plural, some adjectives, use of articles and correct spelling of basic vocabulary). |
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WEEK 7
Lesson 13 -Practicing role play situations for oral exam Lesson 14 ORAL EXAMS |
Student goals: -Meets and greets effectively -Usage of simple phrases and questions in everyday situations at common locations (supermarket, restaurant, school) -Can provide basic descriptions of familiar subjects (family, school, interests, activities) -Exchange basic information, express prices and times |
DEADLINE for all homework assignments ORAL EXAMs Will consist of role play situations (purchasing items in a shop, taking a bus, asking for directions, introducing yourself at a party)
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Contact! Nederlands voor Anderstaligen. Tekstboek by Elsbeth de Leeuw, Petra Roel, Annemarie Cornax. ISBN: 9789460301346.d 7)
