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Module Content and Indicative Topics

The course aims to extend the oral language proficiency acquired during the year abroad to a cognitive language proficiency in both spoken and written form. Students are prepared for the complexity of communication in a fast changing global and multicultural world. The course provides practice in language used in work and social situations by emphasising the contextual demands of audience, aim and genre in a wide range of communicative situations. Work in class and homework tasks concentrate on developing awareness of stylistics especially in relation to the contexts of situation and culture. In addition, this module encourages students to develop their own ‘voices’ and see to what degree this could be adopted or altered depending on the needs of the context of the communicative task. Grammar and vocabulary work are an integral part of all language tasks. Grammar points are discussed in class where and when needed, but students will also be expected to self-correct and apply their grammatical knowledge in revising their drafts. Homework tasks are an important part of the course, as they help to develop the necessary skills. These tasks are also assessed in a Language Portfolio. Attention is paid to creativity, self-expression as well as to issues affecting the world of work and business. Tasks range from writing creatively in several genres, e.g. travel reports/blogs/memoir and (semi)-professional (e.g. journalistic articles, presenting coherent and convincing oral and written arguments, writing formal letters and e-mails, debating). Students will also design, prepare and teach a listening class to their fellow students, and continue with regular news items presentations. The module will cover the following topics, which may be subject to variation depending on developments in academic research and the interests of the class:Ìý

Term 1:

• Creative writing, finding your writing style
• Travelling and travel literature
• Journalism

Term 2:

• World of work – writing letters
• Presentation skills
• Summarizing and writing reports

Teaching Delivery

There will be 3 hours / week (includes listening session). In addition we will organise conversation sessions with our language assistants.

By the end of the module, you should be able to:

1. Speak, read and write in Dutch at proficient level (equivalent to CEFR C1)
2. Have your own style in creative as well as formal writing
3. Follow debates or interviews on topics of current affairs without problems
4. Express your views with nuance and detail
5. Summarize academic texts

Recommended Reading

In preparation for the module, we advise reading magazines and newspapers in Dutch such as:

• NRC Handelsblad
• De Standaard
• Vrij Nederland
• De Groene Amsterdammer
• Verbaan, E., Sas, C., Louwerse, J., Routledge Intermediate Dutch Reader (Routledge 2013)
• Giezenaar, G., Schouten, E., Wijze Woorden: Woordenlijst Academisch Nederlands met Idioomoefeningen (Intertaal 2019)