Learning outcomes

The general aim of the DCDLB101 Néerlandais usuel course is to achieve level B1 minimum in receptive skills (reading and listening comprehension), according to the indicators of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

The student will be able to :


• understand texts on contemporary issues and instructions with a high degree of independence in a detailed and accurate manner;

• understand what a legal document (regulation, agreement, statement, press article, brochure, administrative document, etc.) written in Dutch is about and identify the key elements;

• understand the main points of a short oral message (short videos) on contemporary issues in clear, standard language.

Goals

The aim of the course is to work on receptive skills at B1 level minimum (cf. CEFR).

  • Introduction to the usual structures and vocabulary of the language through the comprehension of written texts (level B1+) and short videos of a non-specialised nature (level B1)
  • Extension of receptive vocabulary in order to enable the student to start the Dutch legal terminology course (DROIB218).

Content

The course is divided into 12 topics (1 topic/week), each one of them including:

  • comprehension exercises related to one of several texts in Dutch
  • comprehension exercises related to one or several videos in Dutch
  • vocabulary and/or grammar revision exercises

Teaching methods

The prerequisite for the course Standard Dutch is the A2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference. 

At the beginning of the academic year (block 1), a compulsory diagnostic test in Dutch is organised in order to assess the level of all students and to direct them, if necessary, towards a non-credited refresher module in the first four months. This module is offered to students as a means of helping them to succeed.

The Standard Dutch course is given in the second semester in groups of students in the form of practical work that requires prior preparation by the student.

The teachers mostly interact in Dutch in order to expose the student as much as possible to the target language.

Assessment method

The written exam consists in:

  • the comprehension in context of vocabulary from the course
  • the comprehension in context of grammar seen in class
  • the comprehension of texts and videos worked on in class (+ 1 thematic activity "fil rouge")
  • the comprehension of unseen texts and videos (level B1)

Final examination takes the form of a closed-book written exam. Dictionaries are not allowed

Questions (QCM, open questions, true/false, situations, etc.) may be written in French and/or in Dutch. .

Students who need to resit the exam in August will be evaluated on the whole course content.

 

Warning : please note that the success of this teaching unit does not lead to certification.

Sources, references and any support material

All the course material is made available on Webcampus (texts, videos, exercises, grammar, extra resources, etc.).

Webcampus will also be used for general communication between the teachers and the students.

Language of instruction

French