VIA120 The English Language

Code VIA120
Name The English Language
Status Compulsory/Courses of Limited Choice; Courses of Free Choice
Level and type Undergraduate Studies, Professional
Field of study Languages
Faculty
Academic staff Oksana Ivanova, Ludmila Derkača, Zoja Dombrovska, Jūlija Svitaja, Jūlija Kučerova, Irina Liokumoviča, Irina Makarova, Diāna Rūpniece, Antra Roskoša, Tatjana Smirnova, Zane Seņko, Tatjana Aleksejeva, Jeļena Tretjakova, Alīna Nidagundi, Tatjana Kelebeka, Inese Kočote, Jekaterina Raka, Jeļena Sakizči, Valērija Markeviča, Viktorija Jankovska, Santa Laurīte, Jekaterina Medvedeva
Credit points 4.0 (6.0 ECTS)
Parts 2
Annotation Study course that can be integrated with other subjects on the curriculum and that is based on acquisition of technical terminology in the particular field: 1) acquiring creative reading skills by working with professional texts; 2) mastering the fundamentals of relevant conversation and developing discussion skills; 3) improving listening comprehension skills to ensure effective participation in conferences, projects etc. 4) developing writing skills (essays, summaries, abstracts, conclusions). The study course was developed in conformity with the guidelines of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment, considering also the outcomes of the LEONARDO project, which involved language teachers from Baltic universities, and the general recommendations developed with the participation of the RTU Institute of Languages..
Contents
Content Full- and part-time intramural studies Part time extramural studies
Contact hours Independent work Contact hours Independent work
Introduction. RTU. Studies at the university. Tertiary education in Latvia and abroad. 4 4 2 6
Prominent scholars and researchers. Development of science throughout centuries. 6 6 4 8
Latvia: economic, industrial and cultural aspects. 6 6 4 8
Recent information technologies and human resources. 6 6 4 8
Studies and practical application. Competition, CV, application letter, work interview. 4 4 2 6
Home reading. Presentation, translation, terminology. 12 12 8 16
Text in the special field. Discussion of the text. Terminology and professional language. 30 30 10 50
Tests: language, communicative and socio-cultural competences. 12 12 6 18
Total: 80 80 40 120
Goals and objectives
of the course in terms
of competences and skills
The aim of the study course is to develop and improve creative reading skills of the students working with popular scientific and professional texts, as well as develop their advanced written and spoken business communication skills and competences. The tasks of the study course: to develop students’ reading, writing, listening and writing skills in a foreign language, making students ready for work in the international labour market, participation in the conferences, work within the research and engineering projects.
Learning outcomes
and assessment
Reading: is able to read, skim and scan independently advanced general and popular scientific texts, are able to extract and process information as well as comprehend terms from field specific texts. - Home tasks, tests, exam.
Listening: is able to perceive both spoken and transmitted text on familiar and unfamiliar topics in personal, social and professional fields. - Tests, case studies, exam.
Speaking: dialogue – is able to relatively fluently and spontaneously communicate on a wide range of subjects (general, theoretical, professional issues). Monologue – is able to provide a detailed discussion of various issues. - Presentations, case studies, exam.
Writing: is able to present clear, detailed summary, annotation and abstract of a text; to write a CV and application letter, presenting clear and relevant arguments. - Home tasks, tests, case studies, exam.
Evaluation criteria of study results
Attendance, work during classes - 10%
Assessment tests, home tasks, case studies - 20%
Presentations - 20%
Exam - 50%
 
Course prerequisites English language skills at B1 level according to CEFR.
Course planning
Part CP ECTS Hours Tests Tests (free choice)
Lectures Practical Lab. Test Exam Work Test Exam Work
1 2.0 3.0 0.0 2.0 0.0 *
2 2.0 3.0 0.0 2.0 0.0 *

[Extended course information PDF]