Admission requirements
This course is only available for students in the BA International Studies programme.
Description
Hindi (an Indo-European language) is the 3rd most widely spoken language of the world. It is mainly spoken in India, where it is the official language of the union. Proficiency in this critical language is the key to unlocking access not only to a huge market, but also to a cultural treasure trove of literature, cinema, music, and much more. Hindi 1 Beginners is intended for learners with no previous background in Hindi or with little knowledge of Hindi. The course will introduce the lingua-franca of the Indian subcontinent in its Hindustani form. The course will enable students to have an elementary proficiency in Hindi by developing their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in the language. Learners will be introduced to Devanagari writing system which is used to write Hindi. The course focuses on development of all four language skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) and all three models of communication (interpersonal, presentational, and interpretive) in Hindi for effective communication. Conventional course materials will be supplemented by in-class formative assessment tools, video clips, classroom games and other authentic materials. To reinforce grammatical structures and vocabulary, the course uses audio-visual aids, particularly Bollywood songs. This course actively uses a blended learning method by integrating face-to-face classroom component with an appropriate use of online tools in- and outside the classroom. Some of the methods and tools we use in this course can be viewed here.
Course objectives
By the end of the course, students should have reached approximately the A1 standard of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). This course is the first course in a series of three language acquisition courses within the BA International Studies program.
The main objectives of the course are:
Elementary knowledge of vocabulary and sentence structures of Hindi to a simple level to listen, speak, read, and write simple spoken language in practical day to day situations.
Elementary knowledge of the grammar of Hindi and the ability to apply this knowledge in their own oral and written language.
Ability to read and write simple words and sentences in Devanagari script of Hindi.
Be familiar with related cultural information about India / South Asia; e.g. greetings, clothes, food, society, social etiquettes etc.
| Skill | CEFR Level |
|---|---|
| Reading | A1 |
| Writing | A1 |
| Listening | A1 |
| Speaking | A1 |
Timetable
The timetables are available through My Timetable.
Mode of instruction
Tutorials
Three two-hour tutorials every week, with the exception of the midterm exam week. Attending all tutorial sessions is compulsory. If you are unable to attend a session, please inform your Tutorial-lecturer in advance, providing a valid reason for your absence. Being absent will result in a lowering of the participation grade with 0.5 for every absence after the first five (5) times.
Assessment method
Assessment
Written & Oral exams and quizzes
Individual or group Project work
In-class oral / listening performance & home assignments
Weighing
| Partial grade | Weighing |
|---|---|
| Reading | 20% |
| Writing | 20% |
| Listening | 20% |
| Speaking | 20% |
| Participation & Homework Assignments | 20% |
End Grade
To successfully complete the course, please take note that the End Grade of the course is established by determining the weighted average of all the components of assessment including quizzes, class participation, home assignments, written exam, oral exam, listening test etc.
The End Grade needs to be a 6.0 or higher to pass the course.
Resit
If the End Grade is insufficient (lower than a 6.0), there is a possibility of retaking the full 80% of the exam material (exams, quizzes, Midterm Exam and Final Exam). No resit for the tutorial (participation and homework) is possible.
The BA International Studies program does not allow students to resit passed (constituent) examination(s) within the language courses. Language acquisition is, primarily, accomplished through in-class acquisition activities and practical assignments which contribute to the (final) examination. The diverse structure of the language courses and characteristics of language acquisition therefore withhold the possibility to resit a passed examination.
Exam review and feedback
How and when an exam review will take place will be disclosed together with the publication of the exam results at the latest. If a student requests a review within 30 days after publication of the exam results, an exam review will have to be organized.
Reading list
Rupert Snell, Get Started in Hindi (With audio CD), London: Hodder,2014 ISBN-13: 9781444174687
Rupert Snell, Essential Hindi Dictionary: A Teach Yourself Guide, London: Hodder, 2011 ISBN-13: 9781444104004
Online material published on Brightspace (texts, activities, videos, and grammar tutorials).
Registration
Enrolment for the workgroup through My Studymap is mandatory.
No enrolment needed for the language exams.
Contact
For substantive questions, contact the lecturer listed in the right information bar.
For questions about enrolment, admission, etc, contact the Education Administration Office: Student Affairs Office for BA International Studies
Remarks
Passing this course is an additional requirement for a positive Study Recommendation at the end of the year.
This course uses an integrated communicative language learning method. Therefore active participation in the classroom activities is essential for successful learning outcomes.