Admission requirements
None.
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. 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.
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 four language acquisition courses within the BA South & South-East Asian Studies.
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
- Seminar (three two hour tutorials every week)
Attendance and participation are obligatory. Classes missed for a good reason (to the discretion of the conveners and to be discussed BEFORE the class takes place) will have to be made up with an extra assignment. Being absent without notification can result in a lower grade or exclusion from the term end exams and a failing grade for the course.
Being absent will result in a lowering of the In-class performance & participation grade with 0.5 for every absence after the first five (5) times.
Assessment method
Assessment of Hindi 1 will consist of the following components:
In-class language Performance, Class preparation and participation: 10% of final grade
Homework and Assignments: 10% of final grade
Quizzes [Script test, Dictation, Listening Comprehension, Vocabulary, Grammar, Translation etc.] (Six – one every two weeks): 30% of final grade
Projects (1 Project): 10% of final grade (Audio Blog, Scrapbook, group video project, classroom presentation etc.)
Term End Oral Exam (Oral proficiency interview): 15% of final grade
Term End Written Exam (Grammar, Vocabulary, Translation, Written expression, Reading comprehension etc.): 25% of final grade
There will be no make-ups for any missed quiz, presentation or other activity. Only in case of a medical or personal emergency should the lecturer be informed immediately by e-mail with documented evidence for special consideration.
Weighing
To successfully complete the course, please take note that the end grade of the course is established by determining the weighted average of all assessment components.
The End Grade needs to be a 5.50 (=6) or higher to pass the course.
Resit
If the end grade is insufficient, there is a possibility of retaking only the term end written exam in the course (25%). Individual exams cannot be retaken.
The course is an integrated whole. The final examination and the assignments must be completed in the same academic year. No partial marks can be carried over into following years.
Inspection 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]
Registration
Enrolment through MyStudyMap is mandatory.
Contact
For substantive questions, contact the lecturer listed in the right information bar.
For questions about enrolment, admission, etc, contact the Education Administration Office Herta Mohr
Remarks
For this course attendance and participation is essential. Classes missed for a good reason (to the discretion of the conveners and to be discussed BEFORE the class takes place) will have to be made up with an extra assignment.
This course uses integrated communicative language learning method. Therefore active participation in the classroom activities is essential for successful learning outcomes.