Prospectus

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Hindi 3 (Upper-)Intermediate

Course
2013-2014

Admission requirements

This course is only available for students in the BA International Studies who have passed Foreign Language Hindi -1+2

Description

Further development of Hindi language skills acquired in Hindi 1 +2 to intermediate level. The course systematically expands vocabulary, grammar and language structures, leading to a deeper comprehension of style and usage. It focuses on language skills (speaking and writing) and performing more complex tasks such as comparing, narrating, describing, reasoning, and discussing topics beyond the immediate environment. Translation exercises involving more complex sentences. Simple formal and informal correspondence through letters and emails.

Course objectives

Ability to contextualize grammar skills acquired in the first year of Hindi instruction.
Introduction to higher level of structural complexity of Hindi and finer details of language use.
Competence in comprehension of simple literary texts, carry out conversations in various social situations, and express views on topics of interest in contemporary standard Hindi idiom.
Extended Knowledge of Hindi vocabulary.
Ability to express oneself in writing through simple letters or descriptions.
Apply this knowledge in translating sentences From English/Dutch to Hindi or vice versa.
Students will achieve Common European Framework Reference for Language Level B1 or Higher at the end of the course.
The CEFR says that learners at B1 level:

  • Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc.

  • Can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken.

  • Can produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest.

  • Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes and ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans

Timetable

The timetable will be available on the BA International Studies website this autumn.

Mode of instruction

Lecture and seminar

Attending lectures and tutorials is compulsory. If you are not able to attend a lecture or tutorial, please inform the tutor of the course. Being absent without notification can result in a lower grade or exclusion from the final exam or essay.

Assessment method

Review of Hindi 3 will consist of following components:
Attendance, Class preparation and participation – 10 % of final grade
Homework and assignments – 10 % of final grade
Quizzes (2 quizzes – Grammar, Vocabulary, Translation etc) – 40 % of final grade
Projects (1 Project) – 10 % of final grade
Term End Oral Exam – 15% of final grade
Term End Written Exam – 15 % of final grade.

Blackboard

Blackboard will be used.

Blackboard is the primary means of communication between the teacher and students outside the formal lecture meetings. All class handouts and learning materials will be available through Blackboard also. Students are expected to check Blackboard very regularly.

Students are requested to register on Blackboard for this course.

Reading list

Essential
1. PDF copy of the Course Pack will be provided by the teacher in class and on course’s Blackboard free of cost.
Students are required to print the ‘Course pack’ and bind it in a book form or otherwise before the start of the classes.
2. Get Started in Hindi: Rupert Snell, Hodder, 2010

Recommended
Intermediate Hindi Reader: Usha Jain with Karine Schomer, ISBN 0-87725-351-X
368 pages, 1999
Rupert Snell & Simon Weightman, Complete Hindi, Hodder, 2010
R.S. McGregor, The Oxford Hindi English Dictionary, New York, Oxford University Press, 2002
This literature does not need to be studied beforehand

Registration

Students are requested to register through uSis, the registration system of Leiden University for this course. General information about uSis is available in English and Dutch.

Registration Studeren à la carte and Contractonderwijs

Not applicable.

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.
As per university rules up to 20% of total classes can only be missed (for a valid reason like illness, accident etc) if it goes beyond that it will reflect upon your final grades.