PG Diploma in Czech Language

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PG Diploma in Czech Language

  • Objectives The programme aims to: * provide a thorough grounding in the structure of the Czech language * allow students to develop both written and oral skills in Czech to a fairly advanced level * allow students to acquire listening and reading skills in Czech * stimulate an abiding interest in Czech culture and society by means of a variety of texts used in translation and through other learning resources employed on the programme * encourage the acquisition of generic linguistic study skills enabling the effective learning of other languages later in life.
  • Academic title PG Diploma in Czech Language
  • Course description The Diploma in Czech Language is the only programme of its kind in the UK. It provides an intensive study in Czech Language for graduates in other subjects who would find a thorough knowledge of Czech an asset in their chosen field. The programme is specifically designed for those who have no knowledge of the language, although it does not preclude those who already know some Czech. In nine months of intensive study it brings students to the equivalent of Pass Degree level in Czech language. Those who have completed the programme will have career opportunities in teaching, commerce, financial services, translating, postgraduate study and other occupations.

    This programme provides an intensive study in Czech language for graduates in other subjects who would find a thorough knowledge of Czech an asset in their chosen field. The programme will be of particular interest to graduates in area studies, history, social and natural sciences, management science, marketing, and other related subjects.

    The programme is specifically designed for those who have no knowledge of the language, but this does not preclude those who already know some Czech. In one academic year of intensive study this programme brings you to pass degree level in Czech language.

    Classes and other work

    The course comprises 24 weeks of teaching. The teaching normally consists
    of three to four hours of instruction a day on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays
    and Fridays. Wednesdays are normally reserved for self-study and
    homework. In their own time students are expected to carry out up to four
    written homework assignments a week as well as prepare for the classes. The
    content and structure of the course is based on the assumption that all
    students attend all classes. Failure to attend classes is therefore likely to have
    a serious effect on progress and is very strongly discouraged. Nonattendance
    and non-submission of course work may result in the refusal of
    credit for the course.

    Assessment
    Assessment is based on students' performance in the final examinations.
    Students' progress throughout the year will be subject to continuous
    monitoring and assessment, and reference will be made to course
    assessment in appropriate circumstances.

    The criteria used for assessment are: accuracy, appropriate range of
    grammatical structures and vocabulary, appropriateness of register and oral
    fluency.

    Final Examinations
    The summative assessment comprises:

    1. A three-hour written examination (worth 50% of the overall mark):

    Section 1: Essay in Czech
    Section 2: Translation from English into Czech
    Section 3: Translation from Czech into English, all three components
    being equally weighted;

    2. An Oral Examination (worth 30% of the overall mark): a session with the
    external examiner, consisting of a general discussion on a range of topics;

    3. Course work submitted throughout the year, including class tests (worth
    20% of the overall mark).

    Written and oral sections are equally important and to qualify for the award of
    a diploma a student must pass both.

    In order to pass the Diploma students must obtain an overall mark of 10/22 in
    both the written and the oral parts of the final examination. Candidates must
    show knowledge of a sufficient range of grammatical structures and an
    effective practical vocabulary, the ability to write comprehensibly and with a
    sufficient degree of accuracy in Czech essay and in translation into Czech,
    the ability to translate most of the Czech text into natural English. In oral work
    they must demonstrate the ability to understand the majority of what is said
    and to respond effectively. Work is not deemed to be of 'pass' quality where
    there is knowledge of less than 50% of grammatical structures and vocabulary
    studied and there is insufficient evidence of accuracy across the range of
    tasks. Oral work characterised by difficulty in comprehension and little or no
    communicative ability will not be considered to be of a 'pass' quality.

    Students who obtain an overall mark of 14/22 or above in both the written and
    the oral parts of the final examination will be awarded the Diploma with
    Distinction. For this award candidates must show a high degree of accuracy in
    utilising grammatical structures and vocabulary, allied to avoidance of English
    constructions in essay in Czech and in translation from English into Czech,
    fluent and appropriate Czech translations into English. In oral work they must
    demonstrate the ability to understand the examiner fully and to respond
    accurately and with little hesitation or repetition.

    Recommended for purchase/booklist

    Students are expected to buy the textbook Communicative Czech
    (Elementary)and, as a supplement, the in-house Czech course Mluvte s námi
    ?esky!, as well as a dictionary, e.g. J. Fronek, English-Czech, Czech-English
    Dictionary (Prague, 1998). Other recommended texts are: Naughton, Czech.
    An Essential Grammar (2005); Colloquial Czech (1999). Supporting materials
    will be made available in electronic format via Moodle and by the Slavonic
    Studies Section of the School of Modern Languages and Cultures, for which
    there may be a small charge.

    Language Centre
    This is located on Level 1 of the Hetherington Building.
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