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.
