Latvian language (B2+)

obligatory courses

Knowledge of the Latvian language at B1 level.

Classroom

A course for the practical study of Latvian at the higher intermediate level (B2+) according to the standards of A Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

The course is designed to:

(a) shape the ability to proficiently listen to and read with comprehension more complex and longer non-specialist texts in the general language (newspaper articles, cultural and popular science texts);

b) to expand and enrich the lexical stock (active and passive) of class participants in various areas of life (including socio-political, economic and legal);

c) consolidate practical knowledge of grammatical forms, shape the ability to correctly use more difficult grammatical forms (especially participle forms and sentences, participle and pronominal forms, prepositions and prefix verbs, construct subordinate complex sentences), familiarize with the basic rules of spelling and punctuation (compounding, multi-word names of offices and institutions);

(d) shape the ability to understand common phrases and expressions (phraseological compounds, metaphors, proverbs);

e) practice the skills of speaking and writing freely on the topics learned.

During the course of classes, the student improves the skills of creating a written text according to specific requirements (topic, form, style - selection of an appropriate lexical resource, logicality of argumentation and conciseness of composition).

One of the forms of classes is a chat, thanks to which the students acquire the skills of formulating and expressing their own opinions on topics related to everyday life (discussion of current social, cultural and political issues).

Estimated number of hours needed to achieve the defined learning outcomes:

(a) number of contact hours: 120 hours (4 ECTS)

(b) ongoing preparation for classes: 60 hours (2 ECTS)

(c) preparation of longer written works and oral presentations: 30 hours (1 ECTS)

d) preparation for the mid-term test and the final examination 30 hrs (1 ECTS)

Coursebooks:

1. Auziņa I., M. Berķe, A. Lazareva, A. Šalme, V. Vaivade. Laipa. Latviešu valoda B1. Mācību grāmata. Latviešu valodas aģentūra: 2019.

2. Auziņa I., M. Berķe, A. Lazareva, A. Šalme, V. Vaivade. Laipa. Latviešu valoda B1. Darba burtnīca. Latviešu valodas aģentūra: 2019.

3. Auziņa I., M. Berķe, A. Lazareva, A. Šalme, V. Vaivade. Laipa. Latviešu valoda B1. Mācību grāmata. Latviešu valodas aģentūra: 2020.

4. Auziņa I., M. Berķe, A. Lazareva, A. Šalme, V. Vaivade. Laipa. Latviešu valoda B1. Darba burtnīca. Latviešu valodas aģentūra: 2020.

5. Nītiņa Daina, Palīgā. Mācību grāmata pieaugušajiem. 3 līmenis. Rīga. LVAVP: 2002.

6. Cirule Līga, Palīgā. Darba burtnīca. Rīga. LVAVP: 2002.

In addition:

1. Skujiņa Valentīna. Latviešu valoda lietišķajos rakstos. Rīga: 1999.

2. Rubīna Aina, Latviešu valodas rokasgrāmata. Rīga: 2004.

3. Press, journalistic, popular science texts (of medium difficulty) in Latvian selected by the instructor. Audio and video recordings, lecturers' original materials.

Upon completion of the course, the student:

(KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS)

- understands a longer speech with a more complex structure, if the topic of this speech is sufficiently familiar;

- reads with understanding authentic texts on current events (articles, commentaries, reviews);

- is able to write a clearly and precisely formulated text on a topic familiar to him (short essay, summary, review), presenting his own position with argumentation;

- communicates fairly fluently and unpreparedly with native speakers of Latvian, actively participates in a discussion on a topic familiar to him;

- during oral expression, generally correctly applies the rules of intonation and accentuation.

(SOCIAL COMPETENCE)

- is aware of his/her knowledge and knows the range of acquired skills, understands the need for continuous training and professional development;

- takes care of the culture of speech (especially its clarity and transparency).

The final examination, for which the student is admitted on condition that he/she passes the tutorials on time.

It is compulsory to obtain credit from each of the instructors; credit for the winter semester must be obtained by the student at the latest in the make-up session of the winter semester, and credit for the summer semester before the set date for the final examination.

Terms and conditions for obtaining semester credit (for a grade):

a) attendance - acceptable (the student is entitled to 2 absences per semester with each lecturer, each subsequent absence must be credited in a manner agreed in advance with the lecturer; absence from 50% of classes (with each lecturer) excludes obtaining credit;

b) positive grades in mid-semester and semester written tests;

c) current preparation for classes;

d) timely submission of all written work assigned by the instructors;

e) active participation in classes.

The final examination consists of a written and an oral part.

The written part tests: ability to understand longer oral statement, the ability to correctly use grammatical forms, knowledge of the lexis of the topics discussed in class, and the creation of an own text (argumentative or polemical text).

In the oral part of the assessment is the understanding of a longer journalistic text and a statement on its topic (presentation of phenomena analogous to those described in the text, presentation of one's own experience in this regard); the ability to speak freely on topics of everyday life.