Course code ValoP291

Credit points 3

Professional English I

Total Hours in Course81

Number of hours for seminars and practical classes32

Independent study hours49

Date of course confirmation07.04.2020

Responsible UnitLanguage Centre

Course developer

author

Diana Svika

Mg. paed.

Course abstract

The study course is aimed at the development of students’ foreign language (English) knowledge and skills necessary for comprehending, interpreting and evaluating professional information and scientific literature, explaining and comparing processes and phenomena, participating in discussions, giving presentations in professional and academic environment as well as for communication with foreign students, specialists and academic staff. The focus is on the terminology pertaining to Forest science and related fields (forest engineering and wood processing). The English language proficiency level corresponds to at least level B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for foreign languages

Learning outcomes and their assessment

Knowledge and understanding of terminology in the following fields: university education, studies at Forest faculty, tree and its structure, classification of trees into conifers and deciduous trees, trees in Latvian folklore, giant trees (Test No1);
forest – basic type of ecosystem in Latvia, forest stands; forest layers, diversity of plant kingdom and principles of systematics (Test No.2);
ethnobotany, gymnosperms and angyosperms, process of photosynthesis, natural woodland habitats (Test No 3).
Skills: students are able to define or explain terms, select professional and scientific information,think critically, explain processes and phenomena, participate in discussions, applying professional terminology, communication skills and academic language skills: in writing essays, summaries business letters; orally in discussions, dialogues, role plays, giving presentations.
Competence of professional and academic English language in order to apply it creatively in spoken and written communication for student mobility, professional and academic activities in international environment.

Course Content(Calendar)

1. Introduction to professional English. Terminology. Dictionaries. Glossaries. 2h
2.Terminology dictionaries and glossaries used in the harvesting sector. 2h
3.Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies. Terminology pertaining to academic environment. 2h
4.Trees, their classification into conifers and deciduous trees. Origin and translation of tree names in English. 2h
5.The structure of trees. Forest stand characteristics. Forest layers. Terminology, definitions and explanations of terms. 2h
6. Test 1. (Terminology). Basic principles of making and giving PP presentations in English. 2h
7. Wood, its use and properties. Terms used to describe wood properties. 2h
8. General characteristics of Latvia’s forests. Harvesting volumes. Presenting and interpreting facts and figures. 2h
9. Forest as forest engineers see it. Forest technology. 2h
10.Test 2. (Terminology). Forest as a work environment and source of raw materials.2h
11.European forests and their management. Swedish model. Discussion. 2h
12.State joint-stock company “Latvijas valsts meži”- company’s profile. 2h
13.Harvesting methods and systems. Writing summaries. 2h
14.Operating a chain saw. Safety measures. Language of instructions. 2h
15.Test 3. (Terminology. Definitions of terms and describing processes).1h
16.Seminar: giving final presentations and discussing the themes related to forest engineering. 3h

Requirements for awarding credit points

Assessment: Test (pass/fail).
It is made up of cumulative assessment
Successfully written 3 tests, the glossary of terms for each topic, timely completed home works, completed individual work (reading of professional texts, presentation on a selected topic, a glossary of terms, summary). Tests and home works shall have a positive evaluation. The number of missed classes
shall not exceed 20%.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

Individual semester work:
1. Reading independently chosen professional texts (the amount: 10 000 characters);
2. Prepared PPoint presentation (8-10 minutes) and presented at the end of the semester.
3. Submitted glossary of terms (30 terms –translated , 20 terms – defined/ explained).
4. Students are able to prepare a summary, of the chosen text, present the summary, compare facts, express ideas, make conclusions and answer the questions.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

The cumulative assessment is composed of the grades in tests, home assignments, assessment during classes and a presentation of the individual work. The grade in tests is successful if at least 70% of the answers are correct.

Compulsory reading

1. Forest Sector Terminology. Glossary of forest sector terminology used in the European Union and other international legislation. English - Latvian - English. TTC, Meža attīstības fonds. Madris, 2007.151 lpp. ISBN 978-9984-31-433-4
2. Dolacis J. Mežtehnikas, mežsaimniecības un kokrūpniecības terminu vārdnīca. Antera, 672 lpp. ISBN 9984-9313-0-7
3. Evans V., Dooley J.,Styles N. Career Paths Natural Resources I Forestry. Express Publishing, 2015. 42 p. ISBN 978-1-4715-3943-5

Further reading

1. Evans V., Dooley J., Blum E. Career Paths Environment Science. Express Publishing. 2016, 42 p.ISBN 978-1- 78098-669-2
2. Forest Sector in the 25 Year of Independence of Latvia – brochure. Zaļās mājas. 2016. 44 lpp.

Periodicals and other sources

1 .Forestry. An International Journal of Forest Research:[ tiešsaiste] (skatīts 27.03.2020). Pieejams: https://academic.oup.com/forestry
2. Latvijas valsts meži - Forest sector:[tiešsaiste] (skatīts 27.03.2020). Pieejams: https://www.lvm.lv/en/forest-sector-in-latvia
3. Forestry and Environmental Issues. [tiešsaiste] (skatīts 27.03.2020). Pieejams: http://forestry.about.com
4. Biodiversity and Conservation. [tiešsaiste] (skatīts 27.03.2020). Pieejams: http://www.pro-natura.net/cont.pdf

Notes

The study course has been included in the compulsory part of the academic Bachelor’s degree programme “Forest Science” of the Forest Faculty.