Professional German 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 developers

lect.

Oksana Mališeva

Mg. philol.

Diana Svika

Mg. paed.

Course abstract

The study course is aimed at the development of students’ foreign language (German) 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 Engineering science and related fields (forest science and wood processing). The German 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: studies at Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, academic environment, tree and its structure, classification of trees into conifers and deciduous trees, tree stands (Test No 1);
wood and its properties, characteristics of Latvia’s forests, forest as a forest engineer sees it (Test No2); harvesting methods and systems, forest technology, chain saw operation and safety measures (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 and summaries; 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. The assessment according to the 10 point scale.

Course Content(Calendar)

1. Introduction to professional German. 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 2 tests, the glossary of terms for each topic, timely completed home works, completed individual work (reading of professional texts, presentation on a selected topic, the glossary of terms). Tests and home works are with 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 of the independently chosen professional texts (the amount: 10 000 characters);
2. Prepared PPoint presentation 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 (pass/fail) 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. Schmitt G., Brändle B., Kramaschek H. Sägen, verbinden und mehr: die wichtigsten Grundlagen und Techniken. 1.Aufl. Frech Verlag, 2013. 131 S. EAN:9783772450723.
2. Baron S.C. (2008): Das duale Ausbildungssystem unter dem Einfluss der EU-Berufsbildungspolitik. Entwicklungsprozesse und Herausforderungen. 1. Aufl. VDM Verlag, 2008. 256 S. ISBN-10: 3-639-02083-9.
3. Wigand A. Der Baum: Betrachtungen über Gestalt und Lebensgeschichte der Holzgewächse. Auxo Verlag, 2013. 272 S. ISBN-10:3-95622-094-3.
4. Wippermann C. Mensch und Wald. Einstellungen der Deutschen zum Wald und zur nachhaltigen Waldwirtschaft. Bertelsmann, 2010. 164 Seiten. ISBN-10:3-7639-4692-6.

Periodicals and other sources

1. Profi-Magazin für professionelle Agrartechnik ISBN 3784332641.
2. Agrar- und Umweltrecht. - Zeitschrift für das gesamte Recht der Landwirtschaft der Agrarmärkte und des ländlichen Raumes ISSN 0340-840X.
3. HOB - Die Holzbearbeitung. [Online] [skatīts 21.01.2015.] Pieejams: http://www.hob-magazin.com/

Notes

The course has been included in the compulsory part of the full and part-time professional Bachelor’s degree programme “Forest Engineer” of the Forest Faculty

Atsauksmes