Course code Valo1041

Credit points 3

Professional English I

Total Hours in Course81

Number of hours for seminars and practical classes32

Independent study hours49

Date of course confirmation02.09.2024

Responsible UnitLanguage Centre

Course developers

author Sociālo un humanitāro zinātņu institūts

Inese Ozola

Dr. philol.

author lect.

Aija Pētersone

Mg. paed.

author lect.

Irina Orlova

Mg. philol.

Replaced course

ValoP218 [GVALP218] Professional English I

Course abstract

The course is aimed at the acquisition of knowledge and skills in professional foreign languages with the express purpose of extending the students` professional qualification and improving the students` communication skills with foreign students and speciālists (including work placement abroad, participation in guest lectures, work in joint venture companies, etc.). The study course envisages mastering of language skills in various forms and levels of communication – reading, speaking, listening, writing focusing on the terminology of agricultural engineering. The English language proficiency level corresponds at least to level B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for foreign languages.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

Knowledge: Students are able to use core terminology in English that is related to mechanics, agricultural machinery and general engineering. They have knowledge and understanding of the terminology of the field and its application. Skills: students are able to formulate definitions, select field-specific information, explain procedures related to different technical aspects, give arguments, give a critical evaluation and description of a process, use professional terminology in written and spoken communicative settings, e.g. technical descriptions, business letters, discussions, dialogues and presentations. Competence: Students have the competence of professional 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. The course requirements. University education. Terminology in engineering sciences. Creating a glossary for each unit. Online dictionaries for terms in the subject field. 2h
2. Branches of engineering. The career opportunities for agricultural engineers. 2h
3. Types of engines. Internal combustion engine. The description of four-stroke internal combustion cycle. 2h
4. Types of vehicles. Interior and exterior of cars. Translation of terms and their definitions in English. 2h
5. Test 1. / Automobile invention. Car history and evolution. Tips for presentations. Phrases used in presentations. 2h
6. Sustainable development. UN concept of sustainable development and vehicles. Discussion. 2h
7. Types of agricultural machinery. Cultivating, planting and harvesting machinery and equipment. 2h
8. Ignition system, its functions and working principles, their characteristics. 2h
9. Oiling system. Car service. Instructions and tutorials for the maintenance of cars. 2h
10. Cooling system, suspension system. Comparison of advantages and disadvantages. 2h
11. Innovation in transportation solutions. Searching internet resources for information, preparing a talk (a monologue) 2h
12. Transmission. Gearbox. E-mails for communication in a company. Creating a glossary of terms. 2h
13. MOT test. Main technical issues. The structure of speech and requirements for PowerPoint slides and oral presentations.
14. Test 2. / Advantages and disadvantages of electric cars. 2h
15. The seminar: presentations of individual work. / The latest trends in onboard diagnostic. 2h
16. The seminar: presentations of individual work. 2h

Requirements for awarding credit points

Assessment: Formal test.
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 in front of the class, the glossary of terms). Tests and home works should have a positive evaluation. The number of the missed classes should not exceed 20%.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

Individual work:
1. Reading of the independently chosen professional texts (the amount: 20 000 characters);
2. Prepared PPoint presentation and oral presentation (5-8 minutes) in front of the class;
3. Submitted glossary of terms (30 translations, 20 definitions).

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

The cumulative assessment is composed of the grades in 2 tests, a glossary and a presentation of the individual work.The grade in tests is successful if at least 70% of the answers are correct. All home works should receive a successful grade.

Compulsory reading

1. Ibbotson M. Professional English in Use: Engineering. Technical English for Professionals. CUP, 2009. 144 p. ISBN 978-0-521-73488-2
2. Dearholt J.D. Career Paths: Mechanics. Books 1-3. Express Publishing, 2018. ISBN 978-1-4715-6108-5
3. Evans V., Dooley J., Rosencrans C. Career Paths: Agricultural Engineering. Books 1-3. Express Publishing, 2018. ISBN 978-1-4715-6066-8
4. Rosenberg B.J. Spring into series: Technical Writing for Engineers and Scientists. Pearson Education Inc. 2023. 317 p. ISBN 0131498630

Further reading

1. Evans V., Dooley J., Kern J. Career Paths: Mechanical Engineering. Books 1-3. Express Publishing, 2018. ISBN 978-1-4715-6107-8
2. A brief illustrated history of machines and mechanisms. Emilio Bautista Paz ..[et al.]. Dordrecht; Heidelberg; London; New York: Springer, 2010. 217 p. ISBN 9048125111
3. European Agriculture Machinery Association. CEMA - the voice of the European Agricultural Machinery Industry. [tiešsaiste]. [Skatīts 20.08.2024.] Pieejams: https://www.cema-agri.org/

Periodicals and other sources

CAR Magazine [tiešsaiste]. [Skatīts 20.08.2024.] Pieejams: http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/
2. Understanding Auto Parts [tiešsaiste]. [Skatīts 20.08.2024.] Pieejams: https://auto.howstuffworks.com/
3. AgriNext Conference, a premier platform at the intersection of agriculture and technology. [tiešsaiste]. [Skatīts 20.08.2024.] Pieejams: https://agrinextcon.com/

Notes

TThe course is designed for agricultural machinery students and is included in the compulsory course programme.