LV EN RU DE FR

Professional English II

Course developers

Prior knowledge

Valo1041, Professional English I

Replaced courses

ValoP219 [GVALP219] Professional English II

ValoP262 [GVALP262] Professional English II

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 specialists (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 Students have knowledge of core terminology in English that is related to mechanics, agricultural machinery and general engineering. 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. Creating a glossary for each unit. Vocabulary of agricultural production. 2h
2. Soil. Classification of agricultural land. Soil tillage techniques. 2h
3. Description of functions and usage of various agricultural machinery and implements. 2h
4. Alternative energy in agriculture. Discussion. 2h
5. Biogas production and use. Examples of good practice. 2h
6. Test 1. / Searching internet resources for information, preparing a talk (a monologue). 2h
7. The analysis of the websites of agricultural machinery producing companies. 2h
8. Work safety. Major hazards and their effects.2h
9. The vehicle safety system. Writing a summary. 2h
10. Tools and machinery. Description and use.2h
11. Materials, their properties and use in car industry.2h
12. Precision agriculture. Innovative engineering solutions. Milking robots. 2h
13. Road safety, rules, road signs.2h
14. Business communication. Business writing. Europass CV. Cover letter.2h
15. Test 2. / Creating a glossary of terms 2h
16. The seminar: presentations of individual work. 2h

Requirements for awarding credit points

Assessment: Examination. The examination consists of the presentation of individual work, 2) final terminology test. The study work during the semester is evaluated by 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 the missed classes shall 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 course is concluded with the examination. The examination consists of 1) the presentation of individual work, 2) Examination terminology test. The work during the semester is taken into account. The final grade consists of: 1) cumulative assessment of grades during the semester (20%), examination terminology test (30%), 2) a presentation of the individual work (40%), 4) a glossary (10%). The grade in mid-term tests is successful if at least 70% of the answers are correct. All home works during the semester should receive a successful grade. The evaluation is done according to the 10-grade scale.

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

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