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 engineering in Agriculture.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

Students have knowledge of core terminology in English that is related to mechanics, agricultural machinery and general engineering.
Skills: 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 are able to apply professional terminology and communicative skills in written and oral communication to use English creatively in an international environment, student mobility, professional and scientific activities.

Evaluation takes place in each lesson, regularly checking the completed tasks.

Course Content(Calendar)

1. Milking machinery and robots. 2h
2. Automobile as a source of pollution. 2h
3. Alternative energy in agriculture. 2h
4. Biogas production and use. 2h
5. Test 1. Ecological problems. Car safety systems. 2h
6. Work safety. Major hazards and their effects. 2h
7. Tools and machinery. Description and use. 2h
8. Materials, their properties and use in car industry. 2h
9. Car use and maintenance. 2h
10. Test 2. Materials. Car service. Main technical issues. 2h
11. Used cars: purchase, maintenance and repair. 2h
12. Road safety, rules, road signs. 2h
13. Business communication. Business writing. Cover letter. 2h
14. Test 3. Car maintenance. Telephone talk. Communication types. 2h
15. Individual term work presentations. 2h

16. Individual term work presentations. 2h

Requirements for awarding credit points

Assessment: Examination.
It is made up of cumulative assessment.
Successfully written 2 tests, a final terminology test,
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. A written summary (the amount – 2000 characters);
3. Prepared PPoint presentation and oral presentation (8-10 minutes) in front of the class;
Submitted glossary of terms (30 translations, 20 definitions).

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

The cumulative assessment is composed of the grades in 2 tests 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. Hollet V., Sydes J. Techtalk: Intermediate. Oxford University Press, 2010. 120 p. ISBN-10: 019457541159
2. Ibbotson M. Professional English in Use: Engineering. Technical English for Professionals. CUP, 2009. 144 p. ISBN 978-0-521-73488-2
3. Kavanagh M. English for the Automobile Industry. Oxford University Press, 2009. 79 p. ISBN-13: 978 019 4579018

4. Sopranzi S. Flash on English for Mechanics, Electronics and Technical Assistance. ELI, 2012. 47 p. ISBN 978-88-536-1449-0

Further reading

1. Badger I., Pedley S. Everyday Business Writing. Pearson Education Ltd, 2008. 95 p. ISBN 0-582-53972-2
2. Kalpakjian S., Schmid S.R. Manufacturing engineering and technology. SI conversion by Hamidon Musa. 6th ed. in SI units. Jurong: Prentice Hall/Pearson, 2010. 1180 p. ISBN-13: 978-01360816857

3. Yost S. How to keep your classic tractor alive. Minneapolis, MN: Voyageur Press, 2009. 240 p. ISBN 10: 0760329516

Periodicals and other sources

1. Automotive Engineer [tiešsaiste]. [Skatīts 19.01.2016.] Pieejams: http://ae-plus.com/magazine
2. CAR Magazine[tiešsaiste]. [Skatīts 15.01.2016.] Pieejams: http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/

3. International Journal of Automotive Engineering [tiešsaiste]. [Skatīts 19.01.2016.] Pieejams:http://tech.jsae.or.jp/ijae/ ISSN 2185-0992

Notes

The course is included in the compulsory part of the TF study program "Agricultural Engineering". Compulsory course in bachelor's programme Biosystems Machinery and Technologies in the 1st study year in the 1st semester.