Prospectus

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Hindi 1

Course
2021-2022

Admission requirements

None.

Description

Hindi (an Indo-European language) is the 3rd most widely spoken language of the world. It is mainly spoken in India, where it is the official language of the union. Proficiency in this critical language is the key to unlocking access not only to a huge market, but also to a cultural treasure trove of literature, cinema, music, and much more. Hindi 1 Beginners is intended for learners with no previous background in Hindi or with little knowledge of Hindi. The course will introduce the lingua-franca of the Indian subcontinent in its Hindustani form. The course will enable students to have an elementary proficiency in Hindi by developing their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in the language. Learners will be introduced to Devanagari writing system which is used to write Hindi. The course focuses on development of all four language skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) and all three models of communication (interpersonal, presentational, and interpretive) in Hindi for effective communication. Conventional course materials will be supplemented by in-class formative assessment tools, video clips, classroom games and other authentic materials. This course actively uses a blended learning method by integrating face-to-face classroom component with an appropriate use of online tools in- and outside the classroom.

Course objectives

By the end of the course, students should have reached approximately the A1 standard of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). This course is the first course in a series of four language acquisition courses within the BA South & South-East Asian Studies.

The main objectives of the course are:

  • Elementary knowledge of vocabulary and sentence structures of Hindi to a simple level to listen, speak, read, and write simple spoken language in practical day to day situations.

  • Elementary knowledge of the grammar of Hindi and the ability to apply this knowledge in their own oral and written language.

  • Ability to read and write simple words and sentences in Devanagari script of Hindi.

  • Be familiar with related cultural information about India / South Asia; e.g. greetings, clothes, food, society, social etiquettes etc.

Skill CEFR Level
Reading A1
Writing A1
Listening A1
Speaking A1

Timetable

The timetables are available through My Timetable.

Mode of instruction

  • Seminar (three two hour tutorials every week)

Attendance and participation are obligatory. Classes missed for a good reason (to the discretion of the conveners and to be discussed BEFORE the class takes place) will have to be made up with an extra assignment. Being absent without notification can result in a lower grade or exclusion from the term end exams and a failing grade for the course.
Being absent will result in a lowering of the In-class performance & participation grade with 0.5 for every absence after the first five (5) times.

Assessment method

Assessment of Hindi 1 will consist of the following components:

  • In-class language Performance, Class preparation and participation: 10% of final grade

  • Homework and Assignments: 10% of final grade

  • Quizzes [Script test, Dictation, Listening Comprehension, Vocabulary, Grammar, Translation etc.] (Six – one every two weeks): 30% of final grade

  • Projects (1 Project): 10% of final grade (Audio Blog, Scrapbook, group video project, classroom presentation etc.)

  • Term End Oral Exam (Oral proficiency interview): 15% of final grade

  • Term End Written Exam (Grammar, Vocabulary, Translation, Written expression, Reading comprehension etc.): 25% of final grade

There will be no make-ups for any missed quiz, presentation or other activity. Only in case of a medical or personal emergency should the lecturer be informed immediately by e-mail with documented evidence for special consideration.

Weighing

  • To successfully complete the course, please take note that the end grade of the course is established by determining the weighted average of all assessment components.

  • The End Grade needs to be a 5.50 (=6) or higher to pass the course.

Resit

If the end grade is insufficient, there is a possibility of retaking only the term end written exam in the course (25%). Individual exams cannot be retaken.

The course is an integrated whole. The final examination and the assignments must be completed in the same academic year. No partial marks can be carried over into following years.

Inspection and feedback

How and when an exam review will take place will be disclosed together with the publication of the exam results at the latest. If a student requests a review within 30 days after publication of the exam results, an exam review will have to be organized.

Reading list

  • Rupert Snell, Get Started in Hindi [With audio CD], London: Hodder, 2014 [ISBN-13: 9781444174687]

  • Rupert Snell, Essential Hindi Dictionary: A Teach Yourself Guide, London: Hodder, 2011 [ISBN-13: 9781444104004]

Registration

  • Enrolment through uSis is mandatory.

  • Students will be enrolled for Exams by the Administration Office, as long as they have a valid Tutorial enrolment.

  • General information about uSis is available on the website.

Contact

Remarks

For this course attendance and participation is essential. Classes missed for a good reason (to the discretion of the conveners and to be discussed BEFORE the class takes place) will have to be made up with an extra assignment.
This course uses integrated communicative language learning method. Therefore active participation in the classroom activities is essential for successful learning outcomes.