SEES0038 MA New Language: Estonian

Summative Assessment

3 hour written examination (75%), oral examination (25%)

Formative Assessment

Progress is carefully monitored, in particular in the early stages of the course, through a number of formative assessment tasks (reading and translating in class) and homework exercises.

Module Outline

This course aims to provide a competent reading knowledge of Estonian and basic communicative skills in the language. Students who complete the course successfully will be able to assure both potential employers and academic supervisors that they possess the necessary foundation-level Estonian language skills to work with original Estonian texts and to enable them to undertake study and/or research in Estonia. The course provides an intensive introduction to Estonian grammar, a knowledge of basic vocabulary, practice in the skills of oral communication in Estonian in straightforward situations, translation and information retrieval skills, using Estonian texts in Estonian and international cultural, political, and social themes. The course is designed for beginners. It requires intensitve study including learning and practising independently beyond the contact hours.

Expected Outcomes

By the end of the course students should have reached level B1+ (a solid upper intermediate to advanced level) in reading skills and in awareness of language structure, and level A2 (lower to upper intermediate level) in all other skills (speaking, writing, listening) according to the grading provided by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Students will improve their independent study skills, analytical skills, and general language learning ability.

Key Reference Texts

Course materials produced by the teacher will be provided.

Core learning materials:

Moseley, Christopher. 2008. Colloquial Estonian, The Complete Course for Beginners. London and New York: Routledge. (Grammar points, glossary, and dialogues.)

Material from the following will also be provided in class or may be used independently:

Pesti, M., Ahi, H. 2006. E nagu Eesti.Tallinn: TEA.

Tomingas, S. 2011. Saame tuttavaks! Estonian for beginners. Tallinn: TEA.