Elementary Czech

Course Description:

            The elementary Czech course will introduce the students to the spoken and written language and the use of it in everyday situations (both formal and informal). The course is designed to (1) establish a basic understanding of Czech in everyday communication, with field practice available for the students; (2) provide the students with the basic knowledge of Czech grammar, which itself is a foundation of a successful communication in Czech.

            The course will be built upon four main areas of focus: listening comprehension, reading comprehension and the speaking and writing skills. Special attention will be paid to conversation practice – the ultimate purpose of this course is to enable the students to lead a meaningful and problem-less conversation with Czech natives.

            The program as a whole is very flexible and thus can be adjusted according to the needs and/or requirements of the students.

Teaching materials:

Karel Kučera, First Essentials. An Elementary Czech (Prague, 2002); or Step by Step (Prague 2004).

Additional reading and grammar materials, esp. the specially prepared texts stressing the vocabulary used in authentic contexts arising in contemporary Czech life.

Karen von Kunes, Everything You Wanted To Know About Czech and Were Afraid to Ask. 72 Discussions of the Czech Language to Make You Think, Learn and Entertain (Prague, 1995).

Medium size Czech – English and English - Czech Dictionary.

Examination:

Written tests = 1 mid-course test, 1 final comprehensive test (tests are cumulative).

The home work is an important part of the course as it is not possible to master any language only through the work in the class. That’s why homework (new words, reviewing grammar, writing skills etc.) is continuous. The homework will be checked and returned to the students ("homework problems" – if any – will be explained at the beginning of every class session).

Grading:

class work = 42%, home work = 14%, midterm = 14%, final = 30%