B_PV_CR1_p BC_PV Czech Language and Czech Realia 1

NEWTON University
winter 2024
Extent and Intensity
0/0. 2 credit(s). Type of Completion: graded credit.
Teacher(s)
Nicolas Pham (seminar tutor)
Guaranteed by
Centre for International Programmes – NEWTON University
Timetable of Seminar Groups
B_PV_CR1_p/101: Thu 8:00–9:30 PH Učebna 08, except Thu 5. 12. ; and Wed 11. 12. 8:00–9:30 PH Učebna 04, N. Pham
B_PV_CR1_p/102: Tue 11:20–12:50 PH Učebna 08, N. Pham
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is offered to students of any study field.
Course objectives
Course Objectives: Understand key aspects of Czech geography, history, and culture: Students will learn to identify major regions, cities, historical figures, and cultural events of the Czech Republic. Expand vocabulary: Learners will acquire vocabulary specific to geography, political systems, history, and culture, enabling them to discuss these topics in Czech. Enhance grammatical understanding: The course will reinforce grammar concepts such as the locative case, past and future tenses, and narrative structures. Develop listening and speaking skills: Through discussions and presentations, students will improve their ability to comprehend and communicate about Czech cultural and historical topics. Cultural integration: Students will become familiar with Czech traditions, holidays, and customs, preparing them for deeper integration into Czech society.
Learning outcomes
Course Description: This 12-week course offers an introduction to České reálie (Czech life and culture) for students learning Czech as a second language. Through an exploration of Czech geography, history, and culture, students will not only develop their language skills but also gain a deeper understanding of the country’s social and cultural context. Each week focuses on essential vocabulary, grammar, and historical or cultural knowledge, building towards a greater fluency and comprehension of both language and the local environment.
Syllabus
  • Syllabus (1x90 min per week, 12 weeks) Weeks 1-2: Czech Geography and Nature Objective: Familiarize students with the geography of the Czech Republic, focusing on its regions, cities, natural features, and climate. Week 1 (Introduction to Geography): Major cities, rivers, mountains, and regions (e.g., Prague, Moravia, Bohemia). Week 2 (Nature and National Parks): Natural landmarks, protected areas, parks, flora, and fauna. Vocabulary: Geographic terms, names of cities, regions, and natural elements. Grammar: Locative case (used with prepositions for places), basic adjective agreement. Weeks 3-4: Czech Political System and Economy Objective: Introduce students to the political structure and the Czech economy. Week 3 (Political System): Overview of the Czech government structure (President, Prime Minister, Parliament). Week 4 (Economy): Key industries, economic history, and Czech Republic's integration in the EU. Vocabulary: Political terms, government institutions, economic terms. Grammar: Present tense review (talking about government roles), numbers (related to economic data). Weeks 5-6: Czech History (Pre-20th Century) Objective: Provide students with an overview of early Czech history. Week 5 (Early Czech History): Introduction to the Kingdom of Bohemia, Charles IV, and Jan Hus. Week 6 (Austro-Hungarian Empire): The role of the Czech lands in the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Vocabulary: Historical terms, important figures, events. Grammar: Past tense (narrating historical events), prepositions of time. Weeks 7-8: Czech History (20th Century) Objective: Discuss the key events of the 20th century in Czech history. Week 7 (Czechoslovakia and WWII): Creation of Czechoslovakia, the Nazi occupation. Week 8 (Communism and the Velvet Revolution): The Communist era and the transition to democracy. Vocabulary: Terms related to politics, wars, independence. Grammar: Past tense review, narrative structures. Weeks 9-10: Czech Culture and Traditions (Part 1) Objective: Introduce students to Czech customs, traditions, and holidays. Week 9 (Czech Holidays): Focus on Christmas, Easter, and Státní svátek (October 28). Week 10 (Czech Folklore): Traditions, folk songs, costumes. Vocabulary: Holiday names, cultural events, customs. Grammar: Future tense (planning for holidays), reflexive verbs (for customs). Weeks 11-12: Czech Culture and Traditions (Part 2) Objective: Explore modern Czech culture. Week 11 (Czech Literature and Arts): Introduction to famous authors (Franz Kafka, Karel Čapek), music (Dvořák, Smetana). Week 12 (Modern Czech Cinema and Arts): Contemporary Czech culture, films, and music. Vocabulary: Literature and art terms, names of famous personalities. Grammar: Review of cases and tenses, describing culture in Czech.
Teaching methods
Teaching Methodology: The teaching methodology combines communicative language teaching with a content-based approach. Each class is structured to deliver language instruction through the lens of Czech history, geography, and culture. This contextualizes vocabulary and grammar in a meaningful way, making learning more relevant and engaging. Lessons are interactive, featuring discussion-based activities, group projects, and multimedia presentations (videos, articles, maps). Students will actively participate in role-plays, group discussions, and presentations to practice their language skills while applying what they’ve learned about Czech life. The course will use authentic materials, such as historical texts, travel guides, and media related to Czech traditions, to enhance listening comprehension and contextual understanding. Regular review sessions will reinforce key concepts and allow for corrective feedback to improve accuracy and fluency.
Assessment methods
Form of completion of the course: Classified credit PFS: The level of fulfillment of study obligations is assessed by classification grade A-E. The basic condition for obtaining a graded credit is 75% participation in seminars, one presentation on a professional topic (see detailed syllabus by week) and a final test. The teacher reserves the right to modify the conditions for granting graded credit. The teacher reserves the right to modify the conditions for granting graded credit. Point evaluation 100-90 A 89-80 B 79-70 C 69-60 D 59-50 E 49-0 F
Language of instruction
Czech
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