Form C4
1. Course
Code
Heriot-Watt University - Course Descriptor
2. Course
Title
C47GE
5. School
Management & Languages
7. Delivery:
Location &
Semester
Edin
Sem…1
6. Course
Co-ordinator
4. Credits
7
15
Christine Wilson
SBC
Orkney
Dubai
IDL
Collaborative Partner
Approved Learning Partner
Sem…….
Sem………..
Sem……..
Sem….
Name…………………….....Sem..…...
Name …………………………………Sem………..
8. Pre-requisites
None
9. Linked Courses
(specify if synoptic)
10. Excluded Courses
C47GF (synoptic)
11. Replacement Courses
Code:
N/A
12. Degrees for which
this is a core course
Date Of Replacement:
13. The course may be
delivered to:
3. SCQF
Level
Gaelic Beginners Elective 1
UG only
PG only
UG & PG
N/A
14. Available as an Elective?
Yes
No
15. Aims
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To equip students with a thorough command of the basics of oral and written Gaelic in a small number of familiar work/study or social situations equivalent to the level of A1 (CEFR) /
Basic (NOSL)
To enable students to communicate orally in limited, familiar situations, using simple sentence structures
To enable students to produce basic written texts in limited, familiar situations
To enable students to understand and respond to authentic spoken discourse in limited, familiar situations (simple statements, dialogues, questions, etc.).
To enable students to understand and respond to authentic texts written in Gaelic in limited, familiar situations
16. Syllabus
Mastery of basic vocabulary: such as a limited number of words in everyday use in familiar and face-to-face situations; basic vocabulary relating mainly to personal details such as name,
family, job role, and most important words in specific work/study situations; basic everyday connectors (e.g. ‘and’, ‘but’); a small number of set phrases expressing politeness (e.g. please and
thank you, introductions, forms of address, greeting + leave-taking); some key expressions and simple directions; days of the week, months, time, yesterday/today/tomorrow; basic numerical
terms (e.g. can use 1-20 and understand 1-60)
Mastery of basic grammatical forms: including common verbs in the present: basic negatives; common instructions; typical question forms (question word + short answer)
Development of spoken production skills: e.g. greet, introduce yourself and other people, and say goodbye; thank others and say sorry; key spoken and non verbal polite conventions; ask and
answer a few questions; make brief factual statements; express basic wishes, likes/preferences and dislikes; show whether or not you understand, and ask for repetition when you have not
understood; pronounce/articulate clearly enough to be understood.
Development of aural comprehension skills: e.g. basic spoken language in limited, familiar life/work/study situations; basic introductions, greetings, leave-taking, thanks and apologies; key
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Form C4
Heriot-Watt University - Course Descriptor
spoken and non verbal polite conventions; basic questions; details from basic personal, social and study/work-related information; main theme in brief, basic statements/descriptions and
conversations; short, basic requests, instructions or directions; people’s expression of what they do and do not want, like or prefer.
Development of written production skills: e.g. short notes and e-mails or other messages; start and end short formal and informal messages politely; draft short e-mail or letter to introduce
yourself; say thank you and sorry when appropriate; provide basic information; ask and answer basic questions; make basic requests; express what you want, like or prefer and dislike.
Development of comprehension of written texts: e.g. short messages; basic personal details in letters or other documents; identification of the likely purpose and subject of short texts by using
the layout and knowledge of a few key words; recognise common written signs or safety warnings; basic numerical information in menus, signs or other documents; requests for personal
details in short forms or other documents; short, basic questions, invitations or requests; brief, basic instructions or directions; basic wishes, likes/preferences and dislikes.
Sessions will also cover aspects of Gaelic culture.
The lecturer will provide additional resources for guided self-study (usually available through Vision): e.g. written and listening materials, as well as other recorded resources
and web material.
17. Learning Outcomes (HWU Core Skills: Employability and Professional Career Readiness)
Subject Mastery
Understanding, Knowledge and Cognitive Skills
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Personal Abilities
Demonstrate ability to understand and respond in English and Gaelic to
authentic spoken discourse.
Engage in simple spontaneous conversation with peers and native
speakers of Gaelic.
Present information orally in Gaelic.
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of basic grammatical
structures of Gaelic.
Industrial, Commercial & Professional Practice
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Scholarship, Enquiry and Research (Research-Informed Learning)
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Autonomy, Accountability & Working with Others

Demonstrate ability to gather and sort
information
Structure and make simple presentations
Acquire an awareness of Gaelic culture.
Learn appropriate Gaelic register and
vocabulary.
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Self-management skills fostered by the need to be
committed to a purpose, to manage self-study
effectively and to work to deadlines.
Participate in teamwork, peer conversation, group
activities.
Begin to take account of own and others’ roles,
responsibilities and contributions in carrying out and
evaluating certain tasks.
18. Assessment Methods
Method
Demonstrate ability to identify and analyse grammatical issues in Gaelic.
Formulate adequate solutions to basic translation-related problems.
Acquire an awareness of language evolution and changes in language
production.
Communication, Numeracy & ICT
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19. Re-assessment Methods
Duration of Exam
Weighting (%)
Synoptic courses?
Method
(if applicable)
Continuous Assessment (50%)
Examination (50%)
20. Date and Version
Date of Proposal
February 2014
Communicate effectively in
Gaelic.
Use presentation software to
make simple presentations.
Use reference sources to find
out or check meaning or
accuracy (e.g. glossaries,
dictionaries, phrase books,
basic on-line resources).
Date of Approval by
School Committee
Diet(s)
(if applicable)
Examination
1 hour
Duration of Exam
40%
1 Hour
Re-sit
C47GF2
Date of
Implementation
September 2014
Version
Number
2/2
1