DL - Gaelic - Revision Distance Learning

Gaelic Revision Distance Learning

10-week Intensive Gaelic Distance Learning Course, commencing in May 2024

Course fee £385

Course Description

Welcome to our Revision Gaelic Distance Learning Course! 

This 10-week course is intended for those wishing to rebuild their confidence and competence and progress to a standard equivalent to SQA Higher via distance learning. You will need to have some existing knowledge of Gaelic (e.g. a rusty Higher) to succeed. It joins an existing cohort of students who have studied the language intensively for 15 weeks, it is not a course suitable for complete beginners. 

 

What will you learn?

You will learn how to communicate in spoken Gaelic in a range of everyday situations in such a way that basic daily requirements can be met. You will learn to understand some specific details of simple everyday aural and written messages, as well as recognise and use the basic features of the grammatical system. Using a small range of 'repair strategies' will help you to overcome communication breakdowns in a range of basic everyday situations.

By the end of this module, you will be able to describe and understand some differences and show basic cultural awareness between the Gaelic language and culture, and your own.

 

What are some examples of the topics?

The topics of this module may include personal information; daily routine; food and drink; travel and transport; accommodation abroad; likes and dislikes; leisure activities; home and family; shopping; jobs; health; geography and weather; education, etc. Please note, that these topics are not entirely preset and vary depending on the students’ and tutor’s needs and preferences.

 

What is the language level of this module? 

In this Revision Gaelic Distance Learning Course, you will cover all areas at Level A2 and some selected skills at Level B1 as described in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). You will start with the basics and work up to the equivalent of SQA Higher and beyond.

Furthermore, this module is matched against the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) and is ranked at SCQF Level 7. This is equivalent to the student effort required for attending the first year at university.

 

Who can enrol in this module? Is this course suitable for me?

If you have some existing knowledge, a basic grasp of the language and its grammatical structures, and you enjoy learning a language with the support of online classes and weekly study plans, then this course is right for you. Spending around 7 hours per week studying in your own time will make it easy for you to succeed. 

 

How long is this course? 

This distance learning course is 10 weeks long, from May to July. The class meets weekly for one oral lesson. In addition, students are recommended to invest around 7 hours of studying per week in their own time.

 

Is this course delivered online?

Yes, the classes or oral lessons take place exclusively online, via online video calls. Students are expected to regularly check our virtual learning environment (My Dundee), which we use to make announcements and communicate with the students, and where we provide all of the learning materials and resources, such as the weekly study plans. Because of this, this course is only suitable for students with reliable internet access.

 

What will the oral lessons be like? 

The oral lessons strongly focus on small group discussions and partner work, providing ample opportunity to practise what you learn whilst working through the weekly study plans and revising what you have learned in previous weeks. We work with authentic resources whenever possible, such as listening to conversations between native speakers or responding to live social media posts. Basic features of grammar will be introduced and practised to improve language skills and awareness and to quickly increase the range of topics you can talk about.

 

Is there homework to be done? 

Yes, you are provided with a range of revision and homework materials to consolidate your learning and extend your vocabulary. You receive feedback from your tutor on work handed in, so that you can work on your mistakes and improve your skills consistently.

  

What about assessments? 

This course joins the 25-week intensive course, which is assessed via continuous assessment over the 25 weeks, consisting of three writing assessments, one listening assessment, and the final oral presentation. Revision students are welcome to take part in the remaining assessments (usually one writing assessment, one listening assessment and the oral assessment). 

 

Is this an accredited module with a certificate?

Only students who successfully pass ALL assessments, i.e. also the ones that have already taken place during the 25-week intensive course, may receive the University of Dundee Modern Languages Certificate and earn 20 SCOTCAT credit points at SCQF Level 7. This is not possible for Revision Students, because they have missed the first two assessments by default. 

However, Revision students are entitled to a Certificate of Course Completion. There are no extra charges for the certificates.

 

How do I sign up?

Simply click on ‘Book Course’ below and follow the instructions on the screen! We look forward to working with you!

 

Wait, I still have a question! 

No problem! We are a dedicated and passionate language department at the University of Dundee and like to get to know our learners well, paying close attention to individual needs. If there are any concerns, or if you have any further questions, please feel free to get in touch! 

 

For general and administrative questions:

DL Coordinator: Maren Dralle – [email protected] 

DL Administration Support – [email protected] 

 

For language-specific questions about module content and curriculum:

Gaelic Tutor: Jason Bond – [email protected]