First year Lithuanian, taught by Gina Holvoet ginah9@uw.edu
Office: Raitt Hall 305-W
Office Hours: by appt.
Class meets MWF 9:00-10:20
MGH 282
If students prefer, at least one class per week may be held online
Course Objectives.
This course aims to build basic skills in the Lithuanian language (speaking, listening, reading, and writing). Teaching is based on textbook material designed for English-speaking students and various authentic texts (songs, films, public signs, and folklore). At the end of the course, students can handle basic communicative tasks necessary in daily situations. During the course, students will be introduced to the Lithuanian culture; therefore, students will gain a deeper understanding of the Lithuanian culture, customs, and traditions. Students have the opportunity to participate in the activities of the Lithuanian Student Club.
Course Structure.
Every quarter is organized around three modules and will focus on:
Learning basic communicative tasks.
Understanding basic vocabulary (about 500 most commonly used words each quarter).
Understanding how meanings of words change when their endings change (Grammar: cases of nouns, adjectives, and numerals; three tenses of verbs).
The course is designed so that students can take both 3 and 5 credits at the same time. The core material - grammar, vocabulary, key communicative objectives - will be covered in three weekly lectures, attended by both 3 and 5 credit students. The remaining two weekly lectures will be attended by students taking 5 credits. These lectures are designed to provide additional reading, writing, speaking, and listening tasks, based on supplementary reading and online sources.
Assignments.
Worksheets will be discussed in class daily. Writing tasks and quizzes on Canvas will be assigned after each module is finished. Quizzes on Canvas will be open for one week.
Students taking a 3-credit course are given fewer assignments in the final exams or extra marks for more difficult assignments.
Grades.
Grades will be based on writing assignments (30%), tests and quizzes (30%), and contribution to class activities (40%). No final examination. If you have a justified reason to miss class, let your teacher know as soon as possible. You will not be penalized for missing class.
Grading for the 3-credit course (Lith 111) focuses on comprehension skills (reading and grammar).
Grading for the 5-credit course (Lith 101) includes comprehension, plus production skills (speaking and writing).
Grade scale:
97-100%=4.0 ; 93-96%=3.9 ; 91-93%=3.8 ; 90%=3.7 ; 89%=3.6 ; 88%=3.5 ; 87%=3.4 ; 86%=3.3 ; 85%=3.2 ; 84%=3.1 ; 83%=3.0; 82%=2.9 ; 81%=2.9 ; 81%=2.8 ; 80%=2.7 ; 79%=2.6 ; 78%=2.5 ; 77%=2.4; 76%=2.3; 75%=2.2; 74%=2.1; 73%=2.0; 72%=1.9; 71%=1.8; 70%=1.7... (0-60%=0.0)
Textbooks:
Teresė Ringailienė (2020). Learn and speak Lithuanian. „Šviesa“. Kaunas.
Kaškelevičienė, Aurelija, Stumbrienė, Virginija (2022). Sėkmės! Vilniaus universiteto leidykla, Vilnius
Kaškelevičienė, Aurelija, Stumbrienė, Virginija (2020). Nė dienos be lietuvių kalbos. Vadovėlis pradedantiesiems. Vilniaus universiteto leidykla.
Other:
- Install a Lithuanian keyboard on your computer. Ask an instructor for assistance if needed.
- Short online Lithuanian language course: https://www.olc.flf.vu.lt/
- Lithuanian-English/English-Lithuanian dictionary online: http://www.lietuviu-anglu.com/
- Anglonas: app for your iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad
Note:
Washington state law requires that UW develop a policy for the accommodation of student absences or significant hardship due to reasons of faith or conscience, or for organized religious activities. The UW’s policy, including more information about how to request an accommodation, is available at Religious Accommodations Policy (https://registrar.washington.edu/staffandfaculty/religious-accommodations-policy/).
Accommodations must be requested within the first two weeks of this course using the Religious Accommodations Request form (https://registrar.washington.edu/students/religious-accommodations-request/).