ULPL51010 - LEAP Polish 1 (A1)

  • Credits: 20
  • Pre-requisite: This unit is suitable for those who have never studied Polish before.
  • Co-requisite: If you are studying a Modern Languages Degree, either single or joint honours, please refer to relevant guidance about eligibility for LEAP units on your programme structure.
  • Taught during: Both semesters (September to May).
  • Level of attainment: (A1) By the end of the course, students should be able to perform at Level A1 of the Common European Framework.
  • Timetable: See timetable information

Description

This course is for absolute beginners. It is designed for those who wish to attain a basic understanding of the Polish language covering four skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. It aims to introduce students to the Polish alphabet, the basic language structure and the basics of Polish grammar.

Students will also acquire limited vocabulary to be able to read simple texts and conduct basic conversation in key areas of everyday communication. The course provides students with a solid foundation for further language learning.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:

  • handle some of the basic grammatical structures of Polish;
  • understand and read, some familiar and daily expressions used in common everyday situations and write very simple messages;
  • communicate orally at a basic level in a limited number of common everyday situations;
  • have some understanding and knowledge of Polish life and culture.

By the end of the course, students should be able to perform at Level A1 of the Common European Framework.

Transferable skills

Pair and teamwork, focussed listening, informal presentations, language awareness, and cultural appreciation.

Teaching and learning methods- 

This course combines asynchronous (pre-recorded) and synchronous (live) learning for a flexible yet structured approach. 

Course Structure:

  • 1 hour asynchronous learning – Students receive a pre-recorded lesson to study at their own pace independently before each live session.
  • 2 hours synchronous face-to-face instruction – Face-to face interactive learning  (live sessions are not recorded in compliance with data protection best practices).

This course will be delivered online.

  • Data Protection Notice:
    All personal data and session materials are processed in accordance with GDPR and UK data protection laws.
  • Recordings (asynchronous content) are stored securely and accessed only for educational purposes on Canvas.
  • Live sessions operate under a no-recording policy to protect participant confidentiality and encourage open participation.
  • For full details, please refer to The University of Manchester’s Data Protection Policy.

This will also include online digital learning available through the University VLE platform and will be supplemented by extra online resources to aid students in their independent learning. 

Teaching hours

69 hours (3 hours per week) including assessment time.

Independent study hours

131 hours (not including assessment time).

Assessment

*All assessments for credited students are summative and will take place on campus during the official exam period. This includes written and speaking exams.  

Non-credit students and members of the public need to be aware that written exams will not take place during lesson time. However, assessments for non-credit students and members of the public are not compulsory, but they have the option of taking the exams on campus during the exams official period or sit an online written exam (dates to be confirmed). Please refer to LEAP assessment policy for Non-Standard students.     

Semester 1

Semester 2

Dates to be confirmed.

Nature and timing of feedback

Feedback will include a combination of informal ongoing feedback resulting from class-based learning activities and formal written feedback given following summative assessments.

Convenor

Dr Orieb Masadeh-Tate

Taught by

Dr Justyna Drobnik-Rogers

Maximum entry

25 per group

Set texts

M. Małolepsza and A. Szymkiewicz, Kraków 2022 (Second edition), ISBN 9788367351225 (Lekcje 0-11) 

Recommended texts

Oscar E. Swan, Polish Verbs and Essentials of Grammar. A practical guide to a mastery of Polish, McGraw-Hill, 2008, ISBN -13: 978-0071597463.

Pathway

ULPL51020 - LEAP Polish 2 (A2)