The primary focus of this course is on developing academic oral and written communication skills. Thus, students will prepare and give a presentation on the topic of their research and chair the ensuing discussion. The process of writing academic texts will also be examined and students are expected to complete six pieces of writing during the course. Complementary listening and reading strategies will be covered and checked with final achievement tests. Another major area of focus is on boosting vocabulary range, although grammar practice will be remedial.

As this course is for graduate students only, evidence of status must be provided in lesson one.

Places available - Register here! : Kurse für Graduierte und Promovierende

This course explores the language used for research across the natural sciences, including typical grammatical structures, vocabulary/idioms, and written forms. Participants negotiate readings and topics for group presentations as well as investigate and report on typical linguistic forms from their particular fields of study. Regular in-class participation, completion of homework tasks, and development of brief team and individual presentations and writing assignments will be required.

Relevant particularly for participants wishing to undertake clinical attachments abroad, the course offers an introduction into the language used in clinical examinations (history- taking, giving instructions/explanations), case presentations and discussions. It aims to boost and expand vocabulary, practise the pronunciation of medical terms, develop presentation and discussion skills as well as the detailed comprehension of written and spoken texts. Final tests: listening, vocabulary. Knowledge of medical German required.

Legislation and case law are two of the most important sources of law in most modern legal systems. It is therefore critical that students and legal professionals have the right tools to navigate and discuss them, particularly when studying or practising in an international context. This course will examine methods for interpreting and describing legislation and case law at the national and European
levels. It will take a comparative approach, with a particular focus on England and Wales, Australia and Germany, including highlighting critical differences and equipping students with useful practical skills and legal vocabulary. Students will prepare (as a home assignment) and give a short presentation on a legislative provision and its judicial interpretation and application. There will be a final examination covering reading, vocabulary and writing. The Leistungsnachweis will be awarded on the basis of regular and active participation and the course assessment.
Students of the Law Faculty will receive 5 BZQ II points for successful completion of this course.

This course will equip you to deal with legal practice in the context of the UK. We will look at the different legal professions, the court system, key areas of law, and the process of litigation. We will also explore recent developments of significance to lawyers and of wider public interest. You will become familiar with typical reference materials as well as more informal sources such as videos and blogposts,
and practise presenting an argument orally and in writing. Throughout, we will emphasise the vocabulary required to communicate confidently and effectively in each area. Assessment will be on the basis of a presentation prepared for homework on a related topic of your choice and a final test in listening and writing.
Students of the Law Faculty will receive 5 BZQ II points for successful completion of this course.

What kind of economic thinking is required for today’s world? What challenges does the 21st century present? What trends demand our attention? In this course, students examine the issues faced by today’s economists. Topics include: racism and sexism in economics, alternative economic models, identity economics, and regulating Big Tech. All four skills will be assessed and the final grade will depend
on: two graph descriptions, a critical summary, a presentation-response task, and the final test. (NOTE: Business students and students of other disciplines can also take this course)

This is a class which tries to use the opportunities provided by online learning.  Life is an e-textbook published by Cengage, using National Geographic content. It integrates grammar, reading, vocabulary, critical thinking, and listening lessons with interesting texts and videos. Students are required to buy the e-textbook (ISBN: 978-1337286336). We will work, to the best of our abilities, with this textbook and other materials to improve your English reading, writing, and listening skills.

Studying the literature of any language is one of the best ways to learn it and to get a "feel" for it. This course uses literature (including theatre and films) to develop student’s language skills and especially their understanding of “style.” We will read and analyze a number of short texts written in different styles. Students will be asked to participate in exercises similar to those of a creative writing course (for example, writing like Hemingway). We will use short stories and poetry to examine grammar and word choice. Finally, we will work on our pronunciation by practising and performing parts of a play or plays.

This course aims to develop students’ ability to participate and interact more fully in academic discussions and debates, thereby improving the fluency, clarity, accuracy and complexity of their spoken language as well as their listening, reading and writing skills, while concurrently deepening their knowledge of the course subject matter. In order to achieve this, students will participate in a series of discussions, each involving input (from a variety of sources), reflection and feedback phases to address their individual language needs. Discussion topics will be chosen by the participants in week one of the course. Following each discussion, students will produce an argumentative or opinion essay on the same topic. Assessment will be based on each individual’s language performance during the discussions and debates (two-thirds) as well as the quality of their essays (one-third of the final mark).

This course will cover ‘Critical Thinking in Today's World’ and deals with themes such as conspiracy theories, fake news/ disinformation, bias, and the benefits of critical thinking. The course is designed to prepare you for the UNIcert® III exam and covers all four skills. We will focus on your writing skills in particular and you will receive feedback on your writing. Assessment consists of a process writing
essay, a presentation-response task, and an exam. Students who pass the course may choose to take the UNIcert® III exam. 

(NOTE: To take the UNIcert® III exam, students need to have completed courses comprising 8 SWS at C1 level and to register separately)

Everyone has favorite literary works that have been transformed into better or worse film versions, though we’ve often heard the verdict that “the book was much better than the film”. In this course, we’ll consider works of literature and their film adaptations from around the world, especially focusing on ones in which non-standard varieties of English are showcased. Each week, we’ll read excerpts from selected novels, memoirs, short stories, or plays and critically compare them to their cinematic adaptations. Topics considered will include racial, gender, and sexual oppression; (civil) war; migration; religious and cultural clashes; addiction; rebelliousness and crime; and the individual’s relationship to society. We’ll also discuss differences between cinema and literature as forms of artistic expression, examining their strengths and weaknesses in portraying the myriad dimensions of human experience. Participants will be expected to provide short team reviews of selected books and films, actively discuss and critically analyze course topics and materials, and write a brief final essay or review.

Why do we watch TV series? What is it about the characters – their hopes, dreams, behavior, humor, or style – that we love to love...or love to hate? What can older TV shows tell us about the past? In what ways were they ahead of their time? What do contemporary shows tell us about our own passions, predilections, and preoccupations?
This course examines a broad spectrum of TV series from the US and Canada, focusing on how they act as barometers of their times and speak to certain segments of the population. We’ll peek into the lives of the TV rich, poor, and off-the-wall; root for our favorite heroes or villains; and laugh at some cringeworthy moments while getting teary-eyed at others. Exploring themes such as work, crime, race, sexuality, migration, healthcare, family life, and personal relationships, we’ll analyze the socio-political, cultural, and economic interconnections between characters while spotlighting the settings, costumes, technology, and cinematic techniques employed.
Each week, participants choose and then watch an episode (or two) from a particular series; dig up some information regarding it; and, in groups, discuss and write up their ideas in class. Was the acting good, bad, or ugly? What words, expressions, or accents stood out for you? Is the show worth watching more of? In-class participation is required as well as a brief individual presentation on a favorite show and a short paper.