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.

This course will focus on the language of legal discourse in various areas of English civil and criminal law: the main sources of law, the court system, various aspects of contract law, the tort of negligence, the elements of a crime, various offences. While all language skills are practised, the focus is on reading and speaking. You will therefore read, analyse, discuss academic texts, law reports (precedents), statutes and learn to solve short case scenarios. You will further, as home assignment, prepare a short presentation related to either civil or criminal law. A lot of effort will be put into boosting the range of vocabulary, with a special focus on the adequate use of legal language. Grammar practice will be remedial. The Leistungsnachweis will be awarded on the basis of regular and active participation and the final tests in reading/ writing, speaking and vocabulary/ grammar.

This course will improve your speaking, reading, listening, and writing skills by examining questions such as: Is economics for everyone? What is money? Are we always rational utility-maximizing individuals? Why do startups succeed or fail? You will analyse contemporary questions in economics and business, develop an understanding of how economics connects to society, and work on your own area of interest. You will get feedback on your writing and speaking and, working in groups, you will set up your own startup business and pitch it to investors. Grading is based on a critical essay, a speaking task, a group presentation, and the final exam.

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 ‘The Media in Today’s World’ and will cover themes such as: social media, influencers, the representation of women in advertising, and artificial intelligence. The course is designed to prepare you for the UNIcert^® III exam and covers all four skills: reading, listening, speaking, and writing. The course aims to improve your writing skills in particular and you will receive feedback on your writing. Assessment will consist of a process writing essay, a presentation (on a topic of your choice), and an exam. Students who pass the course may choose to take the UNIcert^® III exam if they have enough credits (see below).

[NOTE: To take the UNIcert® III exam, students need to have completed courses comprising 8 SWS at C1 level].

This course helps advanced students to improve on how to write clearly with well-articulated arguments and appropriate academic vocabulary. Writing assignments focus on making and supporting claims, discussing various points of view, describing objects and situations, comparing and contrasting ideas, reviewing general conventions of academic writing on literature, and removing barriers to clarity.

(Note: There is no class on 23rd April, and this course commences on 30th April).

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.

This course is intended for students of all disciplines who wish to improve their speaking and presentation skills. The course will begin with a discussion of the structure of a presentation: how to choose an appropriate topic, how to develop a thesis, how to begin, how to conclude, etc., and how to respond to questions. We will also work on delivery skills – how to improve your pacing and speak in a way that people want to listen to you. Students will give shorter presentations on a number of topics (vocabulary, grammar, etc.) and a longer presentation on a topic related to their field of study. The grade for the course will be based on class participation and on a final exam, which will be similar to the Unicert III oral exam.

In this course you will practise your speaking and listening skills through preparing for and participating in parliamentary style debating commonly found at universities in the English speaking world. In this debating format you will speak for and against a motion (debating topic) in teams. This activity will help you develop your discussion and presentation skills, critical thinking and responding to arguments of the other speakers. Listening practice will be provided through the analysis of parliamentary and university debates. Public speaking skills will include chairing debates or meetings and introducing guest speakers. The Leistungsnachweis will be awarded on the basis of active and regular participation, speaking in two debates and a final listening test.

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.