Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin - Sprachenzentrum

91046 Life - Learning English as an Exploration of the World

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.

Voraussetzung: Online-Einstufungstest mit 65 bis 100 Punkten.

91051 Learning English with Literature

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 a number of 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 practicing and performing parts of a play or plays.

Voraussetzung: Online-Einstufungstest mit 65 bis 100 Punkten.

91054 English for International Negotiations - BLENDED LEARNING

This course will provide participants with the opportunity to improve key communication skills in a negotiating setting. All of us have to negotiate during our lives - be it in the private sphere or at work. The focus of the course is on developing negotiating techniques and an awareness of different cultures' approach to negotiations and then actually conducting and evaluating a series of negotiations. The approach used places participants in a central role practicing core communication skills while simultaneously learning the fundamentals of negotiations. On completion of this course participants are assessed on the basis of an agreed negotiation simulation and should be able to exhibit, in a fluent and precise manner, appropriate communication strategies such as structuring and controlling information, asking the right questions, obtaining feedback, maintaining a positive atmosphere, avoiding personalization, making proposals and counter proposals to reach a deal and understanding key aspects of culture which can influence or impede the progress of any negotiation.

As this is a blended-learning course, the tutor will contact you with details of which lessons will be face-to-face and which will be online.

Students of the Law Faculty will receive 5 BZQ I points for successful completion of this course.

Voraussetzung: Online-Einstufungstest mit 65 bis 100 Punkten.

91055 Learning by Doing - Academic Discussions

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).

Voraussetzung: Online-Einstufungstest mit 65 bis 100 Punkten.

91063 Critical Perspectives on World Literature and Film

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 15 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 brief summaries.

Voraussetzung: Online-Einstufungstest mit 65 bis 100 Punkten.

91073 Academic Perspectives: US and Canadian TV Series – Bingeworthy?

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 to you? Is the show worth watching more of? In-class participation is required as well as a brief individual presentation on a favorite show.

Voraussetzung: Online-Einstufungstest mit 65 bis 100 Punkten.