Course Descriptions for Kate Butkus' WS 2008/9 Sprachpraxis Courses
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Conversation (BA)Wednesdays, 14:00 – 16:00
Conversation class provides Bachelor students with an opportunity to maintain and improve their oral English fluency throughout the semester. In-class speaking activities, including discussions, debate, creative projects, games, vocabulary review, role plays and impromptu speeches, aim to increase students' confidence and effectiveness when speaking spontaneously. A secondary focus is to explore cultures and societies of the English speaking world, gaining insight into contexts in which English is situated today. Short reading or listening texts provide a departure to a range of topics and issues, from politics to pop culture to celebrations; students are encouraged to bring their own interests to the course. Successful completion of the course will be determined by active participation and completion of an in-class group project on an aspect of culture and society in the English speaking world.
Essay Writing (BA Sprachpraxismodul II)Wednesdays, 11:00 – 13:00,
Wednesdays, 16:00 – 18:00,
Thursdays, 14:00 – 16:00
Essay Writing offers English Bachelor students in Sprachpraxismodul II an overview of the foundations of effective writing for undergraduates. The course includes both analysis of example texts, as well as active writing, revising and editing practice. A major focus is placed on essay organization by genre, including discussion, argument and compare/contrast essays, in order to prepare students for the final exam. The course also deals with cohesion and linking expressions, demonstration of audience awareness through appropriate use of tone and register, and correction of some sentence structure and grammar errors. To complete the course successfully, students are required to submit two timed essays, maintain active participation and attendance, and complete a final portfolio.
Oral Presentation (MA) Tuesdays, 16:00 – 18:00
Oral Presentation is designed to prepare Masters students for their final Sprachpraxis exam: an oral presentation on a linguistic or literary topic. The course aims to enable students to give presentations effectively and confidently within academic and professional contexts. In class, we will analyze presentations and practice relevant individual skills, including organization, discourse markers, non-verbal communication, dealing with questions, visuals and language for various functions. Through self-reflection, peer and instructor feedback, students will increase awareness of their strengths and weaknesses as public speakers, and gain extensive experience prior to the exam. A secondary aim is to maintain and improve participants' fluency and ability to express and debate opinions spontaneously and persuasively. In addition to regular and active participation, students are required to give one in-class, recorded presentation and complete a short self- and peer-evaluation assignment.
Structures and Skills (MA)Thursdays, 11:00 – 13:00
Structures and Skills offers Masters students the opportunity to hone their English language analysis skills. Students will improve their ability to identify variation in linguistic features, including syntax, sounds, text structure and vocabulary, in written and oral texts. We will examine how these structures characterise different genres of text and how authors and speakers use them to create tone, register, style, voice, humour and reader-writer relationship. Through the course, students will also practice applying the techniques studied to vary their own tone, register and style for a range of audiences and purposes. Successful completion of the course is determined by regular attendance, active participation and completion of short in-class and homework assignments.