230816 Englisch: Connect! English Current Events, Conversation and Discussion, level B2 and higher (S) (WiSe 2011/2012)

Join this class and connect in English with each other and with students abroad.

This course is intended for students who are interested in improving their English fluency while having a fun and a unique cultural experience. The class centers around discussions and discussion based activities. The class is all about improving your ability to converse, discuss and interact in English with a focus on social and intercultural issues, local and international politics, and current events. There will be themes assigned every week to spark conversation followed by a small homework assignments related to next week's class. (article, video or brief research that has to do with the topics). That said, the discussion will often determine the theme or topic, instead of the topic dominating the discussion. We will follow the elements of a discussion that provoke the most amount of genuine interaction and exchange in English. Additionally, students are always encouraged to bring in issues from international, national and local news to drive conversation.

One of the most interesting and unique elements of the course is the inclusion of several one-on-one/small group discussions with university students learning German in America using Skype. These international conversations with "real" students abroad add a unique element to the class and will fuel and be related to class discussions. Since the focus is fluency, class attendance and participation is essential. In addition to participating regularly in class activities, students must give a brief informal presentation on one of the class topics or a related topic.

Requirements for participation, required level

Successful completion of a B1-rated course or C-Test of the Language Center (for dates please see http://www.uni-bielefeld.de/fachsprachenzentrum/tests.html)