230824 Englisch: Connect! English Current Events, Conversation and Discussion, level B2 and higher (S) (WiSe 2012/2013)

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 daily
one-on-one/small group discussions with university students learning German in
America over video conferencing software like Skype and Adobe Connect. 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+ Speaking class or B2-rated course or C-Test of the
Language Center (for dates please see
http://www.uni-bielefeld.de/
fachsprachenzentrum/tests.html
)