239761 Literature, Media and Intercultural Learning (weiterf. Schulen) (S) (SoSe 2014)

This course explores the use of literary texts, songs, films and the Internet in the secondary EFL classroom, mainly focusing on Haupt-, Real- and Gesamtschule (Sek I). It will put particular emphasis on the opportunities afforded for language learning through (near-)natural language input and for intercultural learning. We will start by defining the specific goals of using the above texts and media in the EFL classroom as distinct from the native speaker classroom. Then we will develop criteria for the selection of suitable materials within various genres for specific learner groups, based on age, language proficiency, intercultural knowledge, reading experience, life experience and world knowledge, interests and disinterests. We will then examine techniques for working with these materials in the classroom within an approach based on encouraging collaborative and autonomous learning.

Active participation on a regular basis will be expected. There will be no written exam but participants will be given the opportunity to present their ideas on how to work with specific materials in specific classes, preparing a presentation or micro-teaching session (working individually or with a partner) and/or submit a term paper. Students will be encouraged to choose their own suitable materials and apply the above techniques creatively. There will also be some homework such as formulating questions on the basis of the course readings and preparing learning corners with posters and other materials (working in groups).