Module Handbook B.A./B.Sc. “Liberal Arts and Sciences” Academic Year 2012/13
Module Handbook
B.A./B.Sc. Liberal Arts and Sciences
This handbook provides all necessary information on the modules of the four-year bachelor program “Liberal Arts and Sciences”. The legal founda foundation tion for the “Liberal Arts and Science” program is provided in the th e Rules and Regulations that were passed (in German) by the University Senate in its meeting on 25 April 2012 and approved by the Rector on 16 May 2012 (see Official Bulletins Volume 43, No. 55, pp. 212-232, 18 May 2012).
Contents
I. General Information ..................................................................................................... 1 1. Study Areas ............................................................................................................ 1 2. Structure of the LAS Program .................................................................................. 2 2.1 Year 1 – “Foundational Year“ ...............................................................................................2 ...............................................................................................2
II. Module Descriptions .................................................................................................... 4 1. Core Modules ......................................................................................................... 4 1.1 Liberal Arts and Sciences - Backgrounds, Ideas, Challenges ...............................................4 ...............................................4 1.2 Exploring Complex Problems ................................................................................................5 ................................................................................................5 1.3 Sharing Knowledge ........................................................ ...............................................................................................................6 .......................................................6 1.4 Anthropology and Experience ..............................................................................................7 ..............................................................................................7 1.5 Dealing with Numerical Information ....................................................................................8 ....................................................................................8
2. Modules of the Major Culture and History .............................................................. 9 2.1 Introduction to Culture and History .....................................................................................9 .....................................................................................9 2.2 Culture and History Up to the Early Modern Modern Period ......................................................... 10
3. Modules of the Major Governance ......................................................................... 11 3.1 Introduction to Governance .............................................................................................. .............................................................................................. 11
4. Modules of the Major Life Sciences ........................................................................ 12 4.1 Introduction to Life Sciences ............................................................................................. ............................................................................................. 12
5. Modules of the Major Earth and Environmental Sciences ..................... .......... ...................... .................. ....... 13 5.1 Introduction to Earth and Environmental Sciences........................................................... Sciences........................................................... 13
6. Language Modules...................... ........... ...................... ...................... ...................... ...................... ...................... ...................... .................... ......... 14 6.1 Language and Culture ........................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................ 14 6.2 Academic English Programme ........................................................................................... ........................................................................................... 15 6.3 Further Languages ............................................................................................................. ............................................................................................................. 15
st
University College Freiburg, 1 July 2013 2013
Module Handbook
I.
B.A./B.Sc. Liberal Arts and Sciences
General Information
This module handbook provides an overview of the curriculum of the English-taught, four- year Bachelor’s degree in “Liberal Arts and Sciences” (LAS) and summaries all necessary information about the individual modules taught. 1.
Study Areas
The LAS program consists of four study areas: 1. The Core (66 ECTS points) constitutes the intellectual identity of LAS at the University of Freiburg: All students are trained intensively in general academic skills (researching and presenting complex problems, effective writing, numerical literacy etc.). In order to put these skills into context and to exemplify the necessity and complexity of interdisciplinary thought and action, the first year of the program focusses on contemporary societal challenges (such as Global Inequality, Public Health, Environmental Issues etc.). In the higher semesters of the core program, the students’ coursework is continuously complemented by instruction in the theory of science, knowledge and research. Finally, students follow a curriculum focusing on responsibility and leadership. 2. The Languages part of the program (36 ECTS) ensures that all LAS students can communicate on academic topics in excellent English and good German. They are encouraged to acquire a good grounding in a third language. 3. The Major (90 ECTS) constitutes the students‘ thorough training in an interdisciplinary academic field of the Sciences and/or the Humanities (“Life Sciences”, “Culture and History”, “Earth and Environmental Sciences”, “Governance”). It aims to provide sufficient depth to make admission into disciplinary M.A. or M.Sc. programs possible. st
University College Freiburg, 1 July 2013 2013
1
Module Handbook
B.A./B.Sc. Liberal Arts and Sciences
4. An Electives area of the curriculum (48 ECTS) enables students to either pursue further studies of their choice, engage in more practically oriented projects or undertake specific additional training necessary for admission into their chosen M.A. or M.Sc. programs.
2.
Structure of the LAS Program
The LAS program is mostly organized in a block schedule with a total of six blocks per academic year (three blocks in the winter term and summer term, respectively). Individual modules are taught within a single block and are usually divided into course, exam and reflection periods. The shorter blocks three and six are devoted to one topic only and may take the form of an intensive spring or summer school. Schedule for the Academic Year 2012/2013:
2.1
Year 1 – “Foundational Year“
The Foundational Year focusses on the study of fundamental real-world problems that are characterized both by their current relevance and their inherent complexity. Current topics include: “Transformations of Body and Mind”, “Community, Migration, Identity”, “Dealing with Waste: Matter and Problems“, “Feeding the World without Destroying the Planet”. These topics introduce students to studying questions from different perspectives and enable instruction in core academic skills, such as research, writing and presentation. In addition to these broad foundational courses, students choose two to three courses, each of which will provide an overview of one of the four majors. Finally, as during the following years, students have the chance to develop language skills according to interests and needs.
st
University College Freiburg, 1 July 2013 2013
2
Module Handbook
B.A./B.Sc. Liberal Arts and Sciences
Modules of the Foundational Year:
st
University College Freiburg, 1 July 2013 2013
3
Module Handbook
B.A./B.Sc. Liberal Arts and Sciences
II.
Module Descriptions
1.
Core Modules
1.1
Liberal Arts and Sciences - Backgrounds, Ideas, Challenges
Area
Core
Type Teaching Forms
Compulsory Module Lecture
Interval
Yearly, block 1 & 2
Year
1
Duration
16 weeks
ECTS
6
Workload
180 h (of which 40 h attendance)
Language
English
Module Coordinator
Dr. N. Eschenbruch,
[email protected]
Additional Lecturers
Prof. Dr. B. Zimmermann, Dr. V. Balli, Dr. S. Büchner, Dr. K. Moll, Dr. R. Plumley
Convener
Prof. Dr. B. Zimmermann
Requirements
None
Content
The module introduces the Liberal Arts and Sciences. It elucidates the historical background and current positioning of LAS in the national and international educational landscape and discusses the specific expectations and learning experience of students in an LAS framework. Special emphasis will be put on a concrete and practical introduction to the epistemological focus of the LAS study program.
Learning Goals
(1) Basic knowledge of the historical genesis of LAS and contemporary developments in this approach to education. (2) Basic ability to classify and reflect upon one’s own learning experiences in the LAS framework, and encouragement to do so. (3) Basic knowledge of epistemology and scholarly/scientific research, as well as approaches to critical reflection about these topics, particularly - methodological procedure in scholarship and research (experiment, systematic observation, modelling, hermeneutics, among others) - objectivity and subjectivity - the history and sociology of academic disciplines
Assessed (Pass/Fail) Coursework
3 ECTS, Block 1: a learning journal with four weekly entries, each of at least two pages.
Graded Examination
3 ECTS, Block 2: a learning journal with four weekly entries, each of at least two pages, and a final reflection paper of at least four pages.
st
University College Freiburg, 1 July 2013 2013
4
Module Handbook
1.2
B.A./B.Sc. Liberal Arts and Sciences
Exploring Complex Problems
Area
Core
Type
Compulsory Module
Teaching Forms
Lecture (3 ECTS), Work Group (3 ECTS)
Interval
Yearly, block 1
Year
1
Duration
8 weeks
ECTS
6
Workload
180 h (of which 40 h attendance)
Language
English
Module Coordinator
Dr. S. Büchner, simon.bü
[email protected]
Additional Lecturers
Dr. V. Balli, Dr. N. Eschenbruch, Dr. K. Moll, Dr. R. Plumley
Convener
Prof. Dr. B. Zimmermann
Requirements
None
Content
The module covers two basic skills of scholarly work: literature research and presentation of a topic in a talk. It will impart theoretical knowledge on the skills while at the same time practice them on current complex problems. The students will learn how to independently research literature, how to summarize its content, how to use it in an essay, and how to present a topic to a particular audience. Throughout the whole module the research practices and traditions in different disciplines will be addressed.
Learning Goals
(1) Recognize and classify different forms of knowledge and their usage. (2) Identification and classification of scholarly and non-scholarly texts. (3) The ability to find literature on a particular topic in libraries, search engines and literature data bases. (4) The ability to find literature on a particular topic in libraries, search engines and literature data bases. (5) The ability to understand and summarize simple scholarly texts. (6) The ability to present a topic to peers within a given time frame.
Assessed (Pass/Fail) Coursework
3 ECTS, students give an effective and structured presentation about a topic to their peers (time restricted) AND attendance during seminar
Graded Examination
3 ECTS, 2 Graded Examinations: an essay (750-1000 words) on the presentation of a topic in different sources (40%) AND an annotated bibliography based on about 10-20 sources (60%)
st
University College Freiburg, 1 July 2013 2013
5
Module Handbook
1.3
B.A./B.Sc. Liberal Arts and Sciences
Sharing Knowledge
Area
Core
Type
Compulsory Module
Teaching Forms
Lecture (3 ECTS), Work Group (3 ECTS)
Interval
Yearly, block 2
Year
1
Duration
8 weeks
ECTS
6
Workload
180 h (of which 40h attendance)
Language
English
Module Coordinator
Dr. R. Plumley,
[email protected]
Additional Lecturers
Dr. V. Balli, Dr. S. Büchner, Dr. N. Eschenbruch, Dr. K. Moll
Convener
Prof. Dr. B. Zimmermann
Content
This module introduces students to the challenges c hallenges of sharing knowledge through written expression. One overarching goal is to explore how writing is not simply a passive medium of communication but also a social activity that involves many actors and has multiple multiple effects in the world. To that end, writing skills are developed in response to one of a set of complex social, intellectual, and cultural problems that provide the topical material for the module. Particular emphasis will be put on the genre of the short, thesis-based essay that deploys logic, evidence, and rhetoric in order to both inform and persuade an audience. Over eight weeks, the students students will develop an essay relevant to one of the the set of specific topics. This development will involve preparatory writing, research, outlining, drafting, and revising in progressive stages.
Learning Goals
(1) Learning to think of writing as a process with multiple stages, including preparation, composition, and revision. (2) The development of basic writing skills such as outlining, free-writing, and self-directed revision. (3) The ability to organize and effectively recapitulate information to others in writing (e.g., analytical synopsis, description of an experiment, etc.). (4) The ability to give appropriate attention to context—including audience, situation, genre, and discipline—in one’s writing. (5) The ability to argue for a well-informed opinion in writing with evidentiary, logical, and rhetorical rigor. (6) Recognition of the importance of clear and convincing writing to scholarship and other forms of sharing knowledge.
Assessed (Pass/Fail) Coursework
3 ECTS, A provisional 250-500 words research statement (including justification, overview, and potential resources) resources) AND an essay outline with plausible argumentative structure AND attendance during seminar seminar
Graded Examination
3 ECTS, Two essays: analytical synopsis (ca. 1500 words) of 1-3 sources of various kinds (30%) AND a polished thesis-based essay (1500-2000 words) based on independent research and developed over multiple stages (70%). (70 %).
st
University College Freiburg, 1 July 2013 2013
6
Module Handbook
1.4
B.A./B.Sc. Liberal Arts and Sciences
Anthropology and Experience
Area
Core
Type
Compulsory Module
Teaching Forms
Seminar (3 ECTS) Work Group (3 ECTS)
Interval Duration
block 5, 2, 3 8 weeks (4 weeks)
Year ECTS
1 and 2 6
Workload
180 h (of which 40 h attendance)
Language
English
Module Coordinator
Dr. Nicholas Eschenbruch,
[email protected]
Convener
Prof. Dr. B. Zimmermann
Requirements
None
Content
This is the first course of the LAS Curriculum “Responsibility and Leadership.” It uses several perspectives to explore questions of human nature and personal identity that lie at the heart of any thorough understanding of responsible action. The Seminar draws on texts from Biology, Philosophy, Anthropology, Psychology and Sociology to explore how different academic disciplines put different emphases on what characterises human beings. The Work Group uses self-reflexive ideas and tools as a starting point for an exploration of one’s own actual experience as a human being, and discusses how those relate to the academic perspectives studied in the seminar.
Learning Goals
(1) To realise that different academic disciplines have quite different views on human nature, and get acquainted with some classic disciplinary positions and approaches to that question. (2) To realise that implicit or explicit ideas on human nature can structure both scientific inquiry about humans and actual human behaviour. (3) To develop a clearer idea about one’s own assumptions and positions about what it means to be human, to be able to relate them critically to academic positions on that question, and to be able to sustain or challenge them in discussion.
Graded Coursework
Seminar: regular attendance and an essay of 1800-2000 words Work Group: regular active attendance
st
University College Freiburg, 1 July 2013 2013
7
Module Handbook
B.A./B.Sc. Liberal Arts and Sciences
1.5
Dealing with Numerical Information
Area
Core
Type
Compulsory Module
Teaching Forms
Lecture and Exercise Tutorial (3 ECTS), Work Group and Software Tutorial (3 ECTS)
Interval Duration
Yearly, block 4 8 weeks
Year ECTS
1 6
Workload
180 h (of which 40 h attendance)
Language
English
Module Coordinator
Dr. K. Moll,
[email protected]
Additional Lecturers
Dr. S. Büchner, PD Dr. M. Junker, T. Schuster
Convener
Prof. Dr. B. Zimmermann
Requirements
None
Content
The module introduces the usage of numerical data and techniques in scientific, as well as non-scientific work. Students learn different forms of data illustration and falsification. They procure basic theoretical and practical knowledge of probability theory and descriptive and analytical statistics. Additionally, students acquaint themselves with methods of formal logic and numerical models of growth. Topics are presented during lectures and discussed in Work Groups. Numerical techniques are practiced with exercise sheets and applied during software tutorials using the statistics package R.
Learning Goals
On successful completion of this module, students should be able to: (1) Interpret and analyse numerical and graphical information. (2) Illustrate numerical data meaningfully. (3) Recall key concepts of probability theory, statistical methods, formal logic and growth. (4) Apply basic descriptive and analytical statistics, methods of formal logic and concept of growth to different sets of data.
Assessed (Pass/Fail) Coursework
3 ECTS, attendance during work group and software tutorials AND 50% of all possible points awarded for correct answers in the exercises.
Graded Examination
3 ECTS, formal written exam (90 min)
st
University College Freiburg, 1 July 2013 2013
8
Module Handbook
B.A./B.Sc. Liberal Arts and Sciences
2.
Modules of the Major Culture and History
2.1
Introduction to Culture and History
Area Type
Culture and History
Compulsory for Culture and History Major Compulsory Elective for other Majors
Teaching Forms
Seminar (3 ECTS) Work Group (3 ECTS)
Interval
Twice a year, block 4 & 5
Year
1
Duration
8 weeks
ECTS
6
Workload
180 h (of which 40 h attendance)
Language
English
Module Coordinator
Dr. R. Plumley,
[email protected]
Convener
Prof. Dr. B. Zimmermann
Content
In this module, students encounter and work with typical objects of study and research in the humanities: literary and philosophical texts, works of art, and customs or rituals. At the same time, they p practice ractice the scholarly methods of critical inquiry and interpretation that can be applied to these objects and practices. In the Seminar, students read and discuss important works, many m any of them classics in their field, which introduce the problems and promise of specific scholarly approaches to humanistic research and study. In the Work Group, students undertake the techniques of humanistic interpretation with specific cultural objects or practices. Although the objects and practices are not all necessarily derived from the same temporal or geographic context, students also learn to think about how cultural work emerges out of historical and other contexts. The module is designed to encourage independent reflection about cultural objects undertaken in dialogue with peers. peers. Hence, both substantial substantial reading and work outside of class time and substantial discussion in class are required.
Learning Goals
Upon successful completion of this module, students should be able to: (1) Intelligently interpret a cultural object or practice at a basic level. (2) Identify and undertake scholarly research appropriate to cultural objects and practices of various kinds (literary, art historical, anthropological, etc.). (3) Critically evaluate a scholarly interpretation of a cultural object or practice.
Assessed (Pass/Fail) Coursework
3 ECTS: satisfactory participation in the module and its associated activities, completion of all required small assignments (anthropological observation, reading reports, etc.).
Graded Examination
3 ECTS: a thesis-based interpretive essay of 5-7 pages that addresses one of the objects of study from the module and engages with one scholarly response to that object.
st
University College Freiburg, 1 July 2013 2013
9
Module Handbook
B.A./B.Sc. Liberal Arts and Sciences
2.2
Culture and History Up to the Early Modern Period
Area
Culture and History
Type
Teaching Forms
Compulsory Elective for Culture and History Major Elective for other Majors Seminar (3 ECTS) Work Group (3 ECTS)
Interval
Yearly, block 6
Year
1
Duration
4 weeks weeks
ECTS
6
Workload
180 h (of which 40 h attendance)
Language
English
Module Coordinator
Dr. R. Plumley,
[email protected]
Additional Lecturers
Prof. Dr. Gehrke
Convener
Prof. Dr. B. Zimmermann
Requirements
Successful completion of the module Introduction to Culture and History
Content
In this module students encounter the cultural and historical study of a pre-modern geographical and temporal context. In doing so, they learn how to work the typical source materials for the study of pre-modern societies and with cultures. The Seminar substantively develops students' knowledge about a specific topic chosen by the instructor. Emphasis may be put on cultivating general historical context, exploration of a theme or problem, or working with a specific body of source materials. The Work Group develops students’ theoretical and methodological knowledge and abilities in ways suited to the study of pre-modern societies and cultures. Methodological and theoretical points points of focus may include archaeology, hermeneutics, literary theory, reception analysis, the analysis of visual culture, or historical methods, among others. The module is offered in varying forms with varying topics. For specific details about the geo-temporal and material content, about the methodological emphasis, and about the teaching/learning format consult the instructor in the relevant block.
Learning Goals
Upon successful completion of this module, students should be able to: (1) demonstrate mastery of a specific body of knowledge about a premodern society or culture. (2) apply their methodological and theoretical learning from the Work Group to the specific topical material studied in the Seminar. (3) relate their learning about pre-modern societies to contemporary problems and issues.
Assessed (Pass/Fail) Coursework
3 ECTS: satisfactory participation in the module and its associated activities, satisfactory completion of all required assignments.
Graded Examination
3 ECTS: a thesis-based Essay.
st
University College Freiburg, 1 July 2013 2013
10
Module Handbook
B.A./B.Sc. Liberal Arts and Sciences
3.
Modules of the Major Governance
3.1
Introduction to Governance
Area Type
Governance
Compulsory for Governance Major Compulsory Elective for other Majors
Teaching Forms
Seminar (3 ECTS) Work Group (3 ECTS)
Interval
Twice a year, block 4 & 5
Year
1
Duration
8 weeks
ECTS
6
Workload
180 h (of which 40 h attendance)
Language
English
Module Coordinator
Dr. V. Balli,
[email protected]
Convener
Prof. Dr. B. Zimmermann
Content
The module offers a general introduction to the study of governance. "Governance" is understood here in a broad, non-technical sense: the ways we deal with common problems. Our focus will be on transformations of governance over the last two to four decades. Guiding questions will be: Which problems are addressed? How are they identified? Which means and which institutions are resorted to? What are the conflicts and tensions in these fields? We will study these questions by focusing on phenomena of governance at three "levels": "levels": the local, the European, and the global. Each level will be dealt with in a set of sessions. First, we will delineate the general characteristics of the respective level of governance: actors, institutions and rules, and their recent transformations. Then, we will deal with one case of governance in more depth. In this way, we will become more familiar with a number of key concepts, analytical perspectives, and theoretical issues in the study of governance. In the first session of each week (Seminar), the focus will be on an input by the lecturer. The second session (Work Group) will consist primarily of discussions. All sessions will be based on readings.
Learning Goals
Upon successful completion of this module, students should: (1) Become acquainted with fundamental questions in the study of governance. (2) Understand and be able to use key concepts in the study of governance. (3) Become familiar with a variety of phenomena of governance. (4) Get to know the plurality of scholarly discourses/ disciplines/ subdisciplines that contribute to the study of governance. governance.
Assessed (Pass/Fail) Coursework
3 ECTS: Regular attendance of the classes AND a 10 minute presentation on a sub-aspect of the topic dealt with in a session. session.
Graded Examination
3 ECTS: A 2500 word analytic essay. essay.
st
University College Freiburg, 1 July 2013 2013
11
Module Handbook
B.A./B.Sc. Liberal Arts and Sciences
4.
Modules of the Major Life Sciences
4.1
Introduction to Life Sciences
Area Type
Life Sciences
Compulsory for Life Sciences Major Compulsory Elective for other Majors
Teaching Forms Interval
Lecture (3 ECTS), Workgroup (3 ECTS) Once a year, block 5 Year
1
Duration
8 weeks
ECTS
6
Workload
180 h (of which 40 h attendance)
Language
English
Module Coordinator
Dr. S. Büchner, simon.bü
[email protected]
Additional Lecturers
-
Convener
Prof. Dr. B. Zimmermann
Requirements
None
Content
In this module, students will learn about basic concepts in the Life Sciences. In particular, the course will focus on the biological and psychological systems that sustain a human being and allow him or her to deal with a complex environment. This includes interaction with the environment, sensation and action, physiological systems, and the functioning of cells. Besides the structures and processes that make up these systems, students will learn about methods from the Life Sciences that are employed to investigate these systems. In Work Groups, students will research, present and discuss challenges from the fields of Cell Biology, Physiology, Neurobiology and Psychology. Lab visits to different kinds of lab, in which students will experience the work in scientific laboratories, will round off the course. course.
Learning Goals
Upon successful completion of this module, students should: (1) Have basic knowledge about the biological and psychological systems of the human body and the ways they allow the human being to interact with the environment (2) Have advanced knowledge in one challenge from the Life Sciences (3) Be ready to conduct simple scientific experiments (4) Be able to present a topic according to basic scientific standards
Assessed (Pass/Fail) Coursework
3 ECTS: satisfactory participation in the Work Group AND participation in a lab visit AND an oral presentation during the Work Group
Graded Examination
3 ECTS: a formal written exam (45 min, 50%) AND an essay or a report (50%)
st
University College Freiburg, 1 July 2013 2013
12
Module Handbook
B.A./B.Sc. Liberal Arts and Sciences
5.
Modules of the Major Earth and Environmental Sciences
5.1
Introduction to Earth and Environmental Sciences
Area Type
Earth and Environmental Sciences
Compulsory for Earth and Environmental Sciences Major Compulsory Elective for other Majors
Teaching Forms Interval
Lecture and Work Group (3 ECTS), Practical (3 ECTS) Once a year, block 5 Year
1
Duration
8 weeks
ECTS
6
Workload
180 h (of which 40 h attendance)
Language
English
Module Coordinator
Dr. K. Moll,
[email protected]
Convener
Prof. Dr. B. Zimmermann
Requirements
None
Content
In this module, students explore past and contemporary environmental challenges. They acquaint themselves with the basic knowledge of o f the interacting components of our Earth system that are necessary to understand these challenges. These components include our physical environment (e.g. structure and function of the atmosphere), our living environment (e.g. structure and function of ecosystems), as well as the interaction between the two. In addition, students familiarise themselves with the basic research methods that are used in the field of environmental studies. Students learn about components of the Earth system during Lectures and present and discuss past and contemporary environmental challenges in their Work Groups. They practice research methods during practical classes.
Learning Goals
Upon successful completion of this module, students should be able to: (1) Recall basic structures and functions of different components of the Earth system and their interaction with each eac h other (2) Explain links between these components and past and contemporary c ontemporary environmental challenges (3) Perform basic scientific work/experiments (4) Present a topic according to basic scientific standards (orally and in written form)
Assessed (Pass/Fail) Coursework
3 ECTS: satisfactory participation in the work group and practical classes AND an oral presentation during the workgroup
Graded Examination
3 ECTS: a formal written exam (45 min, 50%) AND a formal scientific report on one of the practical classes (50%)
st
University College Freiburg, 1 July 2013 2013
13
Module Handbook
6.
B.A./B.Sc. Liberal Arts and Sciences
Language Modules
Language courses can be selected from those offered by the Language Teaching Centre (Sprachlehrinstitut, SLI) or other institutions of the University of Freiburg . The University College Freiburg only offers language modules depending on student need. 6.1
Language and Culture
Area
Language
Type
Compulsory Elective Module
Teaching Forms
Seminar, workgroup
Interval
Block 1 & 2 (offering interval dependent on student need)
Year
1
Duration
16 weeks
ECTS
6
Workload
180 h (of 40 h attendance)
Language
English
Module Coordinator
G. Leung ,
[email protected]
Additional Lecturers
J. Landgrebe, J. Vagg
Convener
Prof. Dr. B. Zimmermann
Requirements
None
Content
This module is two-fold in purpose as it develops the students’ skills in academic English through the exploration of topics in language and culture. In regards to the content, the topics are taken from the disciplines of speech communication, linguistics, and dialec dialectology. tology. By interrogating commonly held beliefs on language, students gain a deeper appreciation of the very complex role language plays in human interaction. In terms of academic English, this module is an integrated skills course in which students have the opportunity to advance their reading, writing, listening, and speaking competences appropriate to an undergraduate level.
Learning Goals
Learning goals in relation to academic English development: (1) To read introductory-level undergraduate academic texts with ease (2) To write a variety of paragraph types within an academic essay (3) To deliver short informative and persuasive speeches (4) To take comprehensive notes during an academic ac ademic talk (5) To develop general academic vocabulary Learning goals in relation to topics: (1) To dispel myths surrounding language usage (2) To foster an awareness of how language can be investigated scientifically
Assessed (Pass/Fail) Coursework
Students will submit an academic English portfolio consisting of written and oral artefacts.
st
University College Freiburg, 1 July 2013 2013
14
Module Handbook
6.2
B.A./B.Sc. Liberal Arts and Sciences
Academic English Programme Programme
Area
Language
Type
Compulsory Elective Module
Teaching Forms
Seminar, workgroup
Interval
Block 3 (offering interval dependent on student need)
Year
1
Duration
4 weeks (shorter block possible)
ECTS
3
Workload
90 h (of 20 h attendance)
Language
English
Module Coordinator
G. Leung ,
[email protected]
Additional Lecturers Convener
Prof. Dr. B. Zimmermann
Requirements
Language and Culture
Content
These modules explicitly address particular aspects of academic English. On offer are grammar modules as wells as foundation modules which target specific skills’ (3 ETCS each). (1) Advanced English grammar (various levels) (2) Foundation in composition (3) Foundation in public speaking
Learning Goals
The learning goals are dependent on the topical focus of the module.
Assessed (Pass/Fail) Coursework
Grammar module: Examination
6.3
Foundation module: A minimum of two pieces of work
Further Languages
Area
Language
Type
Compulsory Elective Module
Teaching Forms Interval
Seminar, workgroup dependent on student need
Duration
2-8 weeks
Module Coordinator
These modules can be offered in close co-operation with the SLI, or in part or fully - under the auspices of the SLI.
Additional Lecturers
A. Guilhem-Hou (French)
Content
Depending on student need and level, tailor-made modules in foreign languages other than English will be offered.
Learning Goals
The learning goals are dependent on the needs analysis.
Assessed (Pass/Fail) Coursework
To be announced at the beginning of each course
st
University College Freiburg, 1 July 2013 2013
ECTS
3- 6
15