de | en

English - Transatlantic Relations: Current Affairs in the U.S. and the E.U. C1

Module SZ0438

This Module is offered by TUM Language Center.

This module handbook serves to describe contents, learning outcome, methods and examination type as well as linking to current dates for courses and module examination in the respective sections.

Module version of SS 2022 (current)

There are historic module descriptions of this module. A module description is valid until replaced by a newer one.

Whether the module’s courses are offered during a specific semester is listed in the section Courses, Learning and Teaching Methods and Literature below.

available module versions
SS 2022WS 2015/6SS 2012

Basic Information

SZ0438 is a semester module in English language at Bachelor’s level and Master’s level which is offered in summer semester.

This Module is included in the following catalogues within the study programs in physics.

  • Catalogue of language courses as soft-skill courses
Total workloadContact hoursCredits (ECTS)
90 h 30 h 3 CP

Content, Learning Outcome and Preconditions

Content

This course allows students to improve their English skills by speaking and writing about the current events and social/political issues which are of interest to them. Classes are organised thematically around diverse contemporary topics selected by students . Presentations introduce a topic each week (these will be made by the lecturer in the first classes and subsequently by the students) before group and pair speaking tasks allow students to explore issues in greater depth. Importantly, the activities allow students to develop practical English skills which will be of use in both professional and social contexts, e.g. discussion, information exhange, argumentation, negotiation etc.

Students will also develop their English writing skills for a report and examination.

Learning Outcome

After completion of this course students can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognize implicit meaning; they can express themselves fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions; they can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes and they can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organizational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.

Corresponds to C1 of the CER.

Preconditions

Ability to begin work at the C1 level as evidenced by a placement test score.

Courses, Learning and Teaching Methods and Literature

Courses and Schedule

Learning and Teaching Methods

Communicative and skills oriented treatment of topics with use of group discussion, case studies, presentations, listening exercises, and pair work, etc.

Media

Course handouts, online platform, recordings

Literature

Handouts and selected extracts from published sources will be used in the course. Key literature will be advised by the teacher and/ or listed in the course description.

Module Exam

Description of exams and course work

Performance, testing the learning outcomes specified in the module description, is examined by a cumulative portfolio of competence and action-oriented tasks including: assignments (50%), an oral presentation (including handout and visual aids, 25%) and a final written examination (25%).
Top of page