English - Introduction to Critical Thinking and Science Writing B2

Module SZ0479

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 2022	WS 2015/6

Basic Information

SZ0479 is a semester module in English language at Bachelor’s level and Master’s level which is offered every semester.

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

Catalogue of language courses as soft-skill courses

Total workload	Contact hours	Credits (ECTS)
90 h	30 h	3 CP

Content, Learning Outcome and Preconditions

Content

This course develops both critical thinking and scientific writing skills. Critical thinking has been central to intellectual pursuits since Socrates elaborated the method 2,500 years ago and is a disciplined process of actively conceptualizing, analysing and applying information. Rather than merely understanding information, students on this course will learn to question and critique scientific writing before applying concepts to their own fields. To this end, students will encounter a variety of critical thinking models and techniques. The course also familiarises students with the formats and conventions of English-language scientific texts, e.g. articles, reports and theses, and enhances their mastery of key components of academic writing, e.g. style, grammar, register and argumentation.

Learning Outcome

Upon completing the module students will be able to:
• critically evaluate and apply information taken from scientific writing,
• structure their writing according to the conventions of English-language scientific texts, and
• write scientific texts according to principles of style, grammar, rhetoric etc.

Corresponds to B2 of the CER.

Preconditions

Ability to begin work at the C2 level as evidenced by a placement test score in the range of 80 – 100 percent. (Please check current announcements as the exact percentages may vary each semester.)

Courses, Learning and Teaching Methods and Literature

Courses and Schedule

Please keep in mind that course announcements are regularly only completed in the semester before.

SS 2021 WS 2020/1 SS 2020 WS 2019/20 SS 2019 SS 2018 WS 2017/8 SS 2017 WS 2016/7 SS 2016 WS 2015/6

Type	SWS	Title	Lecturer(s)	Dates	Links
SE	2	English - Introduction to Critical Thinking and Science Writing B2	Schrier, T.	dates in groups	eLearning

Learning and Teaching Methods

Online videos will introduce theories and concepts before Moodle tests reinforce students’ knowledge of what they have learned. Class time will be devoted to applying theories and concepts through discussion, communicative pair and group work, analysing texts, and workshopping students’ own writing.

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. These include the completion of moodle tests, a group presentation (with visual aids and a handout), a report on a topic of the students' choosing, and a final written exam.

As the course may be offered in various formats (online or classroom) the form and conditions of the final exam (with or without aids) will vary. Where audio or video is recorded, we observe the Basic Data Protection Regulation (DSGVO, Art. 12 -21).