Course Schedule

wöchentlich | Mittwoch | 10:15 - 11:45 | 02.04.2013 - 05.07.2013 | C 5.109

How do you "understand" a text? In this seminar, we will answer that question by focusing on three objectives: 1) close examination (basic structure – key words – main ideas) 2) critical evaluation (think about the topic - link ideas and concepts - formulate questions and potential answers) 3) creative expression (create a text) During the semester, we examine and evaluate a variety of texts: • academic (articles and essays from various disciplines) • professional (e.g. informative and persuasive texts, e.g. business-related article, corporate web site) • cultural (e.g. songs, literature, film and television) After practicing strategies for understanding various forms of texts, you will have the opportunity to create your own text.

wöchentlich | Donnerstag | 10:15 - 11:45 | 02.04.2013 - 05.07.2013 | C 5.111

How do you "understand" a text? In this seminar, we will answer that question by focusing on three objectives: 1) close examination (basic structure – key words – main ideas) 2) critical evaluation (think about the topic - link ideas and concepts - formulate questions and potential answers) 3) creative expression (create a text) During the semester, we examine and evaluate a variety of texts: • academic (articles and essays from various disciplines) • professional (e.g. informative and persuasive texts, e.g. business-related article, corporate web site) • cultural (e.g. songs, literature, film and television) After practicing strategies for understanding various forms of texts, you will have the opportunity to create your own text.

wöchentlich | Donnerstag | 12:15 - 13:45 | 02.04.2013 - 16.05.2013 | C 5.311
Einzeltermin | Do, 23.05.2013, 12:15 bis Do, 23.05.2013, 13:45 | C 5.111
wöchentlich | Donnerstag | 12:15 - 13:45 | 30.05.2013 - 05.07.2013 | C 5.311

In this seminar we will focus on the use of English as a global language in professional and international contexts as well as on key competencies for effective communication and negotiation. Specific emphasis will be placed on cultural as well as stylistic aspects of written (e-mails, reports, proposals) and oral communication (informative and persuasive presentations). Furthermore, students will have the opportunity to enhance their decision-making and problem-solving skills as well as learn about negotiation theories, techniques, and terminology that will be applied in practice negotiations.

wöchentlich | Freitag | 14:15 - 17:45 | 02.04.2013 - 03.05.2013 | C 5.311
Einzeltermin | Di, 07.05.2013, 18:15 bis Di, 07.05.2013, 19:45 | C HS 4 | An Evening with Ira Wagler
wöchentlich | Freitag | 14:15 - 17:45 | 17.05.2013 - 05.07.2013 | C 5.311

Who? (Participants) This seminar is not just for drama kings and queens, but for anyone interested in the link between written and spoken words in general as well as composing and performing dialogues in specific. What? (Objectives) This seminar is a (socio)linguistic and dramatic potpourri designed to help you - expand your vocabulary and pinpoint linguistic nuances - enhance your pronunciation, paralanguage, nonverbal communication, and presentation skills - improve your writing and listening skills - overcome pagefright and stagefright How? (Methods) By examining excerpts from plays, sitcoms, and dramadies, we will explore possibilities for transforming stories into dramatic scenarios. In the following sessions, we will experiment with creative writing activities that will help you craft dialogues for your own dramatic scenario. The seminar will consist of group peer-editing sessions as well as individual appointments to support you during the creative process. Of course, drama is meant to be performed. Therefore, at the end of the semester, you will be expected to translate your dramatic scenarios into a final performance, e.g. on stage/as street theater, in sitcom/dramedy format, or as a radio play.

wöchentlich | Freitag | 10:15 - 13:45 | 02.04.2013 - 03.05.2013 | C 5.311
Einzeltermin | Di, 07.05.2013, 18:15 bis Di, 07.05.2013, 19:45 | C HS 4 | An Evening with Ira Wagler
wöchentlich | Freitag | 10:15 - 13:45 | 17.05.2013 - 05.07.2013 | C 5.311

Intercultural competence, diversity, and sustainability are all buzzwords that have become part of our daily lives. But have you ever wondered what the buzz is all about? Through the lens of authentic texts from literature and film, we will introduce you to various concepts of language and culture as well as address issues related to diversity and sustainability. Since learning is a highly creative and personal process, the selected texts will serve as a means of understanding and crossing cultural borders between Europe, Canada, and the United States. Participation in discussions and in reflective activities will enable students to enhance language proficiency and critical thinking skills as well as to develop strategies for dealing with uncertainty and misunderstandings arising from intercultural encounters. In particular, we will focus on two ethnic groups: the Amish and First Nations. Students will have the chance to meet Ex-Amish author Ira Wagler, whose memoir Growing Up Amish became a New York Times bestseller in 2011. Wagler will be a writer-in-residence at Leuphana in May 2013. See http://www.leuphana.de/services/fsz/sprachen-niveaus/englisch/projekte/growing-up-amish-sose-13.html Moreover, students will delve deeper into Native humor, stereotyping, and many more issues, while reading Drew Hayden Taylor's comedy, The Berlin Blues.

Einzeltermin | Fr, 24.05.2013, 18:00 bis Fr, 24.05.2013, 22:00 | C 5.311
Einzeltermin | Sa, 25.05.2013, 09:00 bis Sa, 25.05.2013, 18:00 | C 5.311

Einzeltermin | Di, 21.05.2013, 14:00 bis Di, 21.05.2013, 16:00 | C 5.111