Course Schedule

Veranstaltungen von Dr. Sabrina Völz


Lehrveranstaltungen

Cat Got Your Tongue? – Developing Your Oral Communication Skills in English. Englisch ab B2 (Seminar)

Dozent/in: Sabrina Völz

Termin:
 wöchentlich | Donnerstag | 12:15 - 13:45 | 14.10.2024 - 31.01.2025 | C 5.111 Seminarraum

Inhalt: Are you uncomfortable speaking in English in front of a group? Do you want to say something in your classes, but can’t get the words out fast enough? Do you want to be prepared to meet the demands of 21st century workplaces, where employees are valued for their ability to communicate well in diverse situations? If so, then this is the course for you. In this student-centered class, we will work on vocabulary-building strategies, while improving oral fluency and proficiency skills in English. Moreover, students will practice their public speaking skills in various contexts (small talk, intercultural settings, presentations, interviewing, etc).

Writing With Style: Discovering Your Academic Voice in English. Englisch C1 (Seminar)

Dozent/in: Sabrina Völz

Termin:
 wöchentlich | Freitag | 10:15 - 13:45 | 14.10.2024 - 31.01.2025 | C 5.111 Seminarraum

Inhalt: With Grammarly, DeepL, and artificial intelligence, is taking an academic writing class still useful? Will you write your bachelor thesis in English and are not quite sure if you're ready? Will you need to write an assignment or essay in English for one of your classes this semester? If you answered yes to any of those questions, then you may want to take this class. Just as students need to know the fundamentals of math to use the calculator properly, academics need certain skills to make the most out of a seemingly unending amount of AI-driven writing tools. In this class, we'll explore the fundamentals of academic writing and the possibilities of digital and/or AI-driven tools. Further topics include recognizing quality writing, including producing knock-out introductions and conclusions, making the most of citations, examining personal bias and positionality (how one's identity affects their writing and research), and critically revising one's own work. Finally, we'll also take a closer look at matters of style and creative language use. Participants will work on and discuss many writing activities in class. At the same time, due to the heterogeneity of seminar participants, the instructor will assist students in developing their own writing styles and mentor them individually. Those who are willing to put the time and effort into the class should notice a great improvement in their confidence and writing skills. The first hour of the seminar is devoted to writing practice and the themes mentioned in the content section. During the second hour of the seminar, students have the opportunity to set their individual writing goal(s) and take advantage of language coaching.

Understanding Area Studies (Group 1) (Seminar)

Dozent/in: Sabrina Völz

Termin:
 wöchentlich | Montag | 14:15 - 15:45 | 14.10.2024 - 31.01.2025 | C 5.310 Seminarraum

Inhalt: This introduction to area studies is designed to provide students with an understanding of key terminology and readings in the field of area studies. Course participants will become familiar with and learn to analyze and apply approaches to / models for interpreting culture. Practical applications and goals for the classroom will also be discussed.

Understanding Area Studies (Group 2) (Seminar)

Dozent/in: Sabrina Völz

Termin:
 wöchentlich | Mittwoch | 10:15 - 11:45 | 14.10.2024 - 31.01.2025 | C 12.002 Seminarraum

Inhalt: This introduction to area studies is designed to provide students with an understanding of key terminology and readings in the field of area studies. Course participants will become familiar with and learn to analyze and apply approaches to / models for interpreting culture. Practical applications and goals for the classroom will also be discussed.

U.S. History: The Long Sixties (LBS) (Seminar)

Dozent/in: Sabrina Völz

Termin:
 wöchentlich | Donnerstag | 10:15 - 11:45 | 14.10.2024 - 31.01.2025 | C 5.310 Seminarraum

Inhalt: This seminar takes a look at the social, political, and cultural themes in the United States in a turbulent time in American history from multiple perspectives, analyzing both high and popular culture, mainstream and marginalized voices.

What's so funny? Humor in North American Culture (FSL) | (Modul 4, Profil NAS) (Seminar)

Dozent/in: Sabrina Völz

Termin:
 wöchentlich | Mittwoch | 12:15 - 13:45 | 14.10.2024 - 31.01.2025 | C 14.102 b Seminarraum

Inhalt: There are many kinds and functions of humor. In some cases, humor is meant to entertain or poke fun at something, and in other cases, it is a serious matter, a deadly serious matter. After a brief introduction to incongruity, superiority, and relief theories of humor, and English terms in the field of humor studies, we will analyze aspects of American and Canadian humor, approaching the various themes, modes, and cultural contexts through the interdisciplinary lenses of aesthetics, gender studies, sociology, history, or ethnic studies (where appropriate). A special emphasis will be placed on sitcoms (I Love Lucy, Black-ish, Shitt's Creek) as well as stand-up comedy, misplaced or failed humor as well as satirical/edgy humor. Students will have the opportunity to influence course content through their choice of presentation topics. Finally, this content-based seminar will also help students to actively perfect their speaking skills in English through numerous group activities in class.

English Matters: Design Your Own Independent Study. Englisch ab B2. (Seminar)

Dozent/in: Sabrina Völz

Termin:
 wöchentlich | Montag | 12:15 - 13:45 | 14.10.2024 - 31.01.2025 | C 5.104

Inhalt: Do you want to take a language course that is designed for your individual wishes and needs, but you aren't quite sure what they are? Or you know what they might be but aren't sure how to find the right materials for you or how to stay motivated? If so, then this is the course for you. This seminar is designed for students who'd like to design their own independent study. It focuses on helping students to take responsibility for their own learning, set and achieve SMART goals, locate and evaluate project materials, as well as reflect on their learning progress. Through a combination of mini-lectures, group or partner work, and independent learning activities, students will develop individual effective learning strategies and explore a variety of digital tools, Apps, or exercises for language learning. Students will also be mentored on an individual basis. At the end of the course, students should be equipped with the skills and confidence to continue their language learning beyond the classroom and achieve their language learning goals.