English - Selected Readings in Popular Science B2+C1

What is popular science, how does this genre look today, and how does it generate enthusiasm for scientific discoveries? This course explores these questions while examining the constellation of conversations that popular science texts create. We read texts by popular science writers in order to understand how an author’s writing style can change from one format to the next. In addition to discussing style, persuasive techniques and target audiences, we analyze these texts as a means to improving our own language and writing skills.

This is course is taught at the B2 and C1 levels. Students need to complete the placement test before the first lesson.

After completion of this module, students will have better grasp of how an author’s writing style can change to follow the conventions of a genre. By reading popular science texts, students will learn strategies for making their writing clearer and more interesting. They will also analyze the techniques authors use to draw the reader in, to hold the reader's attention, and to make persuasive arguments. Students will recognize that many of these techniques and strategies can not only be applied across popular science genres, but also when writing academic texts.

Corresponds to B2 of the CEFR.

Performance, testing the learning outcomes specified in the module description, is examined in the form of a cumulative portfolio of competence and action-oriented tasks. These include three graded tasks: an oral assessment (including visual aids and a handout) 30%, regular, short written assignments throughout the course totalling 40%, and a final examination based on topics and materials discussed in class 30%.

Ungraded tasks such as an EWC appointment (serving as extra support in drafting and revising the text) and review forum submissions may be required to pass the course.

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).

Ability to begin work at the B2 level of the GER as evidenced score in the range of 40 – 60 percent on the placement test at www.moodle.tum.de. (Please check current announcements as the exact percentages may vary each semester.)

• Text selections may include book reviews, press releases, chapters from bestselling books, social media posts, newsletters, blog posts, video-blogs and obituaries, as well as newspaper and magazine articles. These may vary each semester to include recent publications, to provoke thought about current events, discoveries or research techniques, and to reflect student research interests.

Communicative and task-oriented development of the course content; targeted listening, reading, writing, and speaking exercises; individual, pair, and group work; structured revision of basic grammar (as may be required) using provided (online) materials; giving presentations based on specified criteria; group discussions on prepared topics following set communication patterns. Optional homework for preparation and review reinforces what has been learned.

This course takes a communicative approach to topics including the use of pair and group tasks, group discussion, and short collaborative writing exercises. Students will need to complete regular preparation for the lessons.