English - English for Nerds: Learning with Sci-fi and Fantasy C1

In this module communicative skills are practiced with a focus on topics of interest to students preparing for professions in science and technology branches which will be extrapolated from short works or exCEFRpts taken from the work writers in the genres of science fiction and fantasy. The works used will be selected to correspond with sci-fi/fantasy topics that students choose in a needs analysis.

After completion of this module students can understand a wide range of demanding, medium-length 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. In particular, students will be able to describe future events and speculative outcomes in a highly differentiated manner.

Corresponds to C1 of the CEFR.

Performance, testing the learning outcomes specified in the module description, is examined by a cumulative portfolio of competence and action-oriented tasks including: a group presentation (with visual aids and/or handout) in which each presentation group member is assessed individually on their own performance (50%), a written assignment (25%), and a final written examination (25%).

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 C1 level of the GER based on the placement test at www.moodle.tum.de.

• Handouts and selected extracts from published sources will be used in the course. Students do not need to acquire any texts as these will be provided in class.

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.

Communicative and skills oriented treatment of topics with use of group discussion, case studies, presentations, writing workshops, listening exercises, and pair work to encourage active use of language, and provide opportunities for ongoing feedback.