Search result: Catalogue data in Spring Semester 2020

GESS Science in Perspective Information
Only the courses listed below will be recognized as "GESS Science in Perspective" courses.

Further below you will find courses under the category "Type B courses Reflections about subject specific methods and content" as well as the language courses.

During the Bachelor’s degree Students should acquire at least 6 ECTS and during the Master’s degree 2 ECTS.

Students who already took a course within their main study program are NOT allowed to take the course again.
Language Courses of the UZH and ETH Zurich
Please be advised that your online-registration at the language centre of UZH and ETH Zurich has to be simultaneous (www.sprachenzentrum.uzh.ch) as otherwise your registration for the course will not be valid.

There is a course fee of CHF 80.-. Except for: Greek Basic Courses, Heureka and Reading Course Latein.

A maximum of three credits from language courses may be recognised. In addition, only advanced courses (level B2 upwards) in the European languages English, French, Italian and Spanish are recognised. German language courses are recognised from level C2 upwards.
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
851-0820-01LFrench B2-C1: Language and Cinema Information Restricted registration - show details
Your course regristration is only valid with a simultaneous online registration at the "Language Center of UZH and ETH Zurich" (www.sprachenzentrum.uzh.ch).

Course fee: CHF 80.00
W2 credits1GJ.‑P. Coen
AbstractThis course is designed for those students who fulfill the requirements of level B2. The aim is to analyse, and comment on, recent French movies.
Learning objectiveThe course provides the most fitting environment to improve a refined//sharp linguistic comprehension and to sensibilize its participants to various culture specific issues of the French speaking world.
ContentLe cours propose un choix de films récents qui reflètent une thématique récurrente, une préoccupation actuelle ou un enjeu particulièrement débattu au sein du cinéma français.
Chaque participant-e effectue un exposé oral consacré à la présentation détaillée d'un des films. Il ou elle prépare, en outre, les différentes séances de cours en visionnant préalablement, et de manière autonome, un ou deux films. Ces activités sont complétées en classe par des considérations lexicales.
851-0827-01LFrench B2.2-C1: Society and Actuality Information Restricted registration - show details
Your course regristration is only valid with a simultaneous online registration at the "Language Center of UZH and ETH Zurich" (www.sprachenzentrum.uzh.ch).

Course fee: CHF 80.00
W2 credits1GJ.‑P. Coen
AbstractThis course is for all students who would like to develop their knowledge at C1 level, with emphasis on cultural aspects. Through analysing demanding texts, participants will be able to improve both their reading comprehension and writing.
Learning objectiveThis course aims at developing reading comprehension skills and, more specifically, it also aims at exploring different rhetorical, cultural and inherent aspects of texts. This course helps to improve the participants’ linguistic competences needed to extend one’s specific and appropriate vocabulary related to different contexts. Participants will learn to differentiate between different genres, speech acts and registers.
ContentAbordant, avec le souci de les thématiser, les « questions d'actualité » qui secouent la « société française » ou la francophonie, chaque leçon permet de mettre en commun analyses, commentaires et questions des participant-e-s qui, préalablement à chaque séance, ont pris connaissance à domicile des textes retenus. Chaque participant-e effectue, en outre, par écrit un travail académique de synthèse et de réflexion personnelle, pour lequel les moyens linguistiques indispensables (rhétorique, enchaînement et hiérarchisation) font l'objet, durant le cours, d'une approche descriptive à l'aide de quelques exemples particulièrement clairs et intéressants.
851-0816-05LFrench B2-C1 : Grammar Information Restricted registration - show details
Your course regristration is only valid with a simultaneous online registration at the "Language Center of UZH and ETH Zurich" (www.sprachenzentrum.uzh.ch).

Course fee: CHF 80.00
W2 credits1GJ.‑P. Coen
AbstractWith a textual approach this course focuses on some complex topics such as
the past tense, indirect speech and the subjunctive. The course does not aim
at a systematic revision of grammar.
Learning objectiveThis course focuses on some complex topics such as
the past tense, indirect speech and the subjunctive. The course does not aim
at a systematic revision of grammar.
ContentLe cours a pour objectif principal d'améliorer la maîtrise du français écrit par l'appropriation de règles grammaticales et de règles d'usage qui, sur le plan textuel, assurent au moins en partie la correction des énoncés, et ceci pour quelques chapitres difficiles du français. Il propose une approche descriptive de moyens linguistiques qui permettent d'améliorer la rédaction de textes académiques (compte rendu, synthèse) ou d'écrits administratifs en général (lettre de motivation), ainsi que des exercices ciblés.

Les points étudiés sont notamment les temps du passé, l'ordre des mots dans la phrase, la cohésion textuelle, ainsi que le discours rapporté. Ils sont abordés à l'aide de matériel authentique et sans recours systématique à des exercices de drill.
Le cours présente des activités de repérage des difficultés, de mise en commun des résultats, ainsi que des exercices d'écriture.
851-0816-15LFrench B2 : Debates and Presentations Information Restricted registration - show details
Your course regristration is only valid with a simultaneous online registration at the "Language Center of UZH and ETH Zurich" (www.sprachenzentrum.uzh.ch).

Course fee: CHF 80.00
W1 credit1GJ.‑P. Coen
AbstractThis course is intended for students who have reached level B2. Participants will train their skills so that they may perform simple contributions during general debates.
Learning objectiveThe main emphasis is on spoken skills, with the aim of enabling students to develop their own voice in expressing their views and developing arguments efficiently. The course also nurtures the ability to understand a general meaning in documents concerning aspects of society at large.
851-0815-04LFrench B2: Brush up your Skills Restricted registration - show details
Your course regristration is only valid with a simultaneous online registration at the "Language Center of UZH and ETH Zurich" (www.sprachenzentrum.uzh.ch).

Course fee: CHF 80.00
W2 credits2GC. Destefani
AbstractThe course is organized around the communicative tasks that participants learn to perform. These relate to the university environment and are addressed both in terms of essential language skills at B2 level and of extra-linguistic skills (cultural knowledge, gestures, etc.) required to deal with these situations.
Learning objectiveThe objective of this course is to familiarize participants with the performance of communicative tasks specific to the academic world and, in so doing, to consolidate their general production and comprehension skills (oral and written) at B2 level.
851-0816-13LFrench B2.2-C2 : Practising French in Context Information Restricted registration - show details
Does not take place this semester.
Your course regristration is only valid with a simultaneous online registration at the "Language Center of UZH and ETH Zurich" (www.sprachenzentrum.uzh.ch).

Course fee: CHF 80.00
W1 credit1GJ.‑P. Coen
AbstractThis course targets B2/C1 French learners. It is not open to French native speakers.
Learning objectiveThe main objective of this course is to practice and improve the four language skills of participants (listening, speaking, reading and writing). Students will have to make a presentation in French on a complex subject, interact in a group, defend a point of view and answer to objections.
851-0832-10LAdvanced English for Academic Purposes (C1-C2) Information Restricted registration - show details
Your course regristration is only valid with a simultaneous online registration at the "Language Center of UZH and ETH Zurich" (www.sprachenzentrum.uzh.ch).

Course fee: CHF 80.00
W2 credits2GK. A. Lewis
AbstractThis course is designed for Bachelor and Master students from all disciplines, who wish to improve their English from C1 towards C2 level and train their language skills at Mastery level. Selected Academic English features are included to add value to the course to meet standard entrance requirements by leading universities and colleges worldwide.
Learning objectiveParticipants should already have reached a level of C1 (advanced), as defined in the Council of Europe Global Scale. The course is also open to participants whose level is above C1.
The course aims to train and develop linguistic skills at Mastery level, with a focus on formal and informal lexis, on listening and oral communication skills, increasing fluency, accuracy and complexity of spoken language; writing well-structured descriptive texts and argumentative essays, with the aim to fulfill the language requirements for study at an English speaking university or follow University Master Courses held in English.
ContentThe course covers: a review of vocabulary building and extension, including the Academic Word List and formulaic language; input on academic reading, writing and listening comprehension; improvement of grammatical accuracy with web-based practice. Special emphasis is placed on individual speaking, argumentative discourse and group discussions, to enhance fluency and confidence. Topics cover globalisation, communication, social issues, health, work and/or the environment.
Lecture notesNo script.
LiteratureCourse materials will be provided electronically, prior to the lessons. For additional handouts and materials participants will be expected to make a contribution of about CHF 5.00 at the beginning of the course.
Prerequisites / NoticeParticipants will be expected to:
attend regularly throughout the semester;
take part actively in class discussions, group work and pair work;
do at least 2 hours' work per week outside class, including reading and writing;
use the electronic tools provided, such as a WIKI and a virtual library on ILIAS, and engage in web-based activities to practise various linguistic skills;

A language certificate from the Language Center is issued on successful completion of the course; Bachelor and Master students of the ETH will receive D-Gess credits and a mark, awarded electronically at the end of the semester. Details will follow at the beginning of the semester.

The course is only open to students who register on-line via the Sprachenzentrum website (in February 2015, please review the SZ webpage) and who receive on-line confirmation that they have been accepted on this course.
851-0832-11LAdvanced English for Academic Purposes (C1-C2) Restricted registration - show details
Your course regristration is only valid with a simultaneous online registration at the "Language Center of UZH and ETH Zurich" (www.sprachenzentrum.uzh.ch).

Course fee: CHF 80.00
W2 credits2GR. Taylor
AbstractThis course is designed for Bachelor and Master students from all disciplines who wish to improve their English from C1 towards C2 level and train their language skills at Mastery level. Selected Academic English features are included to add value to the course to meet standard entrance requirements by leading universities and colleges worldwide.
Learning objectiveParticipants should already have reached a level of C1 (advanced), as defined in the Council of Europe Global Scale. The course is also open to participants whose level is above C1.
The course aims to train and develop linguistic skills at Mastery level, with a focus on formal and informal lexis, on listening and oral communication skills, increasing fluency, accuracy and complexity of spoken language; writing well-structured descriptive texts and argumentative essays, with the aim to fulfill the language requirements for study at an English speaking university or follow University Masters Courses held in English.
ContentThe course covers: a review of vocabulary building and extension, including the Academic Word List and formulaic language; input on academic reading, writing and listening comprehension; and improvement of grammatical accuracy. Special emphasis is placed on individual speaking, argumentative discourse and group discussions, to enhance fluency and confidence. Where possible, students will be asked to reflect on how the course content relates to their own academic disciplines.
Lecture notesNo script. Handouts will be delivered weekly and published on Moodle.
LiteratureParticipants will be expected to make a small contribution to the costs of any photocopies necessary.
Prerequisites / NoticeParticipants will be expected to:
Attend regularly throughout the semester;
Take part actively in class discussions, group work and pair work;
do at least 2 hours' work per week outside class, including reading and writing;
Use the electronic tools provided.
Complete a portfolio report of four key tasks, aiming to practice the skills focussed on during the semester.

A language certificate from the Language Center is issued on successful completion of the course; Bachelor and Master students of the ETH will receive D-Gess credits and a mark, awarded electronically at the end of the semester. Details will follow at the beginning of the semester.

The course is only open to students who register on-line via the Sprachenzentrum website (in February 2015, please review the SZ webpage) and who receive on-line confirmation that they have been accepted on this course.
851-0886-00LNew Zealand Through Literature and Film (C1-C2) Restricted registration - show details
Your course regristration is only valid with a simultaneous online registration at the "Language Center of UZH and ETH Zurich" (www.sprachenzentrum.uzh.ch).

Course fee: CHF 80.00
W2 credits2GM. Norgate
AbstractThis course is designed for non-native English speakers at Bachelor and Master level from all disciplines who wish to gain an insight into New Zealand culture, history, and society through its rich tradition in film and literature, while improving their English language skills further towards C2.
Learning objectiveIn this course, students are introduced to New Zealand through its rich tradition of literature and film. The course addresses issues that have arisen in this former colony from its earliest settlement to the present day. Key questions include: What did New Zealand mean to its early settlers? Where did they come from? What is the Treaty of Waitangi, and what is its status today? How culturally diverse is New Zealand, and what is bi-culturalism in New Zealand? How did early European settlers view New Zealand, and what does it mean to be a New Zealander today?

Students will analyze and discuss poetry, prose, and film. They will become aware of various ways of "reading" texts and film, and will improve their skills in planning and writing cohesive essays in which they marshal their arguments in a convincing and formal manner.

Overall, the aims are that students become more discerning readers, improve their skills in expressing their views in written and spoken form clearly and concisely, and gain an understanding of the importance of literature and film to the development of New Zealand’s unique present-day identity.
ContentThe course gives a roughly chronological view - through literature and film - of New Zealand's history, culture, and society from pre-European settlement to the present day. Materials discussed include selected poems, short stories, articles, and films. A key focus is the way New Zealanders' notion of their own identity has shifted over the years, as expressed by the country's film-makers and writers working in English, and to a limited degree, in Maori (English translations are provided).
Lecture notesHandouts and DVDs
LiteratureMaterials are available on Moodle and at the Language Center's Self-Access Center (more information is given in the first lesson)
Prerequisites / NoticeOther requirements: All participants are expected to:
* Attend regularly throughout the semester
* Participate actively in discussions, group work, and pair work
* Do 2-3 hours' work per week outside the classroom, including reading, writing, and watching films
* Complete the written assignments and give a short presentation

Important note:
The course is only open to students who register online via the Sprachenzentrum website during the registration period (www.sprachenzentrum.uzh.ch) and who receive online confirmation that they have been accepted on this course.
851-0856-04LSpanish B2-C1: Grammar and Communication Information Restricted registration - show details
Your course regristration is only valid with a simultaneous online registration at the "Language Center of UZH and ETH Zurich" (www.sprachenzentrum.uzh.ch).

Course fee: CHF 80.00
W2 credits2GM. V. Ruiz Lozano Hänni
AbstractThis course can be defined as a „bridge course“ that allows the student to reach the required level to study level C1.
Learning objectiveThe focus of this course is the communication practice (speaking and writing) of the grammar contents of levels B2-C1 as described in the Common Frame of Language Reference.
ContentThe most important grammar topics of this course, which will also enable oral practice, are the following: past tense forms, subordinate clauses (as described in levels B2-C1 of the Common Frame of Language Reference), links, reported speech, verb constructions and verbs that express change. We will also practice some of the topics that tend to cause problems also to higher level learners: ser/estar, por/para, indicativo/subjuntivo, etc.
Adequate audio-visual and written texts dealing with topical issues will be the basis for the oral practice of the described grammar themes.
In order to find out if you have the required level for his course, contact your teacher in advance: victoria.ruiz@access.uzh.ch
LiteratureThe written and audio-visual didactic materials will be provided by the teacher by means of OLAT.
Prerequisites / NoticeThe students know how to use the indicative and subjunctive tenses and are able to express themselves fluently in everyday situations and in more complex communicative contexts related to the studies.
851-0846-01LSpanish B2: Starter Information Restricted registration - show details
Your course regristration is only valid with a simultaneous online registration at the "Language Center of UZH and ETH Zurich" (www.sprachenzentrum.uzh.ch).

Course fee: CHF 80.00
W2 credits2GJ. Ruano Céspedes
AbstractThe course is aimed for students and staff of the University and ETH Zurich having passed level B1.2 and for those who know and correctly use all indicative tenses, as well as the subjunctive in its present and perfect forms. On the other hand, they should be able to make themselves fluently understood in every day conversations and read intermediate level texts.
Learning objectiveThe course aims towards integrating grammar and oral/written communication. We will present new grammar topics and will introduce them into the oral practice.
ContentThe most important grammatical topic will be the imperfecto and pluscuamperfecto de subjuntivo in subordinate structures. Free and directed discussion will be enhanced. We will read diverse text forms from Spanish and Latin American Authors.
Lecture notesThe teacher will provide the script. A small fee of CHF 5.00 be collected.
Prerequisites / NoticeThe certificate and ETCS points are granted to the students who have complied with the following requirements:
* Participation in the weekly lessons (maximum 3 absences)
* A mininum of 2 hours of self study (reading and grammar exercises)
* Presentation of one of the chosen texts
* Passing of a final exam

Important information for ETH students: The enrollment in this course at the Sprachenzentrum does not enrol the student automatically fot the granting of the D-GESS points. Please inform yourself.
851-0834-17LSpanish B2: Oral Interaction Information Restricted registration - show details
Your course regristration is only valid with a simultaneous online registration at the "Language Center of UZH and ETH Zurich" (www.sprachenzentrum.uzh.ch).

Course fee: CHF 80.00
W2 credits2GM. Iturrizaga Slosiar
AbstractRequisites: Intended for participants having completed level B2 who are relatively fluent but who still have difficulties with coping with specific oral tasks. From the grammatical perspective, students must know and use correctly all tenses of indicative and subjunctive. They can evolve in relatively complex conversation topics, understand written press and audiovisual environment.
Learning objectiveThe course aims to expose the student to the oral language in order to help her/him to better achieve a wide range of oral tasks from a linguistic and social perspective.
ContentWe practice several kinds of oral interactions, such as casual and formal conversation, interviews to Spanish-speaking people, debate, negotiation, etc. We discuss about current issues. On the other hand, it is intended for participants to develop a glossary correspondent to his/her area of study and to do a short presentation.
Prerequisites / NoticeThe certificate and the corresponding ETCS credits are granted to students having successfully completed to the following criteria:

- Active participation in lessons
- A minimum of 3 self-study hours per week
- An interview to a Spanish native speaker
- A presentation

Enrollment in this course is done through the Language Center: www.spracheznzentrum.uzh.ch. / Inscription in "My studies" should be done by the student her/himself.
851-0849-00LPortuguese Brazilian A1 Restricted registration - show details
Your course regristration is only valid with a simultaneous online registration at the "Language Center of UZH and ETH Zurich" (www.sprachenzentrum.uzh.ch).

Course fee: CHF 80.00
W2 credits2GP. de Avila Goulart Ribeiro W.
AbstractThis course is designed for participants with no previous knowledge of Portuguese.
In the course, participants learn simple basic vocabulary, common daily idiomatic expressions, and fundamental grammar. The focus is on the phonetic features of Portuguese language. Intercultural and cultural issues relating to Brazil are also taken into consideration.
Learning objectiveParticipants can understand and form simple questions, messages, and requests.
851-0849-01LPortuguese Brazilian A2 Restricted registration - show details
Your course regristration is only valid with a simultaneous online registration at the "Language Center of UZH and ETH Zurich" (www.sprachenzentrum.uzh.ch).

Course fee: CHF 80.00
W2 credits2GP. de Avila Goulart Ribeiro W.
AbstractThis course is designed for participants with a basic knowledge of Portuguese (level A1).
The course deals with everyday topics. Participants practice simple forms of communication as these occur in daily life. Lexical and linguistic structures are taught within these contexts. Intercultural and socio-cultural issues relating to Brazil are also taken into consideration.
Learning objectiveParticipants can talk and write about themselves and everyday topics using simple sentences. They can take part in simple daily conversations, understand and write simple messages, describe an event in a time sequence, and express wishes, assumptions, and recommendations.
851-0849-02LPortuguese-Brazilian B1 Restricted registration - show details
Your course regristration is only valid with a simultaneous online registration at the "Language Center of UZH and ETH Zurich" (www.sprachenzentrum.uzh.ch).

Course fee: CHF 80.00
W2 credits2GP. de Avila Goulart Ribeiro W.
AbstractThis course is designed for participants with an A2 level in Portuguese.
The course deals with everyday topics. Participants practice forms of communication as these occur in daily life. Lexical and linguistic structures are taught within these contexts. Intercultural and socio-cultural issues relating to Brazil are also taken into consideration.
Learning objectiveParticipants can deal with everyday situations; they can talk about their experiences, opinions, wishes, and plans in simple coherent sentences.
851-0826-05LItalian B2: Italian for Academic Purposes Information Restricted registration - show details
Your course regristration is only valid with a simultaneous online registration at the "Language Center of UZH and ETH Zurich" (www.sprachenzentrum.uzh.ch).

Course fee: CHF 80.00
W2 credits1GA. Dal Negro
AbstractIn the cours, different textforms will be practiced which are used in the academic domain. This includes the scientific essay, the abstract, the oral presentation, and the handout.
Learning objectiveMastering the structures of the academic communication in Italian.
851-0826-04LItalian B2-C1: Language and Literature Information Restricted registration - show details
Your course regristration is only valid with a simultaneous online registration at the "Language Center of UZH and ETH Zurich" (www.sprachenzentrum.uzh.ch).

Course fee: CHF 80.00
W2 credits2GP. Brülisauer-Casella
AbstractThe course is intended for students with Italian language skills at level B2 or higher.
The objective of the course is to improve students' oral and written expression.
Learning objectiveThe course gives students the opportunity to broaden and intensify their knowledge of the more complex morpho-syntactic and lexical structures of the Italian language. The objective of the course is to improve students’ proficiency in expressing complex contents.
ContentThe morpho-syntactic and lexical structures in question will be introduced and practised in context through a variety of wrtitten and oral activities. This semester will focus particularly on verb morphology and combining tenses.
Lecture notesCourse materials will be distributed in class. We will use authentic audio-visual content as well as texts from journalism and literature. A fee of 3.00 CHF for photocopying will be levied. <br>
- Online resources: www.olat.unizh.ch. Further informations will be given by the teacher.
851-0852-00LRussian II (A1.2) Information Restricted registration - show details
Your course regristration is only valid with a simultaneous online registration at the "Language Center of UZH and ETH Zurich" (www.sprachenzentrum.uzh.ch).

Course fee: CHF 80.00
W2 credits2GD. Henseler
AbstractThis cours focuses on the basics of Russian grammar (Level A 1.2), as well as on developing the basic vocabulary, on reading competence, oral conversation, and intercultural competence.
Registration for the course at sprachenzentrum.uzh.ch is obligatory!
Learning objectiveThe courses Russian I and II aim at aquiring the most important aspects of the basic grammar und developing a representative basic vocabulary. The main focus is on developing the following skills: speaking, listening comprehension and reading, on a A1 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, as well as a cultural competence.
Contentto talk about languages and language learning; to tell what one is (not) doing; to talk about leisure; to tell if one likes (does not like) something; to utter one's opinion about activities; to name time and days of the week; to name activities in the past; to talk about former and current professions, activities and jobs; to name the modality of an activity; to make phone calls; to read an interview in a newspaper; to name the order and duration of an action.
Working forms: Single, pair, and group work, and plenum. The course is supported by e-learning.
Lecture notesWe continue working with the textbook "Otlitschno! aktuell A1" (ISBN: 978-3-19-204477-9; only this edition!)
851-0854-01LRussian IV (A2.2) Information Restricted registration - show details
Your course regristration is only valid with a simultaneous online registration at the "Language Center of UZH and ETH Zurich" (www.sprachenzentrum.uzh.ch).

Course fee: CHF 80.00
W2 credits2GD. Henseler
AbstractThe course Russian IV requires a knowledge which should come up to the level of the four preceding courses (three terms, with two lessons per week). In case of doubt please contact the teacher prior to the beginning of the term.
Registration for the course at sprachenzentrum.uzh.ch is obligatory!
Learning objectiveThe course aims at building up a good communicative competence. The focus is on spoken interaction, reading and listening, on a A2.2 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, as well as on building up a cultural competence.
Contentto talk about the performance of hotels; to make a conversation at the reception desk; to utter satisfaction; to make complaints; to give recommendations; to talk about distance; to talk about living; to indicdate the place of something; to utter desire and ideas; to describe the outward appearance of persons; to talk about clothes; to pay compliments; to make comparisons; to talk about character and qualities of persons; to talk about relationship and friendship
Lecture notesWe work with the textbook "Otlitschno! aktuell A2" (starting from lesson 3). Students are asked to acquire this textbook "Kursbuch" (ISBN: 978-3192044786; only this edition!).
851-0855-01LRussian for Insiders: Deepen Your Heritage Language Skills (A2-C1) Restricted registration - show details
Your course regristration is only valid with a simultaneous online registration at the "Language Center of UZH and ETH Zurich" (www.sprachenzentrum.uzh.ch).

Course fee: CHF 80.00
W2 credits2GD. Henseler
AbstractThis course targents students with Russian as a heritage language - students who have grown up outside the Russian language area, but who spoke or speak (partly) Russian in their family environment and already have an oral knowledge of the language (level A2-C1). A prior knowledge of the Russian script is welcome, but not mandatory.
Learning objectiveThe participants deepen their competences in Russian script and orthography as well as their reading comprehension and stylistics (concerning the productive competences in writing) with the aim to be able to use the Russian language also outside the domestic domain, especially in a academic and professional environment.
The detailed learning objectives in the above-mentioned fields will be established individually at the beginning of the course with regard to the students' prior knowledge and their needs.
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