Course Descriptions

Course description:

Code:  OJZ 100

Title:  Bachelor’s English 1 for Complete Beginners (Bakalářská angličtina 1 pro úplné začátečníky)

Abbreviation: BA1z

Length: 1 semester

Level: A0 – A1

Credits: 2

Target participants: Students who have never learnt English before or students who consider themselves beginners and need to acquire the basic grammatical structures, vocabulary and start to develop language skills.  It is not a bachelor’s exam preparatory course. However, the structures and skills practiced may help students pass the exam successfully, provided that they work systematically outside classes.

Entry requirement/level of the course: A0

There is no entry requirement as far as language skills are concerned but the participants must be ready to work intensively both during and outside classes.

Aims: To master the basic grammatical structures, vocabulary, to start developing individual language skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing). The students are expected to reach A1 level as described by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages in a relatively short time. Therefore, intensive independent work outside classes is expected, which involves consolidating and extending vocabulary as well as practicing grammar structures presented during the lessons.

Content and Approach:

Using a communicative approach, the course covers the basic grammatical structures, vocabulary and focuses on developing the skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. Different structures are presented during the lessons, their consolidation and practice will be part of individual preparation. Class activities include individual, pair and group work, reading, speaking and listening. You can find the detailed syllabus on our website.

Assessment/Credits/Workload:

Credit is awarded for:

• Regular attendance (maximum three absences)
• Active participation in English in class
• Homework
• Passing quizzes and tests with a minimum number of points as determined by individual instructors

A minimum of 2 hours of homework is expected per week.

Materials:  available on Moodle

Other requirements:

• It is not possible to attend this course without registering on-line first. (STAG)

Course description:

Code: OJZ 110

Title: Bachelor’s English 1 (Bakalářská angličtina 1)

Abbreviation: BA1

Length: one semester

Level (CEFR): A1

Credits: 2

Target participants: Students who have already reached level A1 and need to move further up to higher levels.

Entry requirement/level of the course (CEFR): A1

If not sure, please, assess your level using a placement test or the “CEFR assessment grid” on our web pages.

Aims: Practising of grammar and basic grammar structures, using basic grammar tenses, functions and structures/such as expressing opinion, agreement and disagreement/. Class activities also include listening, reading and pronunciation activities, speaking and vocabulary building.

Content and Approach: Learning grammar is the key part of the course. Using a communicative approach, the students will be introduced to the most important areas of grammar, they will practice and consolidate them. Basic grammar structures are taught using usual topics of everyday conversation and appropriate vocabulary is also practised. If necessary, grammar in question as well as detailed syllabus of the course are available on the web. Practising of all skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing) represent an integral part of the course. The activities include individual, pair and group work.

Assessment/Credits/ Workload:

Credit is awarded for:

• Regular attendance (maximum three absences)
• Active participation in English in class
• Homework
• Tests according to the needs of individual lecturer
• A minimum mark of 70 per cent on final end-of-term test

A minimum of one hour homework is expected per week.

Materials: available on Moodle

Other requirements:

• It is not possible to attend this course without registering on-line first (STAG).

Course description:

Code: OJZ 120

Title: Bachelor’s English 2 (Bakalářská angličtina 2)

Abbreviation: BA2

Length: one semester

Level (CEFR): A2 - A2+

Credits: 2

Target participants: Students who have already reached level A2 and need to move further up to B1 at the end of the semester.

Entry requirement/level of the course (CEFR): A2

If not sure, please, assess your level using a placement test or the “CEFR assessment grid” on our web pages.

Aims: Learning and practicing of grammar and basic grammar structures, using basic grammar tenses, functions and structures/such as expressing opinion, agreement and disagreement/. Class activities also include listening, reading and pronunciation activities, speaking and vocabulary building.

Content and Approach: Learning grammar is the key part of the course. Using a communicative approach, the students will be introduced to the most important areas of grammar, they will practice and consolidate them. Basic grammar structures are taught using usual topics of everyday conversation and appropriate vocabulary is also practiced. If necessary, grammar in question as well as detailed syllabus of the course are available on the web. Practicing of all skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing) represent an integral part of the course. The activities include individual, pair and group work.

Assessment/Credits/Workload:

Credit is awarded for:

• Active participation in English in class
• Homework
• Passing quizzes and tests with a minimum number of points as determined by individual instructors

A minimum of one-hour homework is expected per week.

Materials: available on Moodle

Other requirements:

It is not possible to attend this course without registering on-line first (STAG).

Course description:

Code: OJZ 130

Title: Bachelor’s English 3 (Bakalářská angličtina 3)

Abbreviation: BA3

Length: one semester           

Level (CEFR): B1 – B1⁺

Credits: 2

Target participants: Students who have successfully passed courses BA1 – BA2 or students who need to further extend and consolidate their knowledge and skills so that they can reach level B2 in the summer term. It is not a bachelor’s exam preparatory course. However, the structures and skills practiced may help students pass the exam successfully.

Entry requirement/level of the course (CEFR): B1
Participants need to have completed BA2 courses successfully; new students receive recommendation based on their placement test. If not sure, please, assess your level using a placement test or the “CEFR assessment grid” on our web pages.

Aims: To consolidate, extend and practice the knowledge of grammar, improve language skills, build confidence especially in listening and reading and broaden vocabulary.

Content and Approach: Using a communicative approach, the students will practice and consolidate various areas of grammar (especially verb tenses, prepositions and phrasal verbs). Listening and reading practice represent an integral part of the course. The activities are similar to those in international exam preparatory courses, including individual, pair and group work, reading, speaking and listening.

Assessment/Credits/Workload:

Credit is awarded for:

• Regular attendance (maximum three absences)
• Active participation during classes
• Homework
• Passing quizzes and tests with a minimum number of points as determined by individual instructors

2 – 3 hours of homework are expected per week.

Materials: available on Moodle

Other requirements:

• It is not possible to attend this course without registering on-line first (STAG).

Course description:

Code: OJZ 210

Title: Bachelor’s English 1 NS (Bakalářská angličtina 1 NS)

Abbreviation: BA1 NS

Length: one semester

Level (CEFR): A1 – A2

Credits: 2

Target participants: Particularly first-year students who came to the faculty knowing the basic structures, vocabulary and skills and aim to reach A2 level, or students who already are on A2 level but need to extend and further practise the knowledge and skills. It is not a “postupová” or bachelor’s exam preparatory course. However, the structures and skills practiced may help students pass the exams successfully.

Entry requirement/level of the course (CEFR): A1

Participants need to have acquired basic skills (i.e. Speaking, Reading, Listening a Writing) as well as grammar plus vocabulary knowledge on A1 level. New students receive recommendation based on their placement test.

If not sure, please, assess your level using the diagnostic tools on our website (self-placement DIALANG, CEFR assessment grid).

Aims: The course aims are to consolidate, practice and extend the knowledge of vocabulary, improve language skills, and develop especially listening, reading and speaking skills.

Content and Approach: Using a communicative approach, the course covers a variety of topics and focuses on general vocabulary building with a touch of science and IT. Work on the development of listening, reading and speaking skills is an integral part of the course. The activities are similar to international exam preparatory courses. Class activities include individual, pair and group work.

Assessment/Credits/Workload:

Credit is awarded for:

• Regular attendance (maximum three absences)
• Active participation in English in class
• Homework
• Passing quizzes and tests with a minimum number of points as determined by individual instructors

A minimum of one hour of homework is expected per week.

Materials: available on Moodle

Other requirements:

• It is not possible to attend this course without at first registering on-line (STAG).

Course description:

Code: OJZ 220

Title: Bachelor’s English 2 NS (Bakalářská angličtina 2 NS)

Abbreviation: BA2 NS

Length: one semester

Level (CEFR): A2-B1

Credits: 2

Target participants: Students who have successfully passed courses Bach 1 or students, have already reached level A2 and need to practise their oral, listening, reading and writing skills as well as vocabulary building.

Entry requirement/level of the course (CEFR): A2-B1

If not sure, please, assess your level using a placement test or the “CEFR assessment grid” on our web pages.

Aims: Students will work with general as well as scientific materials, participate in oral and task-based exercises, carry out listening tasks, and write short assignments. Students will expand their vocabulary, both general and scientific.

Content and Approach: Talking about every day topics, writing for practical purposes, role-playing activities, mini-presentations, reading and vocabulary-building. Class activities include individual, pair and group work, speaking, reading, listening and writing preparation. The study texts for the Bachelor examination are also dealt with in class.

Assessment/Credits/Workload:

Credit is awarded for:

• Regular attendance (individual instructors will determine the definition of “regular attendance”).
• Homework
• Passing quizzes and tests with a minimum number of points as determined by individual instructors.

A minimum of one hour of homework is expected per week for students who are at the appropriate level for this class. Weaker students are expected to do more homework.

Materials: Participants will receive instructions from their respective instructors as to where to download and print the appropriate materials.

Other requirements:

• It is not possible to attend this course without first registering on-line (STAG).

Course description:

Code: OJZ 230

Title: Bachelors’ English 3 NS (Bakalářská angličtina 3 NS)

Abbreviation: BA3 NS

Length: one semester

Level (CEFR): B1 – B2

Credits: 2

Target participants: Students who have successfully passed courses BA1–BA2 or students who have already reached level B1 and need to practice further their oral and written skills. While this course is taken mostly by 3^rd year students as the last course before their bachelor’s exam it is not meant as a strictly preparatory course for this exam. However, the structures and skills practiced may help students pass the exam successfully. Students will read scientific but general genre articles, will participate in oral exercises and write short written pieces.

Entry requirement/level of the course (CEFR): B1

If not sure, please, assess your level using a placement test or the “CEFR assessment grid” on our web pages.

Aims: Students will read scientific yet general genre articles, will participate in oral and task based exercises and will write short written pieces. Students will expand their general vocabulary with a slight emphasis on scientific literature.

Content and Approach: This course covers a variety of topics and focuses on reading and vocabulary building (esp. idiomatic expressions found in articles as well as phrasal verbs). Speaking/reporting are an integral part of the course. Task based exercises as well as role playing activities will be a part of almost every class. Even though grammar is not a fundamental part of this course, specific grammar cases will be explored if needs be. Class activities include individual, pair and group work, reading, speaking and listening.

Assessment/Credits/Workload:

Credit is awarded for:

• Regular attendance (individual instructors will determine the definition of “regular attendance”).
• Homework
• Passing quizzes and the final test with a minimum number of points as determined by individual instructors.

A minimum of one hour of homework is expected per week for students who are at the appropriate level for this class. Weaker students are expected to do more homework.

Materials: available on Moodle

Other requirements:

• It is not possible to attend this course without at first registering on-line (STAG).

Course description:

Code: OJZ 310

Title: English for Academic Purposes 1

Abbreviation: EAP 1

Length: one semester

Level (CEFR): B2 – C1

Credits: 2

Target participants:

This course is designed for Master students in their first year who intend to take the TOEFL ITP examination.
It is an introductory course to English for academic purposes.

Entry requirement/level of the course (CEFR): B2

If not sure, please, assess your level using a placement test or the “CEFR assessment grid” on our web pages.

Aims: The course aims are to extend vocabulary and structures, with a particular focus on academic lexis and structures used in formal/academic context, and to raise awareness of the specifics of academic English. Students will also improve oral communication skills in academic contexts. It’s the “first step” towards the final TOEFL exam.

Content and Approach: The course covers an introduction to the Academic Word List and input on vocabulary learning. It also covers s important areas of grammar and structures focusing on those frequently used in academic context, including passives, conditionals, using nouns and noun phrases, linking expressions and others. It also includes work on difficult areas of pronunciation. Class activities include individual, pair and group work.

Assessment/Credits/Workload:

Credit is awarded for:

• Regular attendance (maximum three absences)
• Active participation
• Homework
• Moodle portfolio – written assignments and on-line exercises.
• Personalized vocabulary list on https://quizlet.com/
• A minimum mark of 70 per cent on final end-of-term test

A minimum of two hours’ homework is expected per week.

Materials: available on Moodle

Other requirements:

• It is not possible to attend this course without registering on-line first (STAG).

Course description:

Code: OJZ 320

Title: English for Academic Purposes 2

Abbreviation: EAP 2

Length: one semester

Level (CEFR): B2 – C1

Credits: 2

Target participants:

This course is designed for Master students in their first year who intend to take the TOEFL ITP examination. It is a follow-up course to English for academic purposes 1.

Entry requirement/level of the course (CEFR): B2

If not sure, please, assess your level using a placement test or the “CEFR assessment grid” on our web pages.

Aims: The course aims are to extend vocabulary and structures, with a particular focus on academic lexis and structures used in formal/academic context and to raise awareness of the specifics of academic English. Students will also improve oral communication skills in academic contexts. It is the “next step” towards the final TOEFL exam.

Content and Approach: The course covers an introduction to the Academic Word List and input on vocabulary learning. It also covers s important areas of grammar and structures focusing on those frequently used in academic context, including passives, conditionals, using nouns, linking expressions and others. It also includes work on difficult areas of pronunciation. Class activities include individual, pair and group work.

Assessment/Credits/Workload:

Credit is awarded for:

• Regular attendance (maximum three absences)
• Active participation
• Homework
• Moodle portfolio – written assignments and on-line exercises.
• Personalized vocabulary list on https://quizlet.com/
• A minimum mark of 70 per cent on final end-of-term test

A minimum of two hours’ homework is expected per week.

Materials: available on Moodle

Other requirements:

• It is not possible to attend this course without registering on-line first (STAG).

Course description:

Code: OJZ 330

Title: TOEFL ITP Preparation. Grammar and Vocabulary

Abbreviation: TOEFL GV

Length: one semester           

Level CEFR: B2 -C1

Credits: 2

Target participants: This course is intended for students who will be taking the TOEFL ITP test at the end of the semester.

Entry requirement/level of the course CEFR: B2

If not sure, please, assess your level using a placement test or the “CEFR assessment grid” on our web pages.

Aims: The course aims are to familiarise students with the main features and types of tasks in the TOEFL ITP test sections of Structures and Written expressions. Students will be able to improve their grammar and vocabulary with special emphasis placed on language used in the academic context. Test taking skills for multiple choice tests will also be covered.

Content and Approach: The course includes thorough work on the different question types found in the exam practice tests, mostly in the form of lectures and individual work. However, some pair work and group work is also included. Vocabulary work relevant to the TOEFL ITP test will also be covered. Structures and written expressions section of the TOEFL ITP test will be done in a mock form to realistically represent the exam itself.

Assessment/Credits/Workload:

As this is an examination preparation course, so the emphasis is placed on attendance and preparation. There is no semester test.

A minimum of probably 1 hour for students at the C1 level, and 2 hours of homework for students at the B2 level is expected per week for students.

Materials: Cambridge Preparation for the TOEFL test, Cambridge TOEFL.

Other requirements:

• It is not possible to attend this course without registering on-line (STAG).

OJZ 410 – Presentation Skills in English

Code: OJZ 410

Title: Presentation Skills in English

Abbreviation: PS

Length: one semester

Level (CEFR):  B2 – C1

Credits: 2

Target participants: Master’s level as well as Bachelor level and doctoral students. The course is open to any student interested in improving their presenting and academic speaking skills. We welcome students from other faculties.

Entry requirement/level of the course (CEFR): B1 - B2

If not sure, please, assess your level using a placement test or the “CEFR assessment grid” on our web pages.

Aims:  Develop students’ public speaking and presentation skills.

Content and Approach: Students learn the strategies for preparing and presenting academic talks and conference posters. Emphasis is placed on how to express oneself clearly, engage the audience, and deal with nervousness. By performing several mini presentations, students will develop the self-confidence to speak before an audience for longer stretches and to assess their strengths and weaknesses. Students will be required to work collaboratively and independently.

Assessment/Credits/Workload:

Credits are awarded for:

• Regular attendance (maximum three absences)
• Active participation in English in class
• Performing at least 3 short presentations
• One final longer presentation

The class is suitable for students with strict demands on their time, as all preparation work will be completed in class with support from the teacher and peers.

Materials: Participants will download and print the materials for each lesson from the elearning website.

Other requirements:

• It is not possible to attend this course without registering on-line first (STAG).

Course description:

Code: OJZ 420

Title: Academic Writing

Abbreviation: AW

Length: 1 semester

Level: B2 – C1

Credits: 2

Target participants: Master’s students who want to do well at the written part of the Final Master’s Examination in English as well as any students who want to improve their writing skills.

Entry requirement/level of the course (CEFR): B2

If not sure, please, assess your level using a placement test or the “CEFR assessment grid” on our web pages.

Aims: The aims of the course are threefold: to help students overcome the fear of writing, to help them spread their ideas effectively, and to practice complex sentence structures for writing the academic environment.

Content and Approach: Students are expected to write three drafts of one argumentative paper on a topic of their choice. We pay a lot of attention to pre-writing activities, discuss papers in class, write peer-reviews, and practice sentence structures. All the reading and writing assignments are given as homework, so we spend most of the time in class discussing the issues connected with writing and discussing students’ papers.

Assessment/Credits/ Workload:

Credit is awarded for:

• Regular attendance (maximum three absences)
• Active participation in English in class
• Submission of all the reading and writing assignments
• Submission of the final draft of the paper

The workload of home preparation varies up to a number of hours before the submission of the draft, but on average, it is 2 hours per week.

Materials: Oshima: Writing Academic English

Other requirements:

• It is not possible to attend this course without at first registering on-line (STAG).

Course description:

Code: OJZ 430

Title: TOEFL ITP Preparation. Listening and Reading

Abbreviation: TOEFL LR

Length: one semester           

Level CEFR: B2 -C1

Credits: 2

Target participants: This course is intended for students who will be taking the TOEFL ITP test at the end of the semester.

Entry requirement/level of the course (CEFR): B2

If not sure, please, assess your level using a placement test or the “CEFR assessment grid” on our web pages.

Aims: The course aims are to familiarise students with the main features and types of tasks in the TOEFL ITP test sections of Listening and Reading. Students will be able to improve their listening and reading skills with special emphasis placed on college related topics and lectures. Students will be exposed to many phrasal verbs and idiomatic expressions. Test taking skills for multiple choice tests will also be covered.

Approach and Content: The course includes thorough work on the different question types found in the exam practice tests, mostly in the form of lectures and individual work. However, some pair work and group work is also included. Listening and reading parts of the TOEFL ITP test will be done in a mock form to realistically represent the exam itself.

Listening: Classwork covers the whole of the Longman Preparation Course for the TOEFL Test, involving TOEFL Examination listening skills oriented towards different question types, sample questions on paper, and sample questions in response to recordings. Sample listening parts of “whole tests” simulating the TOEFL Examination in mock form are also done.

Reading: Classwork covers the whole of the Longman Preparation Course for the TOEFL Test, involving TOEFL Examination reading skills oriented towards different question types, sample questions, and examination practice exercises. Sample reading parts of “whole tests” simulating the TOEFL Examination in mock form are also done.

Assessment/Credits/Workload:

As this is an examination preparation course, emphasis is placed on attendance and preparation. There is no semester test.

A minimum of probably 1 hour for students at the C1 level, and 2 hours of homework for students at the B2 level is expected per week for students.

Materials: Cambridge Preparation for the TOEFL test, Cambridge TOEFL CD (available at the library), Longman Preparation Course for the TOEFL test and CDs (also available at the library). Participants will also receive instructions from their teacher as to where to download and print the appropriate materials.

Other requirements:

• It is not possible to attend this course without at first registering on-line (STAG).

Course description

Code: OJZ 440

Title: Debate and Discussion in English

Abbreviation: DDE

Length: one semester           

Level (CEFR): B1⁺ - B2

Credits: 2

Target participants: Master’s level as well as Bachelor level and doctoral students. The course is open to any student interested in improving their debating and academic speaking skills. We welcome students from other faculties.

Entry requirement/level of the course (CEFR): B1

If not sure, please, assess your level using a placement test or the “CEFR assessment grid” on our web pages.

Aims:

Introduce students to the attitudes and skills needed to conduct intelligent academic debate and interact respectfully with the opinions of others. Increase confidence in forming, stating and defending an opinion on a given topic, using appropriate language. Equip students with the skills to prepare thoroughly for a debate, including undertaking relevant and appropriate research backed up by efficient referencing.

Content and Approach:

Students will conduct fortnightly debates in pairs or small groups, after which they will reflect both on the content of what was discussed as well as on their own performance and what they would like to improve. Alternate sessions will be used for students to conduct supervised research in pairs or groups, in order to provide material for the debate. Students will learn relevant academic language to express their own opinions, ask for clarification and disagree respectfully. Students will analyse academic debates in audio-visual form and assess the participants’ debating competence and relevant language, in order to improve their own skills.

Assessment/Credits/Workload:

Credit is awarded for:

• Regular attendance (maximum three absences)
• Participation in at least four of the six debates

This class is especially suitable for students with strict demands on their time, as all preparation work will be completed in class, with support from the teacher and peers. In this way, students can practice their research and preparation skills and gain valuable feedback.

Materials: available on Moodle

Other requirements:

• It is not possible to attend this course without registering on-line first (STAG).

Code: OJZ 450

Title: Scientific Writing

Abbreviation: SW

Length: one semester

Level (CEFR): B2 – C1

Credits: 2

Number of participants: 15

Target participants: students from any field of the Faculty of Science USB

Entry requirement/level of the course: B1 – B2

If not sure, please, assess your level using the diagnostic tools like placement tests or the „CEFR assessment grid“ on our webpage.

Aims:  Introduce students to the current conventions of academic and scientific writing so that they acquire the skills to write a dissertation/research paper. Learn about referencing, in-text citation, and the dangers of plagiarism. Carry out peer reviews. Write an abstract of 250 words.

Content and Approach: The students will be required to find a research article in their field of study which will be used as the main course material. They will be encouraged to analyse the linguistic and stylistic aspects of their paper in order to identify the current conventions of scientific writing. They will write summaries of real and mock research papers to develop their scientific writing skills. Both collaborative and individual work is expected from the students. The course ends with a written supervised end-of-term test.

Assessment, Credits and Workload:

Credits are awarded for

• Regular attendance (maximum three absences)
• Active participation in English in class
• Submission of at least 8 writing assignments
• A minimum mark of 60 in their written end-of-term test.

The workload of home preparation varies, but on average it is 1 hour per week.

Materials: Participants will download and print the materials for each lesson from the elearning website.

Other requirements:  It is not possible to attend this course without registering on-line first (STAG).

Course description:

Code: OJZ 500

Title: Doctor’s English (Doktorandská angličtina)

Abbreviation: DA   

Length: 1 semester

Level: B2                                

Credits: 2

Target participants: Students of doctoral courses

Entry requirement/level of the course: Master English examination (TOEFL), B2

Aims: Preparation for the doctoral examination in English; development of language skills and competencies needed in the academic environment; deepening the knowledge of grammar structures and vocabulary.

Content and Approach: The course content is adjusted to the needs of each group based on the needs analysis. The following aspects are usually included: text analysis with the focus on academic vocabulary and style, student presentations (min 1 per semester), and written assignments (2-3 per semester). Attention is also given to listening practice and speaking skills. The topic of intercultural communication in English can be included.

Assessment/Credits/Workload:

• Regular attendance (maximum absence allowed: 3 lessons)
• Active participation during lessons
• Preparation and assignments (a presentation, writing tasks and other assignments)

Materials: Academic Vocabulary in Use (McCarthy, O’Dell), articles from professional literature and the press, TED talks, Advanced Language Practice (M. Vince)

Other requirements:

• It is not possible to attend this course without at first registering on-line. (STAG)

Course description:

Code: OJZ 510

Title: English for BCH and BI

Length: one week

Level: B1 – B2

Credits: 0

Target participants: First year students of Biological Chemistry and Bioinformatics

Entry requirement/level of the course: B1 - B2

The students must have passed the entrance examinations in English.

Aims: Preparing Biological Chemistry and Bioinformatics students for study in English

Content and Approach: The classes focus on all language skills necessary for study in English – reading, listening, speaking, writing, and specialist vocabulary.

• Reading – students work with texts used for the preparation for the TOEFL examination as well as with scientific texts focusing on chemistry and bioinformatics.
• Listening – through direct communication with native speakers and listening exercises used for TOEFL preparation.
• Speaking – model situations in groups
• Writing – writing essays
• Specialist vocabulary for Biological Chemistry is taught by a chemistry specialist.

Assessment/Credits/Workload:

Credit is awarded for:

• Regular attendance (maximum three absences)
• Active participation in English in class
• Submission of home assignments
• The work load of home preparation is up to a number of hours per day

Materials: TOEFL Preparation Course, Dušková: Angličtina pro vědecké pracovníky, scientific papers, etc.

Other requirements:

• It is not possible to attend this course without at first registering on-line (STAG).

Code: OJZ 520

Title: English for IT 1

Abbreviation: EIT1

Length: 1 semester

Level according to CEFR: B1 – B2

Credits: 2

Target participants: Any students of B1 – B2 level with an interest in studying specialist language focused on the field of IT.

Entry requirement/level of the course: B1-B2
If not sure, please, assess your level using a placement test or the ”CEFR assessment grid“ on our web pages.

Aims: To widen, supplement, and practise the functional language skills and vocabulary appropriate for the field of computing.

Content and Approach: By means of a communicative approach students will practice and consolidate selected areas of vocabulary from the field of IT. An essential part of the course is work to improve the listening, reading, and conversational skills of the students. The practice of language skills: vocabulary, functional language, and grammar is carried out in the context of the IT work environment. The activities are conducted on an individual, pair, or group basis.

Assessment/Credits/Workload:

Credit points are awarded for:

• Regular attendance (maximum three absences)
• Active participation in English in class
• Homework
• Giving presentations on selected topics

• A minimum mark of 70 % in final end-of-term test

A minimum of one-hour preparation work is expected per week.

Materials: available on Moodle

Other requirements:

• It is not possible to attend this course without registering on-line first (STAG).

Code: OJZ 525

Title: English for Science 1

Abbreviation: ESC1

Course length: 1 semester

Level according to CEFR: B1 – B2

Credit points: 2

Target student group: Students at level B1-B2 who wish to focus on the specialist language used in the natural sciences.

Entry requirements/level according CEFR: B1-B2

If not sure, please, assess your level using a placement test or the “CEFR assessment grid” on our web pages.

Target: To widen, supplement, and practice English via a focus on functional language and vocabulary from the field of the natural sciences.

Course contents and characteristics: Via a communicative approach students will practice and consolidate a chosen range of vocabulary and functional language from the field of the natural sciences. An essential part of the course is work on the improvement of listening, reading, and conversational skills. The practice of language skills, vocabulary, functional language, and grammar take place in the context of the field of the natural sciences. Activities are conducted via group, pair, and individual work.

Assessment/credit points/preparation:

Credit points are awarded for:

• Regular attendance (3 absences allowed)
• Active work during lessons
• Homework
• Passing quizzes and tests with a minimum number of points as determined by individual instructors

The course requires a minimum of one hour per week of homework.

Materials:

• Participants will receive instructions from their respective instructors as to where to download and print the appropriate materials.

Further requirements:

• To attend the course all students must be registered on STAG.

Course description:

Code: OJZ 530

Title: English for the Workplace 1

Abbreviation: EWP 1

Length: 1 semester

Level: B1 – B2

Credits: 2

Target participants: Any students of B1–B2 level who want to develop the English language skills needed for the global workplace.

Entry requirement/level of the course: B1-B2

If not sure, please, assess your level using a placement test or the CEFR assessment grid on our web pages.

Aims: To widen, supplement, and practice the functional language skills and vocabulary appropriate for the global workplace.

Content and Approach: Via a communicative approach students will practice and consolidate a chosen range of vocabulary and functional language from the field of English for the workplace. An essential part of the course is business correspondence in English, writing a CV, emails, telephoning, presentation skills, negotiating, finance, marketing, conferences etc. Students will also be introduced to the issue of intercultural communication in the global workplace. The practice of language skills, vocabulary, functional language, and grammar take place in the context of the global workplace. Activities are conducted via group, pair, and individual work.

Assessment/Credits/Workload:

Credit points are awarded for:

• Regular attendance (3 absences allowed)
• Active work during lessons
• Homework

• Passing quizzes and tests with a minimum number of points as determined by individual instructors

The course requires a minimum of one hour per week of homework.

Materials: available on Moodle

Other requirements:

• To attend the course all students must be registered on STAG.

Course description:

Code: OJZ 531

Title: English for the Workplace 2

Abbreviation: EWP 2

Length: 1 semester

Level: B1 – B2

Credits: 2

Target participants: Any students of B1–B2 level who want to develop the English language skills needed for the global workplace.

Entry requirement/level of the course: B1-B2

If not sure, please, assess your level using a placement test or the “CEFR assessment grid” on our web pages.

Aims: To widen, supplement, and practice the functional language skills and vocabulary appropriate for the global workplace.

Content and Approach: Via a communicative approach students will practice and consolidate a chosen range of vocabulary and functional language from the field of English for the workplace. An essential part of the course is business correspondence in English, writing a CV, emails, telephoning, presentation skills, negotiating, finance, marketing, conferences etc. Students will also be introduced to the issue of intercultural communication in the global workplace. The practice of language skills, vocabulary, functional language, and grammar take place in the context of the global workplace. Activities are conducted via group, pair, and individual work.

Assessment/Credits/Workload:

Credit points are awarded for:

• Regular attendance (3 absences allowed)
• Active work during lessons
• Homework

• Passing quizzes and tests with a minimum number of points as determined by individual instructors

The course requires a minimum of one hour per week of homework.

Materials: available on Moodle

Other requirements:

• To attend the course all students must be registered on STAG.

The course is only available in the summer semester.

Course description:

Code: OJZ 540

Title: English for Autonomous Learning

Abbreviation: EAL

Length: 1 semester

Level: B1 – C1

Credits: 2

Target participants: Students who want to improve their language skills according to their individual needs and requirements, Erasmus students.

Entry requirement/level of the course: B1

If not sure, please, assess your level using a placement test or the “CEFR assessment grid” on our web pages.

Aims: Develop language skills according to the individual students’ needs

Content and Approach:

The course is based on the principles of autonomous learning, which include planning, considering and setting goals, making decisions about possible areas of improvement, and evaluating the learning process and students’ progress. The learners develop their learning and their English language skills according to their individual needs to become more independent and spontaneous language users.

Assessment/Credits/Workload:

• Attendance – group sessions week 1and 2
• Attendance – minimum  three group sessions – agreed upon at the beginning
• Individual meetings – counselling – 3x15 min
• Drawing up a study plan and writing contracts which are agreed upon and confirmed by the teacher
• Keeping a detailed LOG and portfolio of work completed

 Materials: individual

Other requirements:

• It is not possible to attend this course without registering on-line first (STAG).

Course description:

Code: OJZ 545

Title: English for TOEIC B2

Abbreviation: E4TOEIC B2

Length: 1 semester

Level (CEFR): B1 – B2

Credits: 2

Target participants: Students who want to take the TOEIC Listening and Reading test.

Entry requirement/level of the course (CEFR): The recommended level is B1-B2. If not sure, please, assess your level using the placement test or the ”CEFR assessment grid“ on our web pages.

Aims: Preparation for the TOEIC Listening and Reading Test

Content and Approach: The course prepares students for successful participation at the TOEIC examination. Students learn the strategies for individual types of examination items and practice those strategies on sample tests. The course focuses on the development of listening, reading, and other partial skills, but also includes parts aimed at consolidating the knowledge of grammar and improving vocabulary.

Assessment/Credits/Workload: Credit is awarded for attendance, active work in class, and doing an online test or the real TOEIC examination.

Materials: available on Moodle

Other requirements:

• Students of Faculty of Science cannot attend this course without at first registering on-line (STAG).

Course description:

Code: OJZ 546

Title: English for TOEIC C1

Abbreviation: E4TOEIC C1

Length: 1 semester

Level (CEFR): B2 – C1

Credits: 2

Target participants: Students who want to take the TOEIC Listening and Reading test.

Entry requirement/level of the course (CEFR): The recommended level is B2-C1. If not sure, please, assess your level using the placement test or the “CEFR assessment grid” on our web pages.

Aims: Preparation for the TOEIC Listening and Reading Test

Content and Approach: The course prepares students for successful participation at the TOEIC examination. Students learn the strategies for individual types of examination items and practice those strategies on sample tests. The course focuses on the development of listening, reading, and other skills, but it also includes parts aimed at consolidating the knowledge of grammar and improving vocabulary. The list of grammar and vocabulary done in class refelects the students' choice.

Assessment/Credits/Workload: Credit is awarded for attendance, active work in class, and doing an online test or the real TOEIC examination.

Materials: available on Moodle

Other requirements:

• Students of Faculty of Science cannot attend this course without at first registering on-line (STAG).

Course description:

Code: OJZ 550

Title:  Czech for Foreigners

Abbreviation: CFF

Length: one semester

Level (CEFR): A0

Credits: 0

Target participants: International students

Entry requirement/level of the course (CEFR): A0

Aims: Learn and practice basic Czech vocabulary and practical grammar, aimed at the workplace environment as well as the skills required for everyday life in the Czech Republic.

Content and Approach:

Grammar: key verbs in the „simple“ (imperfect) tenses - past, present and future
Conversation using all three tenses
Colloquial/used language
Useful vocabulary for the workplace and various situation-based settings (ordering food, shopping, making appointments)
Skills role-plays: telephoning, exchanging pleasantries, making a good impression
Reading: Study and discussion of short basic texts
Writing: Guidelines and practice of simple writing tasks, e.g. a short email

Workload:

We expect the following from students:

• Regular attendance (maximum three absences)
• Active participation in English in class
• Homework
• Passing quizzes and tests with a minimum number of points as determined by individual instructors

A minimum of one hour of homework is expected per week.

Materials: available on Moodle

Other requirements:

• It is not possible to attend this course without registering on-line first (STAG).

Course Description:

Code: OJZ 555

Course name: English for Intercultural Communication

Abbreviation: E4IC

Course Length: 1 semester

CEFR Level: B2 and higher

Credits: 2

Target group: Students of bachelors’, masters’, and doctoral study programs who want to develop their ability to communicate with people of different cultural backgrounds using English. For example, students preparing to study or work abroad (Erasmus placements etc.); foreign students studying at USB, students of doctoral study programs.

Entry requirements/student level according to CEFR: the recommended level is B2 and higher. If not sure, please, assess your level using a placement test or the “CEFR assessment grid” on our web pages.

Aim: Improve students' communication skills in English. Preparation for study or work abroad or for study at USB in the case of foreign students. Deepen understanding of the role that culture plays in communication between people from different countries and of different nationalities. Development of spoken and written forms of language. Improvement of practical "soft skills", i.e. the communication skills needed to work in an international team. Improve students' ability to use English for all these purposes.

Content/Course overview: Theoretical introduction to the field of intercultural communication, development of relevant language and communication competencies ("soft-skills")

- Theoretical part: A brief introduction to the basic theoretical concepts behind intercultural communication. Acquaintance with the key ideas of the field, involving critical discussion and practice in applying these theories to specific examples. Analysis of case studies and students' own experience. Reflection on and analysis of our own cultural environment and the factors that shape our "individual culture".

- Language learning: Development of communication competencies in English with relation to various concepts: courtesy, formal / informal context, direct / indirect communication etc. Development of relevant vocabulary, necessary phraseology, and linguistic structures, analysis of own language expression and the language expression of colleagues, subsequent feedback ("peer analysis").

- Practical communication skills (soft skills): Use of language skills for practical purposes - e.g. email communication in the workplace, leading negotiations and consultations, dealing with misunderstandings, skills needed for cooperation in an international team.

Assessment/credit/preparation: Course credit is awarded on the basis of attendance, fulfillment of set tasks, and active engagement in lessons.

Materials:

• - Camerer, Rudi. Mader, Judith. The ICE Blended Learning Course
• - Norquest College.Critical Incidents for Intercultural Communication in the Workplace. Edmonton: Centre for Intercultural Education (CIE), 2015.
• - Camerer, Rudi & Mader, Judith, A-Z of Intercultural Communication (Photocopiable Activities)Series: A-Z
• - Camerer, Rudi & Mader, Judith, Intercultural Competence in Business English
• - Selected articles and online materials in text, audio and video format

Additional notes:
It is not possible to attend this course without registering in STAG.

Code: OJZ/560

Title: English through Sustainability

Abbreviation: EtS

Length: one semester

Level (CEFR):  B2–C1

Credits: 2

Number of participants: 15

Target participants: Bachelor, Master’s and Doctoral students of all departments and faculties of the USB.

Entry requirement/level of the course (CEFR): B1–B2

If not sure, please, assess your level using the diagnostic tools like self-placement DIALANG or the CEFR assessment grid on our webpage.

Aims: The course focuses on the issues related to sustainability and climate change to develop reading, speaking, listening, writing, discussion and presentation skills in English.

Content and Approach: The course involves task-based and project learning and provides opportunities to practice all English skills (reading, listening, speaking and writing). In each class, the students will discuss existing sustainability practices in both the global and local contexts and eventually plan their own action campaign.

Assessment, Credits and Workload:

Credits are awarded for:

• Regular attendance (maximum three absences)
• Active participation in class
• Poster presentation

Materials: Participants will download and print the materials for each lesson from the elearning website.

Other requirements: It is not possible to attend this course without registering on-line first (STAG).

Course description:

Code: OJZ 600

Title: Bachelor’s English 4 Idiomatic Language (Bakalářská angličtina 4 idiomatický jazyk)

Abbreviation: BA4i

Length: one semester

Level: B2-C1

Credits: 2

Target participants: Any students who have reached at least the B1+ level and want to improve their English beyond the scope of the basic English classes. The course does not prepare students for any kind of examination.

Entry requirement/level of the course: B1+ - B2

If not sure, please, assess your level using a placement test or the “CEFR assessment grid” on our web pages.

Aims: The aim of the course is to improve the idiomatic aspect of students’ English, i.e. on practical examples enhance the students’ sensitivity to the “real” English structures and the nuances of meaning.

Content and Approach: In the course we analyze authentic English source materials (blogs, short stories, sitcoms, poetry, cartoons, etc.), excerpt various structures, vocabulary, collocations, and phenomena, fit these into a broader context of the language, and practice them in such a way that they become part of the active skills of the students.

Assessment/Credits/Workload:

Credit is awarded for:

• Regular attendance (maximum three absences)
• Active participation in English in class
• Homework
• Passing quizzes and tests with a minimum number of points as determined by individual instructors

The work load for preparation at home varies, but a minimum of one hour is expected per week.

Materials:  The source materials for the course are provided by students themselves at the beginning of the semester.

Other requirements:

• It is not possible to attend this course without registering on-line first (STAG).

Course description:

Code: OJZ 610

Title: Bachelor’s English 4 - Functional Language (Bakalářská angličtina 4 - praktický jazyk)

Abbreviation: BA4p

Length: one semester

Level (CEFR): B2 – C1

Credits: 2

Target participants: Students who have successfully passed courses BA1-BA3 or students who have already reached level B2 and need to revise and practice. It is not a bachelor’s exam preparatory course. However, the structures and skills practiced may help students pass the exam successfully.

Entry requirement/level of the course (CEFR): B1⁺ - B2

If not sure, please, assess your level using a placement test or the “CEFR assessment grid” on our web pages.

Aims: The course aims are to improve general English knowledge and build confidence especially in grammar, listening, speaking and vocabulary building.

Content and Approach: Using a communicative approach, the course covers a variety of topics and focuses on vocabulary building (esp. prepositions and phrasal verbs). Listening is an integral part of the course. Fundamental grammar is also reviewed thoroughly. The activities are similar to international exam preparatory courses. Class activities include individual, pair and group work, reading, speaking and listening.

Assessment/Credits/Workload:

Credit is awarded for:

• Regular attendance (maximum three absences)
• Active participation in English in class
• Homework
• Passing quizzes and tests with a minimum number of points as determined by individual instructors

A minimum of one-hour of homework is expected per week.

Materials: available on Moodle

Other requirements:

• It is not possible to attend this course without at first registering on-line. (STAG)

The course is only available in the summer semester.

Course description:

Code: OJZ 670

Title: English Conversation (Anglická konverzace), CEFR: B1-B2

Length: 1 semester

Level: B1-B2

Credits: 1

Target participants: Students who have a good level of English and want to practice mainly speaking skills and expressing ideas on a range of topics.

Entry requirement/level of the course (CEFR): B1

If not sure, please, assess your level using a placement test or the “CEFR assessment grid” on our web pages.

Aims: The course aims to expand participants’ speaking skills, increase their vocabulary range, and improve their confidence and ability to understand  spoken English.

Content and Approach: The main emphasis will be on encouraging students to speak as much and as fluently as possible, whether as a whole class or in pairs or small groups. The course may involve vocabulary activities, debates, presentations and reading or listening activities as a basis for debate and discussion according to the interest of participants. There will be the option of work with video and audio materials and any other materials which are relevant to the participants’ interests or their studies.

Assessment/Credits/Workload:

Credit is awarded for:

• Regular attendance (maximum three absences)
• Active participation in English in class
• Homework – preparing for discussion

Materials: available on Moodle

Other requirements:

• It is not possible to attend this course without first registering on-line (STAG).

Course description:

Code: OJZ 680

Title: One-day TOEIC Listening and Reading Preparation Course

Abbreviation: TOEIC LR

Length: 1 day (8 lessons)

Level CEFR: B1 – C1

Credits: 0

Minimum number of participants: 5

Target participants: students who want to take the TOEIC Listening and reading test

Entry requirement/level of the course CEFR: B1
If not sure, please, assess your level using a placement test or the ”CEFR assessment grid“ on our web pages.

Aims: Preparation for the TOEIC Listening and Reading Test

Content and Approach: The course prepares students for successful participation at the TOEIC examination. Students learn about the examination format and the strategies for individual types of examination items, and they practice those strategies on sample questions. They focus on the development of listening and reading; students can also make use of consultation with the teacher.

Assessment/Credits/Workload: Credit is awarded for attendance.

Materials: available on Moodle

Other requirements:

• Students of the University of South Bohemia cannot attend this course without at first registering on-line (STAG).

Course description:

Code: OJZ 682

Title: TOEFL ITP Preparation Course

Abbreviation: TOEFL ITP

Length: one day (8 lessons)

Level CEFR: B2 – C1

Credits: 0

Target participants: This course is designed for students who want to take the TOEFL ITP test.

Entry requirement/level of the course: B2

If not sure, please, assess your level using a placement test or the “CEFR assessment grid” on our web pages.

Aims: Preparation for the TOEFL ITP test

Content and Approach: The course prepares students for successful participation at the TOEFL ITP examination. Students learn the strategies for individual types of examination items and practice those strategies on sample tests. They focus on the development of sentence structures, listening, reading, and other partial skills. Students work individually, in pairs or groups. The course is carried out in English.

Assessment/Credits/Workload: Credit is awarded for attendance.

Materials: Deborah Phillips, Complete Course for the TOEFL test, Pearson Longman, 2007

Participants will be given the material during the course.

Other requirements:

• Students of Faculty of Science cannot attend this course without at first registering on-line. (STAG)

Course description:

Code: OJZ 701

Title: Spanish 1

Abbreviation: SP1

Length: 1 semester

Level: A0 – A1⁻

Credits: 3

Target participants: All students who have an interest in the study of Spanish and Spanish culture.

Entry requirement/level of the course: A0 – the course is meant for complete beginners.

Target: To provide the students with not only the basic information on Spanish but also the Hispanic world.

Course characteristics: From a language point of view, the course is focused on the introduction of Spanish pronunciation and familiarisation with the main word types – verbs, nouns, adjectives, personal and possessive pronouns basic numbers. The recommended primary material is the Fiesta I classbook, lessons 1-4. Lessons are further made up of, among others, listening materials, for example, from the Redes Nivel 1, Avance Nivel Elemental, Aventura 1, Aula Internacional 1, Ven 1, and other classbooks.

Assesment/credits/preperation:

• The course ends with a written exam with a pass grade of 70%.
• Students are assessed on active work in class, fulfilment of homework, and regular attendance (3 permitted absences).

Materiály: The recommended primary material is the Fiesta I classbook, lessons 1-4, (Králová, Jana a kol.: Fiesta I, španělština pro střední a jazykové školy, Fraus, Plzeň, 2000).

Further requirements:

• All students participating in the course are required to register on STAG.

Course description:

Code: OJZ 703

Title: Spanish 3

Abbreviation: SP3

Length: 1 semester

Level: A1 – A2⁻

Credits: 3

Target student group: All students who have an interest in the study of Spanish and Spanish culture.

Entry requirements/level of course: A1 - the course is meant as a continuation of Spanish

Target: To consolidate the knowledge acquired in the previous course, Spanish 2. To widen knowledge of both Spanish grammar and Hispano-American culture.

 Course content and characteristics: The course is focused on practical skills, i.e. learning to use basic phrases and commonly used expressions in the spheres of shopping and health. The students have the chance to encounter for the first time the grammatical phenomena known as the subjunctive, which at this level serves as an expression of instruction/order. The recommended primary material is the Fiesta I classbook, lessons 7-8 Similarly to in the previous course, classes in Spanish 3 are supplemented by additional material which aid intensity of language practice. In addition to the already mentioned secondary materials, see Spanish 2, material is also drawn from Dual, Aprende, Curso intensivo de español, etc.

Assessment/credits/preparation:

• The course ends with a written exam with a pass grade of 70%.
• Students are assessed on active work in class, fulfilment of homework, and regular attendance (3 permitted absences).

Materials: The recommended primary material is the Fiesta I classbook, lessons 7-8, (Králová, Jana a kol.: Fiesta I, španělština pro střední a jazykové školy, Fraus, Plzeň, 2000).

Further requirements:

• All students participating in the course are required to register on STAG.

Course description:

Code: OJZ 705

Title: Spanish 5

Abbreviation: SP5

Length: 1 semester

Level: A2 – B1⁻

Credits: 3

Student target group: All students who have an interest in the study of Spanish and Spanish culture.

Entry requirements/level of course: A2 - the course is meant as a continuation of Spanish 4.

Target: The course is focused on the intensive practice of previously acquired knowledge.

Course content and characteristics: All students will have the opportunity to form their thoughts and use their language knowledge within the bounds of a compulsory presentation in Spanish. The recommended primary material is the Fiesta I classbook, in particular repetition of lessons 9-11 supplemented by lesson 10. Secondary materials are similar to those used in Spanish 4, and are constantly updated according to what the literary market offers.

Assessment/credits/preparation:

• The course ends with a written exam with a pass grade of 70%.
• Students are assessed on active work in class, fulfilment of homework, and regular attendance (3 permitted absences).

Materials: The recommended primary material is the Fiesta I classbook, lessons 1-10, (Králová, Jana a kol.: Fiesta I, španělština pro střední a jazykové školy, Fraus, Plzeň, 2000).

Further requirements:

• All students participating in the course are required to register on STAG.

Code: OJZ 711

Title: French 1

Abbreviation: FR 1

Length: 1 semester

Level: A0 – A1-

Credits: 3

Target participants: Any student who has an interest in French language and culture.

Entry requirement/level of the course: A0 – the course is meant for complete beginners.

Aims: To provide basic information on French language and francophone culture around the world.

Content and Approach: As regards language the course is focused on getting to grips with pronunciation, spelling, basic grammar and vocabulary as dealt with in lessons 1-3 of the Connexions classbook 1. Supplementary tasks arising from classbook materials. Basic knowledge of French culture and habits.

Assessment/Credits/Workload:

• The course ends with a written test in which the pass mark is 70%.

Materials: 

• R.Mérieux, Y.Loiseau: Connexions I /méthode de français/, Didier, Paris 2004
• R.Mérieux, Y.Loiseau: Connexions I /cahier d´exercices/, Didier, Paris 2004

Further requirements:

• It is not possible to attend the course without registering for it on STAG.

Code: OJZ 713

Title: French 3

Abbreviation: FR 3

Length: 1 semester

Level: A1 – A2⁻

Credits: 3

Target participants: Any student who has an interest in French language and culture.

Entry requirement/level of the course: A1 – It is meant as a continuation from F2.

Aims: To consolidate the knowledge gained in the previous course. To widen the knowledge of grammar, vocabulary, and francophone culture and habits.

Content and Approach: Continuing from F2 and dealing with lessons 7-9 of the Connexions classbook 1. By the end of the course the students will be able to express their thoughts in the past tense (le passée composé) and form and use the imperative (l´impératif). Supplementary exercises, francophone culture and habits.

Assessment/Credits/Workload:

• The course ends with a written test in which the pass mark is 70%.

Materials: 

• R.Mérieux, Y.Loiseau: Connexions I /méthode de français/, Didier, Paris 2004
• R.Mérieux, Y.Loiseau: Connexions I /cahier d´exercices/, Didier, Paris 2004

Further requirements:

• It is not possible to attend the course without registering for it on STAG.

Code:  OJZ 715

Title: French 5

Abbreviation: FR 5

Length: 1 semester

Level: A2 – B1⁻

Credits: 3

Target participants: Any student who has an interest in French language and culture.

Entry requirement/level of the course: A2-  – it is meant as a continuation from F4.

Aims: The course is focused on very intensive practice of the language skills gained in previous courses.

Content and Approach:  Emphasis is placed on fluent expression in the spoken and written forms. Practice with written pieces, reading comprehension. New class material from lessons 1-4 of the Connexions classbook II. Practice of a new past tense (l´imparfait) and supplementary use of the subjunctive (le subjonctif présent). Learning to correctly use past tenses (l´imparfait, le passée composé). Francophone culture and habits.

Assessment/Credits/Workload: The course ends with a written test in which the pass mark is 70%.

Materials: 

• R.Mérieux, Y.Loiseau: Connexions II /méthode de français/, Didier, Paris 2004
• R.Mérieux, Y.Loiseau: Connexions II /cahier d´exercices/, Didier, Paris 2004

Further requirements:

• It is not possible to attend the course without registering for it on STAG.

Course description:

Code: OJZ 721

Title: German 1 (Němčina 1)

Abbreviation: NE 1

Length: 1 semester

Level: A1

Credits: 3

Student target group: All students interested in German language and culture.

Entry requirements/level of students: The course is meant for complete beginners.

Target: Mastering basic communication skills.

Course contents and characteristics: The course is focused on mastering the basic grammar (articles, verbs, prepositions, personal and possessive pronouns), and widening and consolidating vocabulary. Apart from the set classbook, the course will include work with materials from, among others, the Tangram classbook and the internet. During the semester the first 3 units will be covered.

Assessment/credits/homework:

• Regular attendance (3 absences permitted)
• End of semester exam – a written test (pass grade 70%) and an oral exam.

Materials:

Sprechen Sie Deutsch, part 1, lessons 1-3: classbook and CD

Further requirements:

• All students attending must be enrolled on STAG.

Course description:

Code: OJZ 723

Title: German 3 (Němčina 3)

Abbreviation: NE 3

Length: 1 semester

Level: A2

Credits: 3

Student target group: All students interested in German language and culture

Entry requirements/level of students: A1. The course is meant as a continuation of German 2.

Target: To develop knowledge gained in the previous courses

Course contents and characteristics: The course is focused on the consolidation of basic grammar (reflexive verbs, verbs with prefixes, time expressions, comparison of adjectives and adverbs, geographical names, conjunctions) and on widening and consolidating vocabulary (holiday, household jobs, daily programme, sports and leisure time). The set textbook will be supplemented with additional materials.

During the semester, 3 units will be covered: 7, 8, 9.

Assessment/credits/homework:

• Regular attendance (3 absences permitted)
• End of semester exam – a written test (pass grade 70%) and an oral exam.

Materials:

Sprechen Sie Deutsch, Part 1, units 7-9: classbook and CD

Further requirements:

• All students attending must be enrolled on STAG.

Course description:

Code: OJZ 725

Title: German 5

Abbreviation: NE 5

Length: 1 semester

Level: B1

Credits: 3

Student target group: All those with an interest in German language and culture

Entry requirements/level of students: A2. The course is meant as a continuation of German 4.

Target: To develop knowledge from the previous course, German culture

Course contents and characteristics: The course is focused on the consolidation of grammar (verbs with prepositions, adverbial da- and wo- compounds, als and wie, summary of the word order, adverbials in the sentence, purpose clauses with damit) and on widening and consolidating vocabulary (transportation and travel, orientation in the town, job interview, culture and film). The set textbook will be supplemented with additional materials.

During the semester, 3 units will be covered: 13, 14 and 1 (Book 2).

Assessment/credits/homework:

• Regular attendance (3 absences permitted)
• End of semester exam – a written test (pass grade 70%) and an oral exam.

Materials:

Sprechen Sie Deutsch, Parts 1 (units 13 and 14) and 2 (unit 1): classbook and CD

Further requirements:

• All students attending must be enrolled on STAG.

Course description:

Code: OJZ 727

Title: German Conversation (Německá konverzace)

Abbreviation: NEK

Length: 1 semester

Level: B1-B2

Credits: 2

Student target group: All those with an interest in German language and culture

Entry requirements/level of students: Students interested in the course are expected to be on level A2-B2.

Target: Keeping and widening the knowledge of the language in the broadest scope, with a special attention to speaking.

Course contents and characteristics: The course focuses on widening the vocabulary, with a special attention to practising speaking abilities in discussion. The learners become acquainted with the academic and newspaper styles. Grammar is included as revision of German 1-6 courses, partly also with new topics (passive, infinitive constructions, comparison, derivation of forms).

During the semester, 5-6 topics are covered from the Kontakte textbook, and 1-2 topics of current affairs.

Assessment/credits/homework:

Credit is awarded for:

• active participation in class and fulfilment of homework
• test at the end of the semester
• regular attendance (max. 3 absences)

Materials:

• Deutsche Konversation. Kontakte
• (Věra Höppnerová, Ekopress 2005): classbook and CD

Further requirements:

• It is not possible to attend this course without registering on-line first (STAG).

Code: OJZ 731

Title: Russian 1

Abbreviation: RU1

Course length: 1 semester

Level according to CEFR: A0- A1-

Credit points: 3

Target student group: Any student who has an interest in the study of Russian language and culture.

Entry requirements/level according CEFR: The course is meant for beginners.

Target: To provide the student with the basics of the Russian language.

Course contents and characteristics: An introduction to the study of Russian. Phonetics, basic vocabulary, basic communication skills and Russian culture.

The content of lessons develops from the requirements of CEFR.

Assessment/credit points/preparation:

Credit points are awarded for:

• Oral presentation, reading of a text of 90 words.
• Regular attendance (3 absences allowed)
• Active work during lessons
• End-of-semester work: PPT presentation

The course requires a minimum of one hour per week of homework.

Materials:

• Nekolová: “Ruština nejen pro samouky“, units 1-8

Further requirements:

• To attend the course all students must be registered on STAG.

Code: OJZ 733

Title: Russian 3

Abbreviation: RU3

Course length: 1 semester

Level according to CEFR: A1+ - A2-

Credit points: 3

Target student group: Any student who has an interest in the study of Russian language and has attended the previous courses.

Entry requirements/level according CEFR: A1 - the course is meant as a continuation of Russian 2.

Target: To consolidate the knowledge gained in the previous course, RU2

Course contents and characteristics:

The content of lessons develops from the requirements of CEFR. Phonetics, work on speed of reading, vocabulary, grammar, and Russian culture.

Assessment/credit points/preparation:

Credit points are awarded for:

• Regular attendance (3 absences allowed)
• Active work during lessons
• Homework
• The course ends with a combined (oral and written) exam with a pass grade of 70%.

Materials: Recommended literature:

Nekolová „Ruština nejen pro samouky“ (audio)

Tatiana Kozlová „Dogovorilis“ (plus audio)

1. Balcar „Ruská gramatika v kostce“,
2. Čára „Ruská mluvnice pro střední školy“.

Cvičebnice ruské gramatiky (plus audio) (Polyglot),

М.А.Шелякин «Справочник по русской грамматике»,

1. Хавронина «Русский язык. Лексико-грамматический курс для начинающих»,
2. Хавронина, А.Широченская «Русский язык в упражнениях»

Rozkovcová „Cvičení z ruského tvarosloví“.

Д.Д.Беляев «Русский язык в таблицах, схемах, комментариях»

И.М. Пулькина «Краткий грамматический справочник по русской грамматике»

И.М. Пулькина, Е.Б.Захапа-Некрасова «Русский язык. Практическая грамматика с упражнениями»

А.В.Терещенко «История культуры русского народа»

Igor Akimuškin „Nerozluštěné záhady přírody“

True Stories of The Great Escapes, p.222 – 332 – The Long Walk, Slavomir Rawicz as told to Ronald Downing – and other tales.

Further requirements:

• To attend the course all students must be registered on STAG.

Course description:

Code:  OJZ 101

Title:  Bachelor’s English 1 for Beginners (Bakalářská angličtina 1 pro začátečníky)

Abbreviation: BA1z

Length: 1 semester

Level: A1 – A2

Credits: 2

Target participants: Students who have successfully completed the course OJZ 100 in the winter term or students who need to consolidate their knowledge of the basic grammatical structures, vocabulary and start to develop language skills. It is not an advancement exam preparatory course. However, the structures and skills practiced may help students pass the exam successfully, provided that they work systematically outside classes.

Entry requirement/level of the course: A1

Participants must be ready to work intensively both during and outside classes.

Aims: To master the basic grammatical structures, vocabulary, to start developing individual language skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing). The students are expected to reach A2 level as described by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages in a relatively short time. Therefore, intensive independent work outside classes is expected, which involves consolidating and extending vocabulary as well as practicing grammar structures presented during the lessons.

Content and Approach: Using a communicative approach, the course covers the basic grammatical structures, vocabulary and focuses on developing the skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. Different structures are presented during the lessons, their consolidation and practice will be part of individual preparation. Class activities include individual, pair and group work, reading, speaking and listening. You can find the detailed syllabus on our website.

Assessment/Credits/ Workload:

Credit is awarded for:

• Regular attendance (maximum three absences)
• Active participation in English in class
• Homework
• Passing quizzes and tests with a minimum number of points as determined by individual instructors

A minimum of 2 hours of homework is expected per week.

Materials:  available on Moodle

Other requirements:

• It is not possible to attend this course without at first registering on-line. (STAG)

Course description:

Code: OJZ 111

Title: Bachelor’s English 1 (Bakalářská angličtina 1)

Abbreviation: BA1

Length: one semester

Level (CEFR): A1⁺- A2

Credits: 2

Target participants: Students who have already reached level A1 and need to move further up to higher levels.

Entry requirement/level of the course (CEFR): A1

If not sure, please, assess your level using a placement test or the ”CEFR assessment grid ” on our web pages.

Aims: Practising of grammar and basic grammar structures, using basic grammar tenses, functions and structures such as expressing opinion, agreement and disagreement. Class activities also include listening, reading and pronunciation activities, speaking and vocabulary building.

Content and Approach: Learning grammar is the key part of the course. Using a communicative approach, the students will be introduced to the most important areas of grammar, they will practice and consolidate them. Basic grammar structures are taught using usual topics of everyday conversation and appropriate vocabulary is also practised. If necessary, grammar in question as well as detailed syllabus of the course are available on the web. Practising of all skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing) represent an integral part of the course. The activities include individual, pair and group work.

Assessment/Credits/Workload:

Credit is awarded for:

• Regular attendance (maximum three absences)
• Active participation in English in class
• Homework
• Passing quizzes and tests with a minimum number of points as determined by individual instructors

A minimum of one hour homework is expected per week.

Materials: available on Moodle

Other requirements:

• It is not possible to attend this course without registering on-line first (STAG).

Course description:

Code: OJZ 121

Title: Bachelor’s English 2 (Bakalářská angličtina 2)

Abbreviation: BA2

Length: one semester

Level (CEFR): A2⁺ - B1

Credits: 2

Target participants: Students who attended the BA2 course in the winter semester, have already reached level A2 and need to move further up to B1 at the end of the semester.

Entry requirement/level of the course (CEFR): A2

If not sure, please assess your level using the placement test or the “CEFR self-assessment grid ” on our web pages.

Aims: Learning and practising of grammar and basic grammar structures, using basic grammar tenses, functions and structures/such as expressing opinion, agreement and disagreement/. Class activities also include listening, reading and pronunciation activities, speaking and vocabulary building.

Content and Approach: Learning grammar is the key part of the course. Using a communicative approach, the students will be introduced to the most important areas of grammar, they will practice and consolidate them. Basic grammar structures are taught using usual topics of everyday conversation and appropriate vocabulary is also practised. If necessary, grammar in question as well as detailed syllabus of the course are available on the web. Practising of all skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing) represent an integral part of the course. The activities include individual, pair and group work.

Assessment/Credits /Workload:

Credit is awarded for:

• Regular attendance (maximum three absences)
• Active participation in English class
• Homework
• Passing quizzes and tests with a minimum number of points as determined by individual instructors

A minimum of one-hour homework is expected per week.

Materials: available on Moodle

Other requirements:

It is not possible to attend this course without registering on-line first (STAG).

It is not possible to attend this course without registering on-line first (STAG).

Course description:

Code: OJZ 131

Title: Bachelor’s English 3 (Bakalářská angličtina 3)

Abbreviation: BA3

Length: one semester           

Level (CEFR): B1⁺ - B2

Credits: 2

Target participants: Students who successfully passed the BA3 course in the winter semester or students who need to further extend and consolidate their knowledge and skills so that they can reach level B2 in the summer term. It is not a bachelor’s exam preparatory course. However, the structures and skills practiced may help students pass the exam successfully.

Entry requirement/level of the course (CEFR): B1

Participants need to have completed BA2 courses successfully, new students receive recommendation based on their placement test. If not sure, please, assess your level using a placement test or the “CEFR assessment grid” on our web pages.

Aims: To consolidate, extend and practice the knowledge of grammar, improve language skills, build confidence especially in listening and reading and broaden vocabulary.

Content and Approach: Using a communicative approach, the students will practice and consolidate various areas of grammar (especially verb tenses, prepositions and phrasal verbs). Listening and reading practice represent an integral part of the course. The activities are similar to those in international exam preparatory courses, including individual, pair and group work, reading, speaking and listening.

Assessment/Credits/Workload:

Credit is awarded for:

• Regular attendance (maximum three absences)
• Active participation during classes
• Homework
• Passing quizzes and tests with a minimum number of points as determined by individual instructors

2 – 3 hours of homework are expected per week.

Materials: available on Moodle

Other requirements:

• It is not possible to attend this course without registering on-line first (STAG).

Course description:

Code: OJZ 211

Title: Bachelor’s English 1 NS (Bakalářská angličtina 1 NS)

Abbreviation: BA1 NS

Length: one semester

Level (CEFR): A1⁺ – A2

Credits: 2

Target participants: Particularly first-year students who came to the faculty knowing the basic structures, vocabulary and skills and aim to reach A2 level, or students who already are on A2 level but need to extend and further practise the knowledge and skills. It is not a “postupová” or bachelor’s exam preparatory course. However, the structures and skills practiced may help students pass the exams successfully.

Entry requirement/level of the course (CEFR): A1
Participants need to have acquired basic skills (i.e. Speaking, Reading, Listening a Writing) as well as grammar plus vocabulary knowledge on A1 level. New students receive recommendation based on their placement test.

If not sure, please, assess your level using a placement test or the “CEFR assessment grid” on our web pages.

Aims: The course aims are to consolidate, practice and extend the knowledge of vocabulary, improve language skills, and develop especially listening, reading and speaking skills.

Content and Approach: Using a communicative approach, the course covers a variety of topics and focuses on general vocabulary building with a touch of science and IT. Work on the development of listening, reading and speaking skills is an integral part of the course. The activities are similar to international exam preparatory courses. Class activities include individual, pair and group work.

Assessment/Credits/Workload:

Credit is awarded for:

• Regular attendance (maximum three absences)
• Active participation in English in class
• Homework including three pieces of written assignment
• Passing quizzes and tests with a minimum number of points as determined by individual instructors

A minimum of one hour of homework is expected per week.

Materials: available on Moodle

Other requirements:

• It is not possible to attend this course without at first registering on-line (STAG).

Course description:

Code: OJZ 221

Title: Bachelor’s English 2 NS (Bakalářská angličtina 2 NS)

Abbreviation: BA2 NS

Length: one semester

Level (CEFR): A2⁺ - B1

Credits: 2

Target participants: Students who successfully passed the BA2 course in the winter semester or students who have already reached level A2 and need to practise their oral, listening, reading and writing skills as well as vocabulary building.

Entry requirement/level of the course (CEFR): A2-B1

If not sure, please, assess your level using a placement test or the “CEFR assessment grid” on our web pages.

Aims: Students will work with general as well as scientific materials, participate in oral and task-based exercises, carry out listening tasks, and write short assignments. Students will expand their vocabulary, both general and scientific.

Content and Approach: Talking about every day topics, writing for practical purposes, role-playing activities, mini-presentations, reading and vocabulary-building. Class activities include individual, pair and group work, speaking, reading, listening and writing preparation. The study texts for the Bachelor examination are also dealt with in class.

Assessment/Credits/Workload:

Credit is awarded for:

• Regular attendance (individual instructors will determine the definition of “regular attendance”).
• Homework
• Passing quizzes and tests with a minimum number of points as determined by individual instructors.

A minimum of one hour of homework is expected per week for students who are at the appropriate level for this class. Weaker students are expected to do more homework.

Materials:

Participants will receive instructions from their respective instructors as to where to download and print the appropriate materials.

Other requirements:

• It is not possible to attend this course without first registering on-line (STAG).

Course description:

Code: OJZ 231

Title: Bachelor’s English 3 NS (Bakalářská angličtina 3 NS)

Abbreviation: BA3 NS

Length: one semester

Level (CEFR): B1⁺ – B2

Credits: 2

Target participants: Students who successfully passed the BA3 NS winter semester course or students who have already reached level B1 and need to practice further their oral and written skills. While this course is taken mostly by 3^rd year students as the last course before their bachelor’s exam it is not meant as a strictly preparatory course for this exam. However, the structures and skills practiced may help students pass the exam successfully. Students will read scientific but general genre articles, will participate in oral exercises and write short written pieces.

Entry requirement/level of the course (CEFR): B1

If not sure, please, assess your level using a placement test or the “CEFR assessment grid” on our web pages.

Aims: Students will read scientific yet general genre articles, will participate in oral and task based exercises and will write short written pieces. Students will expand their general vocabulary with a slight emphasis on scientific literature.

Content and Approach: This course covers a variety of topics and focuses on reading and vocabulary building (esp. idiomatic expressions found in articles as well as phrasal verbs). Speaking/reporting are an integral part of the course. Task based exercises as well as role playing activities will be a part of almost every class. Even though grammar is not a fundamental part of this course, specific grammar cases will be explored if needs be. Class activities include individual, pair and group work, reading, speaking and listening.

Assessment/Credits/Workload:

Credit is awarded for:

• Regular attendance (individual instructors will determine the definition of “regular attendance”).
• Homework
• Passing quizzes and the final test with a minimum number of points as determined by individual instructors.

A minimum of one hour of homework is expected per week for students who are at the appropriate level for this class. Weaker students are expected to do more homework.

Materials: available on Moodle

Other requirements:

• It is not possible to attend this course without at first registering on-line (STAG).

Course description:

Code: OJZ 310

Title: English for Academic Purposes 1

Abbreviation: EAP 1

Length: one semester

Level (CEFR): B2 – C1

Credits: 2

Target participants:

This course is designed for Master students in their first year who intend to take the TOEFL ITP examination.
It is an introductory course to English for academic purposes.

Entry requirement/level of the course (CEFR): B2

If not sure, please, assess your level using a placement test or the “CEFR assessment grid” on our web pages.

Aims: The course aims are to extend vocabulary and structures, with a particular focus on academic lexis and structures used in formal/academic context, and to raise awareness of the specifics of academic English. Students will also improve oral communication skills in academic contexts. It’s the “first step” towards the final TOEFL exam.

Content and Approach: The course covers an introduction to the Academic Word List and input on vocabulary learning. It also covers s important areas of grammar and structures focusing on those frequently used in academic context, including passives, conditionals, using nouns and noun phrases, linking expressions and others. It also includes work on difficult areas of pronunciation. Class activities include individual, pair and group work.

Assessment/Credits/Workload:

Credit is awarded for:

• Regular attendance (maximum three absences)
• Active participation
• Homework
• Moodle portfolio – written assignments and on-line exercises.
• Personalized vocabulary list on https://quizlet.com/
• A minimum mark of 70 per cent on final end-of-term test

A minimum of two hours’ homework is expected per week.

Materials: available on Moodle

Other requirements:

• It is not possible to attend this course without registering on-line first (STAG).

Course description:

Code: OJZ 320

Title: English for Academic Purposes 2

Abbreviation: EAP 2

Length: one semester

Level (CEFR): B2 – C1

Credits: 2

Target participants:

This course is designed for Master students in their first year who intend to take the TOEFL ITP examination. It is a follow-up course to English for academic purposes 1.

Entry requirement/level of the course (CEFR): B2

If not sure, please, assess your level using a placement test or the “CEFR assessment grid” on our web pages.

Aims: The course aims are to extend vocabulary and structures, with a particular focus on academic lexis and structures used in formal/academic context and to raise awareness of the specifics of academic English. Students will also improve oral communication skills in academic contexts. It is the “next step” towards the final TOEFL exam.

Content and Approach: The course covers an introduction to the Academic Word List and input on vocabulary learning. It also covers s important areas of grammar and structures focusing on those frequently used in academic context, including passives, conditionals, using nouns, linking expressions and others. It also includes work on difficult areas of pronunciation. Class activities include individual, pair and group work.

Assessment/Credits/Workload:

Credit is awarded for:

• Regular attendance (maximum three absences)
• Active participation
• Homework
• Moodle portfolio – written assignments and on-line exercises.
• Personalized vocabulary list on https://quizlet.com/
• A minimum mark of 70 per cent on final end-of-term test

A minimum of two hours’ homework is expected per week.

Materials: available on Moodle

Other requirements:

• It is not possible to attend this course without registering on-line first (STAG).

Course description:

Code: OJZ 330

Title: TOEFL ITP Preparation. Grammar and Vocabulary

Abbreviation: TOEFL GV

Length: one semester           

Level CEFR: B2 -C1

Credits: 2

Target participants: This course is intended for students who will be taking the TOEFL ITP test at the end of the semester.

Entry requirement/level of the course CEFR: B2

If not sure, please, assess your level using a placement test or the “CEFR assessment grid” on our web pages.

Aims: The course aims are to familiarise students with the main features and types of tasks in the TOEFL ITP test sections of Structures and Written expressions. Students will be able to improve their grammar and vocabulary with special emphasis placed on language used in the academic context. Test taking skills for multiple choice tests will also be covered.

Content and Approach: The course includes thorough work on the different question types found in the exam practice tests, mostly in the form of lectures and individual work. However, some pair work and group work is also included. Vocabulary work relevant to the TOEFL ITP test will also be covered. Structures and written expressions section of the TOEFL ITP test will be done in a mock form to realistically represent the exam itself.

Assessment/Credits/Workload:

As this is an examination preparation course, so the emphasis is placed on attendance and preparation. There is no semester test.

A minimum of probably 1 hour for students at the C1 level, and 2 hours of homework for students at the B2 level is expected per week for students.

Materials: Cambridge Preparation for the TOEFL test, Cambridge TOEFL.

Other requirements:

• It is not possible to attend this course without registering on-line (STAG).

OJZ 410 – Presentation Skills in English

Code: OJZ 410

Title: Presentation Skills in English

Abbreviation: PS

Length: one semester

Level (CEFR):  B2 – C1

Credits: 2

Target participants: Master’s level as well as Bachelor level and doctoral students. The course is open to any student interested in improving their presenting and academic speaking skills. We welcome students from other faculties.

Entry requirement/level of the course (CEFR): B1 - B2

If not sure, please, assess your level using a placement test or the “CEFR assessment grid” on our web pages.

Aims:  Develop students’ public speaking and presentation skills.

Content and Approach: Students learn the strategies for preparing and presenting academic talks and conference posters. Emphasis is placed on how to express oneself clearly, engage the audience, and deal with nervousness. By performing several mini presentations, students will develop the self-confidence to speak before an audience for longer stretches and to assess their strengths and weaknesses. Students will be required to work collaboratively and independently.

Assessment/Credits/Workload:

Credits are awarded for:

• Regular attendance (maximum three absences)
• Active participation in English in class
• Performing at least 3 short presentations
• One final longer presentation

The class is suitable for students with strict demands on their time, as all preparation work will be completed in class with support from the teacher and peers.

Materials: Participants will download and print the materials for each lesson from the elearning website.

Other requirements:

• It is not possible to attend this course without registering on-line first (STAG).

Course description:

Code: OJZ 420

Title: Academic Writing

Abbreviation: AW

Length: 1 semester

Level: B2 – C1

Credits: 2

Target participants: Master’s students who want to do well at the written part of the Final Master’s Examination in English as well as any students who want to improve their writing skills.

Entry requirement/level of the course (CEFR): B2

If not sure, please, assess your level using a placement test or the “CEFR assessment grid” on our web pages.

Aims: The aims of the course are threefold: to help students overcome the fear of writing, to help them spread their ideas effectively, and to practice complex sentence structures for writing the academic environment.

Content and Approach: Students are expected to write three drafts of one argumentative paper on a topic of their choice. We pay a lot of attention to pre-writing activities, discuss papers in class, write peer-reviews, and practice sentence structures. All the reading and writing assignments are given as homework, so we spend most of the time in class discussing the issues connected with writing and discussing students’ papers.

Assessment/Credits/ Workload:

Credit is awarded for:

• Regular attendance (maximum three absences)
• Active participation in English in class
• Submission of all the reading and writing assignments
• Submission of the final draft of the paper

The workload of home preparation varies up to a number of hours before the submission of the draft, but on average, it is 2 hours per week.

Materials: Oshima: Writing Academic English

Other requirements:

• It is not possible to attend this course without at first registering on-line (STAG).

Course description:

Code: OJZ 430

Title: TOEFL ITP Preparation. Listening and Reading

Abbreviation: TOEFL LR

Length: one semester           

Level CEFR: B2 -C1

Credits: 2

Target participants: This course is intended for students who will be taking the TOEFL ITP test at the end of the semester.

Entry requirement/level of the course (CEFR): B2

If not sure, please, assess your level using a placement test or the “CEFR assessment grid” on our web pages.

Aims: The course aims are to familiarise students with the main features and types of tasks in the TOEFL ITP test sections of Listening and Reading. Students will be able to improve their listening and reading skills with special emphasis placed on college related topics and lectures. Students will be exposed to many phrasal verbs and idiomatic expressions. Test taking skills for multiple choice tests will also be covered.

Approach and Content: The course includes thorough work on the different question types found in the exam practice tests, mostly in the form of lectures and individual work. However, some pair work and group work is also included. Listening and reading parts of the TOEFL ITP test will be done in a mock form to realistically represent the exam itself.

Listening: Classwork covers the whole of the Longman Preparation Course for the TOEFL Test, involving TOEFL Examination listening skills oriented towards different question types, sample questions on paper, and sample questions in response to recordings. Sample listening parts of “whole tests” simulating the TOEFL Examination in mock form are also done.

Reading: Classwork covers the whole of the Longman Preparation Course for the TOEFL Test, involving TOEFL Examination reading skills oriented towards different question types, sample questions, and examination practice exercises. Sample reading parts of “whole tests” simulating the TOEFL Examination in mock form are also done.

Assessment/Credits/Workload:

As this is an examination preparation course, emphasis is placed on attendance and preparation. There is no semester test.

A minimum of probably 1 hour for students at the C1 level, and 2 hours of homework for students at the B2 level is expected per week for students.

Materials: Cambridge Preparation for the TOEFL test, Cambridge TOEFL CD (available at the library), Longman Preparation Course for the TOEFL test and CDs (also available at the library). Participants will also receive instructions from their teacher as to where to download and print the appropriate materials.

Other requirements:

• It is not possible to attend this course without at first registering on-line (STAG).

Course description

Code: OJZ 440

Title: Debate and Discussion in English

Abbreviation: DDE

Length: one semester           

Level (CEFR): B1⁺ - B2

Credits: 2

Target participants: Master’s level as well as Bachelor level and doctoral students. The course is open to any student interested in improving their debating and academic speaking skills. We welcome students from other faculties.

Entry requirement/level of the course (CEFR): B1

If not sure, please, assess your level using a placement test or the “CEFR assessment grid” on our web pages.

Aims:

Introduce students to the attitudes and skills needed to conduct intelligent academic debate and interact respectfully with the opinions of others. Increase confidence in forming, stating and defending an opinion on a given topic, using appropriate language. Equip students with the skills to prepare thoroughly for a debate, including undertaking relevant and appropriate research backed up by efficient referencing.

Content and Approach:

Students will conduct fortnightly debates in pairs or small groups, after which they will reflect both on the content of what was discussed as well as on their own performance and what they would like to improve. Alternate sessions will be used for students to conduct supervised research in pairs or groups, in order to provide material for the debate. Students will learn relevant academic language to express their own opinions, ask for clarification and disagree respectfully. Students will analyse academic debates in audio-visual form and assess the participants’ debating competence and relevant language, in order to improve their own skills.

Assessment/Credits/Workload:

Credit is awarded for:

• Regular attendance (maximum three absences)
• Participation in at least four of the six debates

This class is especially suitable for students with strict demands on their time, as all preparation work will be completed in class, with support from the teacher and peers. In this way, students can practice their research and preparation skills and gain valuable feedback.

Materials: available on Moodle

Other requirements:

• It is not possible to attend this course without registering on-line first (STAG).

Code: OJZ 450

Title: Scientific Writing

Abbreviation: SW

Length: one semester

Level (CEFR): B2 – C1

Credits: 2

Number of participants: 15

Target participants: students from any field of the Faculty of Science USB

Entry requirement/level of the course: B1 – B2

If not sure, please, assess your level using the diagnostic tools like placement tests or the „CEFR assessment grid“ on our webpage.

Aims:  Introduce students to the current conventions of academic and scientific writing so that they acquire the skills to write a dissertation/research paper. Learn about referencing, in-text citation, and the dangers of plagiarism. Carry out peer reviews. Write an abstract of 250 words.

Content and Approach: The students will be required to find a research article in their field of study which will be used as the main course material. They will be encouraged to analyse the linguistic and stylistic aspects of their paper in order to identify the current conventions of scientific writing. They will write summaries of real and mock research papers to develop their scientific writing skills. Both collaborative and individual work is expected from the students. The course ends with a written supervised end-of-term test.

Assessment, Credits and Workload:

Credits are awarded for

• Regular attendance (maximum three absences)
• Active participation in English in class
• Submission of at least 8 writing assignments
• A minimum mark of 60 in their written end-of-term test.

The workload of home preparation varies, but on average it is 1 hour per week.

Materials: Participants will download and print the materials for each lesson from the elearning website.

Other requirements:  It is not possible to attend this course without registering on-line first (STAG).

Course description:

Code: OJZ 500

Title: Doctor’s English (Doktorandská angličtina)

Abbreviation: DA   

Length: 1 semester

Level: B2                                

Credits: 2

Target participants: Students of doctoral courses

Entry requirement/level of the course: Master English examination (TOEFL), B2

Aims: Preparation for the doctoral examination in English; development of language skills and competencies needed in the academic environment; deepening the knowledge of grammar structures and vocabulary.

Content and Approach: The course content is adjusted to the needs of each group based on the needs analysis. The following aspects are usually included: text analysis with the focus on academic vocabulary and style, student presentations (min 1 per semester), and written assignments (2-3 per semester). Attention is also given to listening practice and speaking skills. The topic of intercultural communication in English can be included.

Assessment/Credits/Workload:

• Regular attendance (maximum absence allowed: 3 lessons)
• Active participation during lessons
• Preparation and assignments (a presentation, writing tasks and other assignments)

Materials: Academic Vocabulary in Use (McCarthy, O’Dell), articles from professional literature and the press, TED talks, Advanced Language Practice (M. Vince)

Other requirements:

• It is not possible to attend this course without at first registering on-line. (STAG)

The course is only available in the winter semester.

Course description

Code: OJZ 521

Title: English for IT 2

Abbreviation: EIT2

Length: 1 semester

Level according to SERR (CEFR): B1 – B2

Credits: 2

Target participants: Any students of B1 – B2 level with an interest in studying specialist language focused on the field of IT.

Entry requirement/level of the course: B1-B2
If not sure, please, assess your level using a placement test or the ”CEFR assessment grid“ on our web pages.

Aims: To widen, supplement, and practise the functional language skills and vocabulary appropriate for the field of computing.

Content and Approach: By means of a communicative approach students will practice and consolidate selected areas of vocabulary from the field of IT. An essential part of the course is work to improve the listening, reading, and conversational skills of the students. The practice of language skills: vocabulary, functional language, and grammar is carried out in the context of the IT work environment. The activities are conducted on an individual, pair, or group basis.

Assessment/Credits/Workload:

Credit points are awarded for:

Regular attendance (maximum three absences)
Active participation in English in class
Homework
Giving presentations on selected topics

A minimum mark of 70 % in final end-of-term test
A minimum of one-hour preparation work is expected per week.

Materials: available on Moodle

Other requirements:

It is not possible to attend this course without registering on-line first (STAG).

Code: OJZ 526

Title: English for Science 2

Abbreviation: ESC2

Course length: 1 semester

Level according to CEFR: B1 – B2

Credit points: 2

Target student group: Students at level B1-B2 who wish to focus on the specialist language used in the natural sciences.

Entry requirements/level according CEFR: B1-B2

If not sure, please, assess your level using a placement test or the “CEFR assessment grid” on our web pages.

Target: To widen, supplement, and practice English via a focus on functional language and vocabulary from the field of the natural sciences.

Course contents and characteristics: Via a communicative approach students will practice and consolidate a chosen range of vocabulary and functional language from the field of the natural sciences. An essential part of the course is work on the improvement of listening, reading, and conversational skills. The practice of language skills, vocabulary, functional language, and grammar take place in the context of the field of the natural sciences. Activities are conducted via group, pair, and individual work.

Assessment/credit points/preparation:

Credit points are awarded for:

• Regular attendance (3 absences allowed)
• Active work during lessons
• Homework
• Passing quizzes and tests with a minimum number of points as determined by individual instructors

The course requires a minimum of one hour per week of homework.

Materials:

• Participants will receive instructions from their respective instructors as to where to download and print the appropriate materials.

Further requirements:

• To attend the course all students must be registered on STAG.

Course description:

Code: OJZ 530

Title: English for the Workplace 1

Abbreviation: EWP 1

Length: 1 semester

Level: B1 – B2

Credits: 2

Target participants: Any students of B1–B2 level who want to develop the English language skills needed for the global workplace.

Entry requirement/level of the course: B1-B2

If not sure, please, assess your level using a placement test or the CEFR assessment grid on our web pages.

Aims: To widen, supplement, and practice the functional language skills and vocabulary appropriate for the global workplace.

Content and Approach: Via a communicative approach students will practice and consolidate a chosen range of vocabulary and functional language from the field of English for the workplace. An essential part of the course is business correspondence in English, writing a CV, emails, telephoning, presentation skills, negotiating, finance, marketing, conferences etc. Students will also be introduced to the issue of intercultural communication in the global workplace. The practice of language skills, vocabulary, functional language, and grammar take place in the context of the global workplace. Activities are conducted via group, pair, and individual work.

Assessment/Credits/Workload:

Credit points are awarded for:

• Regular attendance (3 absences allowed)
• Active work during lessons
• Homework

• Passing quizzes and tests with a minimum number of points as determined by individual instructors

The course requires a minimum of one hour per week of homework.

Materials: available on Moodle

Other requirements:

• To attend the course all students must be registered on STAG.

Course description:

Code: OJZ 531

Title: English for the Workplace 2

Abbreviation: EWP 2

Length: 1 semester

Level: B1 – B2

Credits: 2

Target participants: Any students of B1–B2 level who want to develop the English language skills needed for the global workplace.

Entry requirement/level of the course: B1-B2

If not sure, please, assess your level using a placement test or the “CEFR assessment grid” on our web pages.

Aims: To widen, supplement, and practice the functional language skills and vocabulary appropriate for the global workplace.

Content and Approach: Via a communicative approach students will practice and consolidate a chosen range of vocabulary and functional language from the field of English for the workplace. An essential part of the course is business correspondence in English, writing a CV, emails, telephoning, presentation skills, negotiating, finance, marketing, conferences etc. Students will also be introduced to the issue of intercultural communication in the global workplace. The practice of language skills, vocabulary, functional language, and grammar take place in the context of the global workplace. Activities are conducted via group, pair, and individual work.

Assessment/Credits/Workload:

Credit points are awarded for:

• Regular attendance (3 absences allowed)
• Active work during lessons
• Homework

• Passing quizzes and tests with a minimum number of points as determined by individual instructors

The course requires a minimum of one hour per week of homework.

Materials: available on Moodle

Other requirements:

• To attend the course all students must be registered on STAG.

Course description:

Code: OJZ 532

Title: English for Meetings and Social Skills – Project with Tampere University

Abbreviation: EMSS

Length: one semester           

Level (CEFR): B1⁺ – B2

Credits: 2

Target participants: B1 – B2 students who want to practice their communicative and social skills in an authentic work environment.

 Entry requirement/level of the course (CEFR): B1

If not sure, please, assess your level using a placement test or the “CEFR assessment grid” on our web pages.

Aims: The purpose of the course is to practice skills needed in participating in meetings conducted in English, as well as to work with international business contacts.

Content and Approach: The course is held in cooperation with Tampere University. It consists of a series of meetings and the aim is to find out the best location for a joint venture of a British (Cambridge Display Technology) and an American (Corning) company. During the first week students from the two universities are assigned to CDT (Tampere University) or Corning (USB) companies, and are then divided into four project teams according to geographical region (Asia, Africa, South America or Eastern Europe). Each team member creates a new persona for him/herself and is that persona during the meetings. The responsibilities of chairing the meeting and being the secretary rotate, so that every member of each project team can practice both roles. The chairperson is responsible for preparing the agenda as well as organizing and running the meeting. The secretary prepares the minutes after the meeting. Each project team is involved in two online meetings, held via Zoom, with their counterpart team from the other university.

Assessment/Credits/Workload:

Credit is awarded for:

• Regular attendance (maximum three absences)
• Active participation during classes
• Homework
• Completing the Graded Tasks as described in Moodle

2 – 3 hours of homework are expected per week.

Materials: available on Moodle

Other requirements:

• It is not possible to attend this course without registering on-line first (STAG).

Course description:

Code: OJZ 540

Title: English for Autonomous Learning

Abbreviation: EAL

Length: 1 semester

Level: B1 – C1

Credits: 2

Target participants: Students who want to improve their language skills according to their individual needs and requirements, Erasmus students.

Entry requirement/level of the course: B1

If not sure, please, assess your level using a placement test or the “CEFR assessment grid” on our web pages.

Aims: Develop language skills according to the individual students’ needs

Content and Approach:

The course is based on the principles of autonomous learning, which include planning, considering and setting goals, making decisions about possible areas of improvement, and evaluating the learning process and students’ progress. The learners develop their learning and their English language skills according to their individual needs to become more independent and spontaneous language users.

Assessment/Credits/Workload:

• Attendance – group sessions week 1and 2
• Attendance – minimum  three group sessions – agreed upon at the beginning
• Individual meetings – counselling – 3x15 min
• Drawing up a study plan and writing contracts which are agreed upon and confirmed by the teacher
• Keeping a detailed LOG and portfolio of work completed

 Materials: individual

Other requirements:

• It is not possible to attend this course without registering on-line first (STAG).

Course description:

Code: OJZ 545

Title: English for TOEIC B2

Abbreviation: E4TOEIC B2

Length: 1 semester

Level (CEFR): B1 – B2

Credits: 2

Target participants: Students who want to take the TOEIC Listening and Reading test.

Entry requirement/level of the course (CEFR): The recommended level is B1-B2. If not sure, please, assess your level using the placement test or the ”CEFR assessment grid“ on our web pages.

Aims: Preparation for the TOEIC Listening and Reading Test

Content and Approach: The course prepares students for successful participation at the TOEIC examination. Students learn the strategies for individual types of examination items and practice those strategies on sample tests. The course focuses on the development of listening, reading, and other partial skills, but also includes parts aimed at consolidating the knowledge of grammar and improving vocabulary.

Assessment/Credits/Workload: Credit is awarded for attendance, active work in class, and doing an online test or the real TOEIC examination.

Materials: available on Moodle

Other requirements:

• Students of Faculty of Science cannot attend this course without at first registering on-line (STAG).

Course description:

Code: OJZ 546

Title: English for TOEIC C1

Abbreviation: E4TOEIC C1

Length: 1 semester

Level (CEFR): B2 – C1

Credits: 2

Target participants: Students who want to take the TOEIC Listening and Reading test.

Entry requirement/level of the course (CEFR): The recommended level is B2-C1. If not sure, please, assess your level using the placement test or the “CEFR assessment grid” on our web pages.

Aims: Preparation for the TOEIC Listening and Reading Test

Content and Approach: The course prepares students for successful participation at the TOEIC examination. Students learn the strategies for individual types of examination items and practice those strategies on sample tests. The course focuses on the development of listening, reading, and other skills, but it also includes parts aimed at consolidating the knowledge of grammar and improving vocabulary. The list of grammar and vocabulary done in class refelects the students' choice.

Assessment/Credits/Workload: Credit is awarded for attendance, active work in class, and doing an online test or the real TOEIC examination.

Materials: available on Moodle

Other requirements:

• Students of Faculty of Science cannot attend this course without at first registering on-line (STAG).

Course description:

Code: OJZ 550

Title: Czech for Foreigners

Abbreviation: CFF

Length: one semester

Level (CEFR): A0

Credits: 0

Target participants: International students

Entry requirement/level of the course (CEFR): A0

Aims: Learn and practice basic Czech vocabulary and practical grammar, aimed at the workplace environment as well as the skills required for everyday life in the Czech Republic.

Content and Approach:

Grammar: key verbs in the „simple“ (imperfect) tenses - past, present and future
Conversation using all three tenses
Colloquial/used language
Useful vocabulary for the workplace and various situation-based settings (ordering food, shopping, making appointments)
Skills role-plays: telephoning, exchanging pleasantries, making a good impression
Reading: Study and discussion of short basic texts
Writing: Guidelines and practice of simple writing tasks, e.g. a short email

Workload:

We expect the following from students:

• Regular attendance (maximum three absences)
• Active participation in English in class
• Homework
• Passing quizzes and tests with a minimum number of points as determined by individual instructors

A minimum of one hour of homework is expected per week.

Materials: available on Moodle

Other requirements:

• It is not possible to attend this course without registering on-line first (STAG).

Course Description:

Code: OJZ 555

Course name: English for Intercultural Communication

Abbreviation: E4IC

Course Length: 1 semester

CEFR Level: B2 and higher

Credits: 2

Target group: Students of bachelors’, masters’, and doctoral study programs who want to develop their ability to communicate with people of different cultural backgrounds using English. For example, students preparing to study or work abroad (Erasmus placements etc.); foreign students studying at USB, students of doctoral study programs.

Entry requirements/student level according to CEFR: the recommended level is B2 and higher. If not sure, please, assess your level using a placement test or the “CEFR assessment grid” on our web pages.

Aim: Improve students' communication skills in English. Preparation for study or work abroad or for study at USB in the case of foreign students. Deepen understanding of the role that culture plays in communication between people from different countries and of different nationalities. Development of spoken and written forms of language. Improvement of practical "soft skills", i.e. the communication skills needed to work in an international team. Improve students' ability to use English for all these purposes.

Content/Course overview: Theoretical introduction to the field of intercultural communication, development of relevant language and communication competencies ("soft-skills")

- Theoretical part: A brief introduction to the basic theoretical concepts behind intercultural communication. Acquaintance with the key ideas of the field, involving critical discussion and practice in applying these theories to specific examples. Analysis of case studies and students' own experience. Reflection on and analysis of our own cultural environment and the factors that shape our "individual culture".

- Language learning: Development of communication competencies in English with relation to various concepts: courtesy, formal / informal context, direct / indirect communication etc. Development of relevant vocabulary, necessary phraseology, and linguistic structures, analysis of own language expression and the language expression of colleagues, subsequent feedback ("peer analysis").

- Practical communication skills (soft skills): Use of language skills for practical purposes - e.g. email communication in the workplace, leading negotiations and consultations, dealing with misunderstandings, skills needed for cooperation in an international team.

Assessment/credit/preparation: Course credit is awarded on the basis of attendance, fulfillment of set tasks, and active engagement in lessons.

Materials:

• - Camerer, Rudi. Mader, Judith. The ICE Blended Learning Course
• - Norquest College.Critical Incidents for Intercultural Communication in the Workplace. Edmonton: Centre for Intercultural Education (CIE), 2015.
• - Camerer, Rudi & Mader, Judith, A-Z of Intercultural Communication (Photocopiable Activities)Series: A-Z
• - Camerer, Rudi & Mader, Judith, Intercultural Competence in Business English
• - Selected articles and online materials in text, audio and video format

Additional notes:
It is not possible to attend this course without registering in STAG.

Code: OJZ/560

Title: English through Sustainability

Abbreviation: EtS

Length: one semester

Level (CEFR):  B2–C1

Credits: 2

Number of participants: 15

Target participants: Bachelor, Master’s and Doctoral students of all departments and faculties of the USB.

Entry requirement/level of the course (CEFR): B1–B2

If not sure, please, assess your level using the diagnostic tools like self-placement DIALANG or the CEFR assessment grid on our webpage.

Aims: The course focuses on the issues related to sustainability and climate change to develop reading, speaking, listening, writing, discussion and presentation skills in English.

Content and Approach: The course involves task-based and project learning and provides opportunities to practice all English skills (reading, listening, speaking and writing). In each class, the students will discuss existing sustainability practices in both the global and local contexts and eventually plan their own action campaign.

Assessment, Credits and Workload:

Credits are awarded for:

• Regular attendance (maximum three absences)
• Active participation in class
• Poster presentation

Materials: Participants will download and print the materials for each lesson from the elearning website.

Other requirements: It is not possible to attend this course without registering on-line first (STAG).

Course description:

Code: OJZ 600

Title: Bachelor’s English 4 Idiomatic Language (Bakalářská angličtina 4 idiomatický jazyk)

Abbreviation: BA4i

Length: one semester

Level: B2-C1

Credits: 2

Target participants: Any students who have reached at least the B1+ level and want to improve their English beyond the scope of the basic English classes. The course does not prepare students for any kind of examination.

Entry requirement/level of the course: B1+ - B2

If not sure, please, assess your level using a placement test or the “CEFR assessment grid” on our web pages.

Aims: The aim of the course is to improve the idiomatic aspect of students’ English, i.e. on practical examples enhance the students’ sensitivity to the “real” English structures and the nuances of meaning.

Content and Approach: In the course we analyze authentic English source materials (blogs, short stories, sitcoms, poetry, cartoons, etc.), excerpt various structures, vocabulary, collocations, and phenomena, fit these into a broader context of the language, and practice them in such a way that they become part of the active skills of the students.

Assessment/Credits/Workload:

Credit is awarded for:

• Regular attendance (maximum three absences)
• Active participation in English in class
• Homework
• Passing quizzes and tests with a minimum number of points as determined by individual instructors

The work load for preparation at home varies, but a minimum of one hour is expected per week.

Materials:  The source materials for the course are provided by students themselves at the beginning of the semester.

Other requirements:

• It is not possible to attend this course without registering on-line first (STAG).

Course description:

Code: OJZ 610

Title: Bachelor’s English 4 - Functional Language (Bakalářská angličtina 4 - praktický jazyk)

Abbreviation: BA4p

Length: one semester

Level (CEFR): B2 – C1

Credits: 2

Target participants: Students who have successfully passed courses BA1-BA3 or students who have already reached level B2 and need to revise and practice. It is not a bachelor’s exam preparatory course. However, the structures and skills practiced may help students pass the exam successfully.

Entry requirement/level of the course (CEFR): B1⁺ - B2

If not sure, please, assess your level using a placement test or the “CEFR assessment grid” on our web pages.

Aims: The course aims are to improve general English knowledge and build confidence especially in grammar, listening, speaking and vocabulary building.

Content and Approach: Using a communicative approach, the course covers a variety of topics and focuses on vocabulary building (esp. prepositions and phrasal verbs). Listening is an integral part of the course. Fundamental grammar is also reviewed thoroughly. The activities are similar to international exam preparatory courses. Class activities include individual, pair and group work, reading, speaking and listening.

Assessment/Credits/Workload:

Credit is awarded for:

• Regular attendance (maximum three absences)
• Active participation in English in class
• Homework
• Passing quizzes and tests with a minimum number of points as determined by individual instructors

A minimum of one-hour of homework is expected per week.

Materials: available on Moodle

Other requirements:

• It is not possible to attend this course without at first registering on-line. (STAG)

OJZ 630 – Academic Writing for Crossborder Studies

Code: OJZ 630

Title: Academic Writing for Crossborder Studies

Abbreviation: AW1

Length: one semester

Level (CEFR): B2 – C1

Credits: 3

Target participants: Students of the Bachelor Cross-Border Joint Study in Biological Chemistry

Entry requirement/level of the course: B1 - B2
If not sure, please, assess your level using a placement test or the “CEFR assessment grid” on our web pages.

 Aims: Introduce students to the current conventions of academic and scientific writing so that they acquire the skills to write a dissertation/research paper. Learn about referencing, in-text citation, and the dangers of plagiarism. Carry out peer reviews. Write an abstract of 250 words.

Content and Approach: The students will be required to find a research article in their field of study which will be used as the main course material. They will be encouraged to analyse the linguistic and stylistic aspects of their paper in order to identify the current conventions of scientific writing. They will write summaries of real and mock research papers to develop their scientific writing skills. Both collaborative and individual work is expected of the students. The course ends with a written, supervised, in-class examination.

Assessment/Credits/Workload:

Credits are awarded for:

• Regular attendance (maximum three absences)
• Active participation in English in class
• Submission of at least 8 writing assignments
• A minimum mark of 60 in their final examination.

The workload of home preparation varies, but on average, it is 1 hour per week.

Materials: Participants will download and print the materials for each lesson from the elearning website.

Other requirements:

• It is not possible to attend this course without registering on-line first (STAG).

Course description:

Code: OJZ 670

Title: English Conversation (Anglická konverzace), CEFR: B1-B2

Length: 1 semester

Level: B1-B2

Credits: 1

Target participants: Students who have a good level of English and want to practice mainly speaking skills and expressing ideas on a range of topics.

Entry requirement/level of the course (CEFR): B1

If not sure, please, assess your level using a placement test or the “CEFR assessment grid” on our web pages.

Aims: The course aims to expand participants’ speaking skills, increase their vocabulary range, and improve their confidence and ability to understand  spoken English.

Content and Approach: The main emphasis will be on encouraging students to speak as much and as fluently as possible, whether as a whole class or in pairs or small groups. The course may involve vocabulary activities, debates, presentations and reading or listening activities as a basis for debate and discussion according to the interest of participants. There will be the option of work with video and audio materials and any other materials which are relevant to the participants’ interests or their studies.

Assessment/Credits/Workload:

Credit is awarded for:

• Regular attendance (maximum three absences)
• Active participation in English in class
• Homework – preparing for discussion

Materials: available on Moodle

Other requirements:

• It is not possible to attend this course without first registering on-line (STAG).

Course description:

Code: OJZ 680

Title: One-day TOEIC Listening and Reading Preparation Course

Abbreviation: TOEIC LR

Length: 1 day (8 lessons)

Level CEFR: B1 – C1

Credits: 0

Minimum number of participants: 5

Target participants: students who want to take the TOEIC Listening and reading test

Entry requirement/level of the course CEFR: B1
If not sure, please, assess your level using a placement test or the ”CEFR assessment grid“ on our web pages.

Aims: Preparation for the TOEIC Listening and Reading Test

Content and Approach: The course prepares students for successful participation at the TOEIC examination. Students learn about the examination format and the strategies for individual types of examination items, and they practice those strategies on sample questions. They focus on the development of listening and reading; students can also make use of consultation with the teacher.

Assessment/Credits/Workload: Credit is awarded for attendance.

Materials: available on Moodle

Other requirements:

• Students of the University of South Bohemia cannot attend this course without at first registering on-line (STAG).

Course description:

Code: OJZ 682

Title: TOEFL ITP Preparation Course

Abbreviation: TOEFL ITP

Length: one day (8 lessons)

Level CEFR: B2 – C1

Credits: 0

Target participants: This course is designed for students who want to take the TOEFL ITP test.

Entry requirement/level of the course: B2

If not sure, please, assess your level using a placement test or the “CEFR assessment grid” on our web pages.

Aims: Preparation for the TOEFL ITP test

Content and Approach: The course prepares students for successful participation at the TOEFL ITP examination. Students learn the strategies for individual types of examination items and practice those strategies on sample tests. They focus on the development of sentence structures, listening, reading, and other partial skills. Students work individually, in pairs or groups. The course is carried out in English.

Assessment/Credits/Workload: Credit is awarded for attendance.

Materials: Deborah Phillips, Complete Course for the TOEFL test, Pearson Longman, 2007

Participants will be given the material during the course.

Other requirements:

• Students of Faculty of Science cannot attend this course without at first registering on-line. (STAG)

Course description:

Code: OJZ 702

Title: Spanish 2

Abbreviation: SP2

Length: 1 semestr

Level: A1⁻ - A1

Credits: 3

Target student group: All students who have an interest in the study of Spanish and Spanish culture.

Entry requirement/level of course: A1 – the course is meant as a continuation of Spanish 1.

Target: To deepen the knowledge acquired in the previous course, and widen vocabulary and knowledge of Spanish culture.

Course content and characteristics: Among other things students will master the use of the verbs SER, ESTAR, HABER, learn to express themselves in the future tense with the help of “going to” and at the same time become able to share their thoughts in the past tense – pretérito perfecto. The recommended primary material is the Fiesta I classbook, lessons 5-6. Similarly, to the previous course, classes in Spanish 2 are supplemented by additional material (see Spanish 1).

Assessment/credits/preparation:

• The course ends with a written exam with a pass grade of 70%.
• Students are assessed on active work in class, fulfilment of homework, and regular attendance (3 permitted absences).

Materials: The recommended primary material is the Fiesta I classbook, lessons 5-6, (Králová, Jana a kol.: Fiesta I, španělština pro střední a jazykové školy, Fraus, Plzeň, 2000).

Further requirements:

• All students participating in the course are required to register on STAG.

Course description:

Code: OJZ 704

Title: Spanish 4

Abbreviation: SP4

Length: 1 semester

Level: A2⁻ - A2

Credits: 3

Student target group: All students who have an interest in the study of Spanish and Spanish culture.

Entry requirement/level of course: A2 - the course is meant as a continuation of Spanish 4.

Target: To put acquired skills into practice, particularly in the context of reading simplified full texts.

Course contents and characteristics: The course combines work with new materials with the reading of simplified full texts (most often detective stories appropriate to the level). The recommended primary material is the Fiesta I classbook, lessons 9-11. In addition to the secondary materials, for example: Redes Nivel 1, Avance Nivel Elemental, Aventura 1, Aula Internacional 1, Ven 1, Dual, Aprende, Curso intensivo de español etc. Lessons are supplemented by authentic materials such as short Spanish films.

Assessment/credits/preparation:

• The course ends with a written exam with a pass grade of 70%.
• Students are assessed on active work in class, fulfilment of homework, and regular attendance (3 permitted absences).

Materials: The recommended primary material is the Fiesta I classbook, lessons 9-11, (Králová, Jana a kol.: Fiesta I, španělština pro střední a jazykové školy, Fraus, Plzeň, 2000).

Further requirements:

• All students participating in the course are required to register on STAG.

Course description:

Code: OJZ 706

Title: Španělština 6

Abbreviation: SP6

Length: 1 semester

Level: B1⁻ - B1

Credits: 3

Student target group: All students who have an interest in the study of Spanish and Spanish culture.

Entry requirements/level of course: B1 - the course is meant as a continuation of Spanish 5.

Target: To complete the series of Spanish language courses 1 – 6. To practice already acquired grammar, add new information from the field of Spanish life and culture, and clear up any existing problems.

 Course content and characteristics: The summer semester completes the block series of Spanish language courses by finishing work with the Fiesta I classbook lessons 12 – 15. In addition to the above primary material lessons are made up of work based on secondary literature, a compulsory presentation made by each student base on a brief summary of a contemporary authentic newspaper article, and a short film on the preparation of a typical Spanish or Hispano-American meal.

Assessment/credits/preparation:

• The course ends with a written exam with a pass grade of 70%.
• Students are assessed on active work in class, fulfilment of homework, and regular attendance (3 permitted absences).

Materials: The recommended primary material is the Fiesta I classbook, lessons 12 - 15, (Králová, Jana a kol.: Fiesta I, španělština pro střední a jazykové školy, Fraus, Plzeň, 2000).

Further requirements:

• All students participating in the course are required to register on STAG.

Code: OJZ 712

Title: French 2

Abbreviation: FR 2

Length: 1 semester

Level: A1⁻ - A1

Credits: 3

Target participants: Any student who has an interest in French language and culture.

Entry requirement/level of the course: A1 – It is meant as a continuation from F1.

Aims: To deepen the knowledge gained in the previous course, to widen vocabulary and knowledge of francophone culture and habits.

Content and Approach: Repetition of the language skills dealt with in F1, new grammar and vocabulary from lessons 4-6 of the Connexions classbook 1. By the end of the course, the students will be able to express their thoughts in the future tense (le futur proche). Supplementary exercises, francophone culture and habits.

Assessment/Credits/Workload:

• The course ends with a written test in which the pass mark is 70%.

Materials: 

• R.Mérieux, Y.Loiseau: Connexions I /méthode de français/, Didier, Paris 2004
• R.Mérieux, Y.Loiseau: Connexions I /cahier d´exercices/, Didier, Paris 2004

Further requirements:

• It is not possible to attend the course without registering for it on STAG.

Code: OJZ 714

Title: French 4

Abbreviation: FR 4

Length: 1 semester

Level: A2⁻ - A2

Credits: 3

Target participants: Any student who has an interest in French language and culture.

Entry requirement/level of the course: A2- – it is meant as a continuation from F3.

Aims: To consolidate the knowledge gained in the previous course and to finish Connexions classbook 1.

Content and Approach: Class materials from lessons 10-12 of the Connexions classbook 1. By the end of the course the students will be able to express their thoughts in the future simple tense (le futur simple) and the subjunctive (le sobjonctif) to express the Czech „aby“. Focus on fluent and independent expression in the spoken and written form. Reading and comprehension of full text. Supplementary exercises, francophone culture and habits.

Assessment/Credits/Workload:

• The course ends with a written test in which the pass mark is 70%.

Materials: 

• R.Mérieux, Y.Loiseau: Connexions I /méthode de français/, Didier, Paris 2004
• R.Mérieux, Y.Loiseau: Connexions I /cahier d´exercices/, Didier, Paris 2004

Further requirements:

• It is not possible to attend the course without registering for it on STAG.

Code: OJZ 716

Title: French 6

Abbreviation: FR 6

Length: 1 semester

Level: B1⁻ - B1

Credits: 3

Target participants: Any student who has an interest in French language and culture.

Entry requirement/level of the course: B1- – it is meant as a continuation from F5.

Aims: To complete the series of courses French 1-6. To practice and supplement grammar and vocabulary, and further widen knowledge of francophone culture and habits. To tackle any existing problems.

Content and Approach: This summer semester closes the series of French courses with the completion of the Connexions classbook II. After completing the course the students will be familiar with the use of the three basic past tenses in French (le passée composé, l´imparfait, le plus-que-parfait). Fluent and independent expression of thoughts. Supplementary materials, francophone culture and habits.

Assessment/Credits/Workload:

• The course ends with a written test in which the pass mark is 70%.

Materials: 

• R.Mérieux, Y.Loiseau: Connexions II /méthode de français/, Didier, Paris 2004
• R.Mérieux, Y.Loiseau: Connexions II /cahier d´exercices/, Didier, Paris 2004

Further requirements:

• It is not possible to attend the course without registering for it on STAG.

Course description:

Code: OJZ 722

Title: German 2

Abbreviation: NE 2 (Němčina 2)

Length: 1 semester

Level: A1

Credits: 3

Student target group: All students interested in German language and culture

Entry requirements/level of students: A1. The course is meant as a continuation of German 1.

Target: Mastering basic communication skills.

Course contents and characteristics: The course is focused on the basic grammar (pronouns, imperative, verbs with changes in conjugation, plural, prepositions of place, hours, modals, data of amount and number, pronouns jeder and dieser) and on widening and consolidating the basic vocabulary (food and meals, housing, shopping). The set textbook will be supplemented with additional materials. During the semester, 3 units of the set textbook will be covered: 4, 5, 6.

Assessment/credits/homework:

• Regular attendance (3 absences permitted)
• End of semester exam – a written test (pass grade 70%) and an oral exam.

Materials:

Sprechen Sie Deutsch, part 1, units 4-6: classbook and CD

Further requirements:

• All students attending must be enrolled on STAG.

Course description:

Code: OJZ 724

Title: German 4 (Němčina 4)

Abbreviation: NE 4

Length: 1 semester

Level: A2

Credits: 3

Student target group: All those with an interest in German language and culture

Entry requirements/level of students: A1. The course is meant as a continuation of German 3.

Target: To develop knowledge from the previous course

Course contents and characteristics: The course is focused on the consolidation of basic grammar (past and present perfect tenses, verb werden, negative expressions, pronoun man verbs of the type sammeln, subordinate clauses, present perfect of modals, verb tun) and on widening and consolidating vocabulary (education and occupation, human body, hobby, health and illness). The set textbook will be supplemented with additional materials.

During the semester, 3 units will be covered: 10, 11, 12.

Assessment/credits/homework:

• Regular attendance (3 absences permitted)
• End of semester exam – a written test (pass grade 70%) and an oral exam.

Materials:

Sprechen Sie Deutsch, Part 1, units 10, 11, 12: classbook and CD

Further requirements:

• All students attending must be enrolled on STAG.

Course description:

Code: OJZ 726

Title: German 6 (Němčina 6)

Abbreviation: NE 6

Length: 1 semester

Level: B1

Credits: 3

Student target group: All students interested in German language and culture

Entry requirements/level of group: A2. The course is meant as a continuation of German 5.

Target: To develop knowledge from the previous course, German culture

Course contents and characteristics: The course is focused on widening vocabulary of the main topics (clothing, appearance, shopping, safety, orientation in the town, history, sightseeing). Attention will be given to listening and practising speaking skills in discussion. New grammar contains endings of adjectives, indefinite pronouns, adverbs of direction, negation and ordinal numbers. The set textbook will be supplemented with additional materials.

During the semester, 3 units will be covered: 2, 3, 4.

Assessment/credits/homework:

• Regular attendance (3 absences permitted)
• End of semester exam – a written test (pass grade 70%) and an oral exam.

Materials:

Sprechen Sie Deutsch, part 2, units 2-4: classbook and CD

Further requirements:

• All students attending must be enrolled on STAG.

Course description:

Code: OJZ 727

Title: German Conversation (Německá konverzace)

Abbreviation: NEK

Length: 1 semester

Level: B1-B2

Credits: 2

Student target group: All those with an interest in German language and culture

Entry requirements/level of students: Students interested in the course are expected to be on level A2-B2.

Target: Keeping and widening the knowledge of the language in the broadest scope, with a special attention to speaking.

Course contents and characteristics: The course focuses on widening the vocabulary, with a special attention to practising speaking abilities in discussion. The learners become acquainted with the academic and newspaper styles. Grammar is included as revision of German 1-6 courses, partly also with new topics (passive, infinitive constructions, comparison, derivation of forms).

During the semester, 5-6 topics are covered from the Kontakte textbook, and 1-2 topics of current affairs.

Assessment/credits/homework:

Credit is awarded for:

• active participation in class and fulfilment of homework
• test at the end of the semester
• regular attendance (max. 3 absences)

Materials:

• Deutsche Konversation. Kontakte
• (Věra Höppnerová, Ekopress 2005): classbook and CD

Further requirements:

• It is not possible to attend this course without registering on-line first (STAG).

Code: OJZ 732

Title: Russian 2

Abbreviation: RU2

Course length: 1 semester

Level according to CEFR: A1- - A1+

Credit points: 3

Target student group: Any student who has an interest in the study of Russian language and culture.

Entry requirements/level according CEFR: A1(1) The course is meant as a continuation of Russian 1.

Target: To deepen the knowledge gained in the previous course, to widen vocabulary and knowledge of Russian culture.

Course contents and characteristics:

The content of lessons develops from the requirements of CEFR. Phonetics, work on speed of reading, vocabulary, grammar, Russian culture and institutions.

Assessment/credit points/preparation:

Credit points are awarded for:

• Regular attendance (3 absences allowed)
• Active work during lessons
• Homework
• End-of-semester work: PPT presentation

Materials:

• Nekolová: “Ruština nejen pro samouky“, units 9-17

Further requirements:

• To attend the course all students must be registered on STAG.

Code: OJZ 734

Title: Russian 4

Abbreviation: RU4

Course length: 1 semester

Level according to SERR (CEFR): A2- - A2

Credit points: 3

Target student group: Any student who has an interest in the study of Russian language and has attended the previous courses.

Entry requirements/level according CEFR: A1- The course is meant as a continuation of Russian 3.

Target: To confirm the previously gained skills in practice, in particular via the reading of simplified continuous texts.

Course contents and characteristics:

This course combines the course materials previously done with the reading of simplified continuous texts (novels, popular-scientific). The recommended core material is the “Ruština nejen pro samouky“ course book by Nekolova, units 26 – 35. Teaching is complemented by the use of original materials such as short news clips, scientific lectures, and new films.

Assessment/credit points/preparation:

Credit points are awarded for:

• Regular attendance (3 absences allowed)
• Active work during lessons
• Homework
• The course ends with a written exam with a pass grade of 70%.

 Materials:

Nekolová: “Ruština nejen pro samouky“ units 26 – 35.

Further requirements:

• To attend the course all students must be registered on STAG.