General information
“If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.” - Nelson Mandela.
The benefits of learning a foreign language are well known. Our experienced teachers are passionate about helping you develop your language skills. You may want to learn a new language to:
- give you a competitive edge in a highly competitive global employment market
- help you better understand the culture of the places you visit
- enjoy life and job opportunities around the world
This summer we’re pleased to offer short online courses in the following languages:
- French: Elementary/Lower Intermediate (This course is now full)
- French: Intermediate/Advanced (This course is now full)
- German: Intermediate (This course is now full)
Who should take part?
The courses are suitable for undergraduate and postgraduate students of any discipline and are ideal for students graduating this summer or placement students who are unable to travel abroad during the current Coronavirus pandemic. With an emphasis on language in the workplace, each course will enhance your employability as you consider your career options or prepare to enter the world of work.
While the course content is aimed mainly at students, University of Bath staff members and members of the general public will also find it useful and interesting and are welcome to take part.
When will the courses run?
The courses will run for 10 days during June 2020. Check each individual course for dates. As the semester 2 assessment period has been extended due to the current pandemic, students should check the assessment timetable carefully to make sure you are able to participate.
Course format
You’ll attend online sessions with your teacher and the rest of the class on alternate days. Following guidance from your teacher, you’ll then study independently using the resources they’ve provided. You’ll be expected to engage with the course for a minimum of 2-3 hours per day.
More information on each course is provided below.
French in your suitcase
This course is now full
Tutor
Anne-Catherine Mechler
Dates
1 June – 10 June 2020
Language level required
A basic knowledge of French grammar and pronunciation at Elementary or Lower Intermediate level is required (A1-A2 CEFR). The course is not suitable for absolute beginners. You should therefore already be able to: talk about yourself and your family, express an opinion, understand short written texts and audio recordings, use the present tense and write a paragraph on an everyday topic.
Key learning objectives
- consolidate your previous knowledge
- prepare you for a visit to France or a French-speaking country
- equip you with the essential tools to communicate in a range of situations for work or pleasure.
Teaching method
The course will be online. There will be a mix of live video sessions, online forums, Moodle and tasks and activities to complete as home study. All course material will be provided by the tutor. The proposed times for the class are as follows, but if the time of the live session is a potential obstacle for your enrolment on the course, please contact us: Monday 1 June, 6-7:30pm; Wednesday 3 June, 6-7:30pm; Friday 5 June, 6-7:30pm; Monday 8 June, 6-7:30pm; Wednesday 10 June, 6-7:30pm.
Course fee
Free for University of Bath students. £50 for members of University of Bath staff and members of the public.
Further your French: living, working, enjoying French countries
This course is now full
Tutor
Stephanie Lelarge
Dates
15 June – 24 June 2020
Language level required
The course is designed for students who have completed our Intermediate, Upper Intermediate or Advanced units or have an A level or equivalent qualification in French (B1-C1 CEFR - Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).
Key learning objectives
- further your knowledge of French culture and society (topics include politics, education, economics, psychology, food and drink, travel and working/living in French-speaking countries)
- express yourself confidently in a range of everyday situations and on current affairs
- explore how to use your advanced French language skills in your future career and enhance your employability.
Teaching method
The course will be online. There will be a mix of live video discussions (the proposed time being from 4pm-5:30pm every other day, but if the time of the live session is a potential obstacle for your enrolment on the course, please contact us), lots of interaction with other students, and personal tasks to complete through Moodle. A range of contemporary media will be used, including broadcasts, adverts, music and written texts.
Course fee
Free for University of Bath students. £50 for members of University of Bath staff and members of the public.
At home with German
This course is now full
Tutor
Elke Pawlowski
Dates
15 June – 24 June 2020
Language level required
The course is designed for students who have completed our Lower Intermediate or Intermediate units or have a GCSE / AS level or equivalent qualification in German.
Key learning objectives
- increase your communication skills for a range of work or leisure situations (topics include language at work, communication channels at and outside work, the German health system, the economy in different regions in Germany and culture during the Corona lockdown)
- expand your knowledge of German vocabulary and grammar and consolidate level A2/B1 of the CEFR
- develop learning strategies, skills and intercultural awareness that you can transfer to the world of work.
Teaching method
The course will be online. After each Moodle session you’ll be given tasks for self-study to enhance your learning and prepare for the next session. You can also discuss topics with other participants and access course materials and links through Moodle. The proposed time for live video sessions is 11am-12:30pm every other day, but if the time of the live session is a potential obstacle for your enrolment on the course, please contact us.
Course fee
Free for University of Bath students. £50 for members of University of Bath staff and members of the public.