Search result: Catalogue data in Spring Semester 2021

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

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

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

Students who already took a course within their main study program are NOT allowed to take the course again.
Language Courses of the UZH and ETH Zurich
A maximum of three credits from language courses may be recognised. In addition, only advanced courses (level B2 upwards) in the European languages English, French, Italian and Spanish are recognised. German language courses are recognised from level C2 upwards.

Course fees: Link
Registration dates: Link
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
851-0820-01LFrench B2-C1: Language and Cinema Information
No enrolment to this course at ETH Zurich. Book the corresponding course directly at "Language Center of UZH and ETH Zürich".

Course fees: Link

Registration dates: Link
W2 credits1GUniversity lecturers
AbstractThis course offers participants a choice of films that reflect recent issues in order to raise their awareness of the ongoing concerns of contemporary French cinema, and also to enable them to improve their speaking skills, mainly through oral presentations.
ObjectiveThe primary objective of this course is to develop participants’ listening comprehension skills and more specifically, to improve their understanding of implicit and cultural meanings of the films on the program. It further aims to raise participants' awareness of the history, aesthetics, and contemporary issues of French cinema. The second objective of the course is to improve participants’ speaking skills, especially by giving them the opportunity to produce structured presentations and to express their personal, informed, and nuanced opinions.
851-0827-01LFrench B2.2-C1: Society and Current Issues Information
No enrolment to this course at ETH Zurich. Book the corresponding course directly at "Language Center of UZH and ETH Zürich".

Course fees: Link

Registration dates: Link
W2 credits1GUniversity lecturers
AbstractThis course offers participants the opportunity to read, and reflect in class on, challenging texts on societal issues that regularly appear on the French-language news agenda, in order to expand their cultural knowledge, and specifically, to improve their lexical skills in writing and speaking, as well as express complex personal opinions when speaking.
ObjectiveThe main objective of this course is to develop participants’ written comprehension and expression and, more specifically, to explore the implicit and cultural aspects of a variety of text genres (academic writing, essays, investigative journalism). This course aims to improve participants' language skills through the acquisition of precise and context-specific vocabulary. It also raises their awareness of the argumentative character of written texts, words or expressions used in writing, and various types of discourse and language registers.
851-0816-05LFrench B2-C1: Textual Grammar Information
No enrolment to this course at ETH Zurich. Book the corresponding course directly at "Language Center of UZH and ETH Zürich".

Course fees: Link

Registration dates: Link
W2 credits1GUniversity lecturers
AbstractThis course offers participants the opportunity to recognize, practice, and improve some of the fundamental and relevant linguistic tools they need in order to write academic texts in French.
ObjectiveThe main objective of this course is to improve participants’ competence in written French through the mastery of grammatical rules and their practical application; this will ensure the correctness of participants’ utterances at text level and help them with some difficult areas of the French language. The course focuses on a descriptive approach of linguistic tools to improve written academic French (reports, abstracts) and business writing in general (covering letters) through targeted exercises.
851-0816-15LFrench B2: Debating and Presentation Skills Information
No enrolment to this course at ETH Zurich. Book the corresponding course directly at "Language Center of UZH and ETH Zürich".

Course fees: Link

Registration dates: Link
W1 credit1GUniversity lecturers
AbstractThis course offers participants the opportunity to initiate and practice debating in French by developing and improving specific linguistic tools in order to allow them to speak fluently in controversial discussions.
ObjectiveThis course allows participants to develop their speaking skills through active contributions in debates. More specifically, it aims at participants’ production of clear and reasoned statements to ensure better communication. An additional goal is to improve participants’ listening comprehension skills.
851-0815-04LFrench B2: Brush up your Skills Information
No enrolment to this course at ETH Zurich. Book the corresponding course directly at "Language Center of UZH and ETH Zürich".

Course fees: Link

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W2 credits2GUniversity lecturers
AbstractThe course is organized around the communicative tasks that participants learn to perform. These relate to the university environment and are addressed both in terms of essential language skills at B2 level and of extra-linguistic skills (cultural knowledge, gestures, etc.) required to deal with these situations.
ObjectiveThe objective of this course is to familiarize participants with the performance of communicative tasks specific to the academic world and, in so doing, to consolidate their general production and comprehension skills (oral and written) at B2 level.
851-0816-13LFrench B2.2-C2: Practising French in Context Information
Does not take place this semester.
No enrolment to this course at ETH Zurich. Book the corresponding course directly at "Language Center of UZH and ETH Zürich".

Course fees: Link

Registration dates: Link
W1 credit1GUniversity lecturers
AbstractThis course offers participants the opportunity to carry out a "case study" based on a topical issue in order to practice and improve the four language skills by developing a fictitious but plausible scenario that requires the use of specific rhetorical, lexical, and pragmatic tools.
ObjectiveThe main objective of this course is to give participants an opportunity to practice and improve the four language skills (speaking and listening comprehension, writing and reading comprehension) through "case studies." Participants present a complex topic and interact by defending a point of view and/or responding to objections. In addition, the course allows participants to develop their knowledge of Francophone culture (the media and the press).
851-0832-10LAdvanced English for Academic Purposes (C1-C2) Information
No enrolment to this course at ETH Zurich. Book the corresponding course directly at "Language Center of UZH and ETH Zürich".

Course fees: Link

Registration dates: Link
W2 credits2GUniversity lecturers
AbstractThis course is designed for Bachelor’s and Master’s students from all disciplines who wish to improve their English from C1 towards C2 level and train their language skills at mastery level. Selected academic English features are included to add value to the course to meet standard entrance requirements by leading universities and colleges worldwide.
ObjectiveParticipants should already have reached C1 level (advanced) as defined in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The course is also open to participants whose level is above C1.

The course aims to train and develop linguistic skills at mastery level, with a focus on formal and informal academic lexis, on listening and oral communication skills, and on increasing fluency, accuracy, and complexity of spoken language. Students will work on writing well-structured descriptive texts and argumentative essays, with the aim of fulfilling the language requirements for study at an English-speaking university or following university Master’s courses held in English.
851-0886-00LNew Zealand Through Literature and Film (C1-C2) Information
No enrolment to this course at ETH Zurich. Book the corresponding course directly at "Language Center of UZH and ETH Zürich".

Course fees: Link

Registration dates: Link
W2 credits2GUniversity lecturers
AbstractThis course is designed for non-native English speakers at Bachelor’s and Master’s level from all disciplines who wish to gain an insight into New Zealand culture, history, and society through its rich tradition in film and literature, while improving their English language skills further towards C2.
ObjectiveIn this course, students are introduced to New Zealand through its rich tradition of literature and film. The course addresses issues that have arisen in this former colony from its earliest settlement to the present day. Key questions include: What did New Zealand mean to its early settlers? Where did they come from? What is the Treaty of Waitangi, and what is its status today? How culturally diverse is New Zealand, and what is bi-culturalism in New Zealand? How did early European settlers view New Zealand, and what does it mean to be a New Zealander today?

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

Overall, the aims are that students become more discerning readers, improve their skills in expressing their views in written and spoken form clearly and concisely, and gain an understanding of the importance of literature and film to the development of New Zealand’s unique present-day identity.
851-0856-04LSpanish B2-C1: Grammar and Communication Information
Does not take place this semester.
No enrolment to this course at ETH Zurich. Book the corresponding course directly at "Language Center of UZH and ETH Zürich".

Course fees: Link

Registration dates: Link
W2 credits2GUniversity lecturers
AbstractThe main subject matter of this course includes a systematic discussion of the usage of past tenses; subordinate clauses; linking expressions; reported speech; periphrastic verb constructions; and verbs of change. In addition, participants undertake individual reading of various text types, with a particular emphasis on technical subjects and/or subjects related to their fields of study
ObjectiveIn this course, participants acquire oral and written academic communication skills; they acquire knowledge of the grammar areas relevant to B2-C1 level of the Common European Framework Reference for Languages; and they consolidate previously acquired grammar.
851-0846-01LSpanish B2: Starter Information
No enrolment to this course at ETH Zurich. Book the corresponding course directly at "Language Center of UZH and ETH Zürich".

Course fees: Link

Registration dates: Link
W2 credits2GUniversity lecturers
AbstractThe grammar in this course focuses on the introduction of the “imperfecto de subjuntivo” and the “pluscuamperfecto de subjuntivo”. The corresponding indicatives are also included. Various text types are focused on, and participants give simple oral presentations on a topic from their field of study. Participants also practice their oral expression and discussion skills.
ObjectiveParticipants improve their understanding of grammatical usage by investigating written and spoken texts. They put newly acquired language patterns into practice when writing and speaking, and they acquire vocabulary on current contemporary issues; they also acquire specialist vocabulary from their fields of study.
Participants are able to write clear and detailed texts on scientific issues from their specific fields of study.
851-0834-17LSpanish B2: Oral Interaction Information
Does not take place this semester.
No enrolment to this course at ETH Zurich. Book the corresponding course directly at "Language Center of UZH and ETH Zürich".

Course fees: Link

Registration dates: Link
W2 credits2GUniversity lecturers
AbstractParticipants practice a range of oral interactions, such as casual and formal conversation, interviews, debates, negotiations, and presentations. They discuss current issues and their fields of study and/or work.
ObjectiveThe course aims to expose participants to a range of conversational situations, providing them with tools that help them to improve their ability to perform various tasks linguistically and socially.
851-0849-00LBrazilian Portuguese A1 Information
No enrolment to this course at ETH Zurich. Book the corresponding course directly at "Language Center of UZH and ETH Zürich".

Course fees: Link

Registration dates: Link
W2 credits2GUniversity lecturers
AbstractThis course is designed for participants with no previous knowledge of Portuguese.
In the course, participants learn simple basic vocabulary, common daily idiomatic expressions, and fundamental grammar. The focus is on the phonetic features of Portuguese language. Intercultural and cultural issues relating to Brazil are also taken into consideration.
ObjectiveParticipants can understand and form simple questions, messages, and requests.
851-0849-01LBrazilian Portuguese A2 Information
No enrolment to this course at ETH Zurich. Book the corresponding course directly at "Language Center of UZH and ETH Zürich".

Course fees: Link

Registration dates: Link
W2 credits2GUniversity lecturers
AbstractThis course is designed for participants with a basic knowledge of Portuguese (level A1).
The course deals with everyday topics. Participants practice simple forms of communication as these occur in daily life. Lexical and linguistic structures are taught within these contexts. Intercultural and socio-cultural issues relating to Brazil are also taken into consideration.
ObjectiveParticipants can talk and write about themselves and everyday topics using simple sentences. They can take part in simple daily conversations, understand and write simple messages, describe an event in a time sequence, and express wishes, assumptions, and recommendations.
851-0849-02LBrazilian Portuguese B1 Information
No enrolment to this course at ETH Zurich. Book the corresponding course directly at "Language Center of UZH and ETH Zürich".

Course fees: Link

Registration dates: Link
W2 credits2GUniversity lecturers
AbstractThis course is designed for participants with an A2 level in Portuguese.
The course deals with everyday topics. Participants practice forms of communication as these occur in daily life. Lexical and linguistic structures are taught within these contexts. Intercultural and socio-cultural issues relating to Brazil are also taken into consideration.
ObjectiveParticipants can deal with everyday situations; they can talk about their experiences, opinions, wishes, and plans in simple coherent sentences.
851-0826-05LItalian B2: Italian for Academic Purposes Information
Does not take place this semester.
No enrolment to this course at ETH Zurich. Book the corresponding course directly at "Language Center of UZH and ETH Zürich".

Course fees: Link

Registration dates: Link
W2 credits1GUniversity lecturers
AbstractIn this course, participants examine and write/prepare various academic text genres, including scientific essays, abstracts, oral presentations, and handouts.
ObjectiveThe course aims to deepen participants’ mastery of academic language. By reading scientific texts and listening to university lectures, participants analyze and study the linguistic structures of these text genres and learn specialist vocabulary from their field of study.
851-0826-04LItalian B2-C1: Language and Literature Information
Does not take place this semester.
No enrolment to this course at ETH Zurich. Book the corresponding course directly at "Language Center of UZH and ETH Zürich".

Course fees: Link

Registration dates: Link
W2 credits2GUniversity lecturers
AbstractThe course approaches the Italian language through short stories, relevant both for their linguistic structures and content, which is related to historical and sociological realities typical for Italy. Participants deepen their lexical and syntactic competence by means of oral and written presentations, class discussions, reflections on the structures of the stories, and targeted exercises.
ObjectiveThe course offers participants the opportunity to:
- Better understand complex literary texts
- Be able to grasp nuances of meaning expressed through certain lexical and syntactical choices more effectively
- Learn how to express themselves clearly and in a differentiated way
- Understand through short narrative texts some cultural and social realities typical of Italy
851-0852-00LRussian II (A1.2) Information
No enrolment to this course at ETH Zurich. Book the corresponding course directly at "Language Center of UZH and ETH Zürich".

Course fees: Link

Registration dates: Link
W2 credits2GUniversity lecturers
AbstractRussian II leads to A1.2 level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. The course is the second part of a five-semester Russian course. In this course, participants continue to work on basic features of Russian grammar. Emphasis is also placed on the extension of basic vocabulary, reading competence, conversation, and intercultural competence.
ObjectiveParticipants are able to use Russian adequately in selected areas. The focus is on speaking, reading comprehension, and listening comprehension skills at A1.2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, and on developing cultural competence. Special importance is attached to an academic environment and student life.

The course deals with the following content: Reading Russian script and writing about what someone is doing or not doing; talking about leisure activities; talking about whether or not one likes doing something and/or does something regularly; expressing an opinion on activities; giving the time of day and days of the week; talking about past actions; talking about past and present professions, activities, and jobs; talking about the nature of actions; making telephone calls; reading an interview in a newspaper; giving information about the process and duration of an action; and naming souvenirs.
851-0854-01LRussian IV (A2.2) Information
No enrolment to this course at ETH Zurich. Book the corresponding course directly at "Language Center of UZH and ETH Zürich".

Course fees: Link

Registration dates: Link
W2 credits2GUniversity lecturers
AbstractRussian IV leads to A2.1 level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. The course is the fourth part of a five-semester Russian course. In this course, participants extend their ability to express themselves, in particular regarding travel, living, and personality; it also extends participants’ grammar skills.
ObjectiveParticipants are able to use Russian adequately in selected areas. The focus is on speaking, reading comprehension, and listening comprehension skills at A2.2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, and on developing cultural competence. Special importance is attached to an academic environment and student life.

The course deals with the following content: Talking about hotel services; having a conversation at the hotel reception; expressing satisfaction; making a complaint; making recommendations; giving information about distances; talking about apartments and their location, interior decoration, and price; understanding real estate adverts; describing where someone or something is located; expressing wishes and perceptions; understanding a written invitation with directions; describing people’s appearance; talking about clothing; giving compliments; making requests; making comparisons; talking about people’s characters and attributes; and talking about relationships and friendship.
851-0855-01LRussian for Insiders: Deepen Your Heritage Language Skills (A2-C1) Information
Does not take place this semester.
No enrolment to this course at ETH Zurich. Book the corresponding course directly at "Language Center of UZH and ETH Zürich".

Course fees: Link

Registration dates: Link
W2 credits2GUniversity lecturers
AbstractThis course targents students with Russian as a heritage language - students who have grown up outside the Russian language area, but who spoke or speak (partly) Russian in their family environment and already have an oral knowledge of the language (level A2-C1). A prior knowledge of the Russian script is welcome, but not mandatory.
ObjectiveThe participants deepen their competences in Russian script and orthography as well as their reading comprehension and stylistics (concerning the productive competences in writing) with the aim to be able to use the Russian language also outside the domestic domain, especially in a academic and professional environment.
The detailed learning objectives in the above-mentioned fields will be established individually at the beginning of the course with regard to the students' prior knowledge and their needs.
851-0862-00LArabic II (A1.2) Information
No enrolment to this course at ETH Zurich. Book the corresponding course directly at "Language Center of UZH and ETH Zürich".

Course fees: Link

Registration dates: Link
W3 credits4GUniversity lecturers
AbstractArabic II leads to A1 .2l evel on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. It is the second part (A1.2 level) of a four-semester Arabic course. The goal of the course is for participants to extend and consolidate their basic language skills in speaking, listening comprehension, and the reading and writing of Arabic script.
ObjectiveParticipants are able to use the Arabic language adequately in selected areas and can conduct themselves in a culturally appropriate manner. In addition to speaking, reading comprehension, and listening comprehension skills, special importance is attached to writing short texts. In terms of grammar, key topics that are dealt with include personal suffixes and genitive connections. The following content areas are embedded in various communicative tasks: Describing your environment (apartment, family, place of study), finding your way around, obtaining information (e.g. about renting an apartment), and going shopping.
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