In this course we will critically explore concepts of race and racism. Race cannot be grounded biologically but is a social contruct ingrained in economic, political and cultural interests. We will look at race-based theories and discourses to examine race and racism from various perspectives.
The course includes weekly reading assignments and requires active participation in discussions based on a thorough preparation of the required reading and occasional film viewing. In addition, you must always bring at least one question or comment about the required reading with you to class (in hard copy). Students will give an oral presentation including a handout and may write a term paper.
A reader with course material will be made available at the beginning of the class. You will also find a choice of books on reserve shelf in the SUuB, 3rd floor.
Requirements:
Oral participation
In-depth knowledge of the reading material
Oral presentation and handout
Final paper (optional)
Please note that prior enrollment via Stud.IP is mandatory

Das Seminar kann auch als Modul FD3 Handlungskompetenzen angerechnet werden.

The aim of the seminar is to provide insights into foreign language acquisition at universities through research-based learning. We will first discuss different theoretical approaches to foreign language learning as well as aspects of learning theory (e.g. learner personality, affective factors) and specifics of language learning and teaching in adulthood/ higher education. Against the background of these theoretical basics, the participants develop research projects, carry them out at the Fremdsprachenzentrum Bremen (FZHB) and present their results in the seminar.

Starting with an exploration of critical approaches to tourism and tourist films in a transnational world we will analyze contemporary narrative films and how they construct and exploit touristic fantasies. We will critically examine narrative tropes such as postcolonial encounters, romantic entanglements and sexual adventures; we will assess the consumer-oriented aesthetics of these films; and moreover, we will reflect on the particular ideologies that come into play when the tourist experience becomes the focus of a filmic text.
Essential readings will be available for download on Stud-IP. You should also consult the 'Semesterapparat' (SuUB) for further readings.
Please note that prior enrollment via Stud.IP is mandatory.

Das Seminar kann auch als Modul FD3 Handlungskompetenzen angerechnet werden.

In the current area of increasing migration, foreign language learning is gaining momentum, as ac-quiring the target language is widely understood as one means to enable newly arrived migrants integration and participation. In the seminar, we will examine recent research and practical projects to enhance our understanding of the role language proficiency can play in the process of integra-tion. We will also explore “best practice” examples to understand the conditions under which lan-guages in immigration contexts can successfully be taught and acquired.
Within the realm of language teaching and learning, language tests are coming under scrutiny, as they are used and abused as gate keeping devices and as policy instruments to regulate entry and access. We will critically discuss ethical implications of different kinds of language test use. By re-viewing recent research projects and studies, we will deepen our understanding of the purposes language tests could and should serve in integration and migration contexts in order to ensure fair-ness, justice and ethical values.
You will have the opportunity to become familiar with current research and teaching projects in my working group and at the language centre. You will also have the chance to explore a relevant as-pect of your choice in more depths and present your findings in the seminar.

Dieses Seminar ist verpflichtend für alle Studierenden, die ihre Masterarbeit (M. Ed.) im Fach Englisch abfassen. Beachten Sie bitte, dass dieser verpflichtende zweite Teil des Seminars nur im SoSe 2015 angeboten wird (als Forsetzung des ersten Teils aus dem vorangehenden WS).
Dieses Seminar befasst sich mit der Analyse und Evaluation aktueller Forschungsliteratur im Bereich der Fremdsprachenforschung; in diesem akademischen Jahr liegt dabei ein Schwerpunkt auf der Methodologie des Design-Based Research. Das Seminar ist als Grundlage zur Begleitung der eigenen empirischen Studie im Rahmen der Masterarbeit konzipiert. Durch eine intensive Betrachtung der gängigen Forschungsmethoden und ihrer Umsetzung in bereits veröffentlichten Studien werden eine Reflexion über Sprachlernprozesse sowie die Förderung logischen und kritischen Denkens angeregt und das Eintauchen in die Hintergründe der Fremdsprachenforschung ermöglicht. Im Seminar sollen Studierende lernen, ihre Erfahrungen mit der Untersuchung neuerer Forschungsarbeiten im Sinne einer Entwicklung zum reflective practitioner als Basis für ihre eigene Lehrkompetenz im Fach Englisch zu begreifen. Deswegen beschäftigen wir uns im Seminar vorrangig mit der Interpretation von Erkenntnissen aus der Fremdsprachenforschung und ihrer Relevanz für die eigene Forschung im Rahmen der Masterarbeit sowie die (spätere) eigene Unterrichtspraxis.

In this class we will first learn about approaches and tools to literary analysis before we look at how we read texts specifically from a postcolonial perspective. We will then read and discuss two postcolonial novels: 1. The Caribbean text Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys (here the Norton Critical Edition) and the Nigerian text Oil on Water by Helon Habila. Please purchase and read both texts, they are available at the university bookstore on Universitätsboulevard for 11 € each at the beginning of April. All other texts are provided via StudIP.
Class requirements are regular attendance, in-depth knowledge of reading and viewing material, and active class discussion. Reading the texts and watching the films is mandatory. Please note that prior enrollment through StudIP is mandatory.

Applied linguistics involves „the theoretical and empirical investigation of real-world problems in which language is a central issue“ (Brumfit 1995: 27). In this class, we start with an overview of fields of applied linguistics, and then focus on three of these fields: critical applied linguistics, where we study gossip and teacher talk; the usefulness (or not) of corpora in language teaching; and finally forensic linguistics, the use of language by criminals, in police investigations and in court.
You will get to know the basic theoretical concepts of (critical) applied linguistics. You will test different methods for analyzing language, e.g. manual and automatic analyses of small or large amounts of text. Finally, you will practice your skills as researchers by conducting a study of your own favourite real-world language problem.
Requirements
Homework assignments (reading 10-30 pages each week; possibly some exercises).
Regular and active participation in all class work

BA ESC D 1a Portfolio (unbenotete Studienleistung, 3 CP)
BA ESC D 1c Term paper (benotete Prüfungsleistung, 3 CP)

Recommended literature (no need to buy any)
Coffin, Caroline & Theresa Lillis & Kieran O’Halloran. 2010. Applied Linguistics Methods: A Reader. London; New York: Routledge.
Loewen, Shawn & Luke Plonsky. 2016. An A-Z of Applied Linguistics Research Methods. London; New York: Palgrave Macmillan.

E-books:
Capelle, Carol. 2013. The Encyclopedia of Applied Linguistics. Wiley.
Davies, Alan. 2004. The Handbook of Applied Linguistics. Blackwell.

In this course we will critically explore concepts of race and racism. Race cannot be grounded biologically but is a social contruct ingrained in economic, political and cultural interests. We will look at race-based theories and discourses to examine race and racism from various perspectives.
The course includes weekly reading assignments and requires active participation in discussions based on a thorough preparation of the required reading and occasional film viewing. In addition, you must always bring at least one question or comment about the required reading with you to class (in hard copy). Students will give an oral presentation including a handout and may write a term paper.
A reader with course material will be made available at the beginning of the class. You will also find a choice of books on reserve shelf in the SUuB, 3rd floor.
Requirements:
Oral participation
In-depth knowledge of the reading material
Oral presentation and handout
Final paper (optional)
Please note that prior enrollment via Stud.IP is mandatory