Grammar and Vocabulary (B2-C1)

SWS: 2

ECTS: 3

Einstufungsergebnis: 60-94 

This class is designed for those who want to develop an advanced knowledge of English grammar as well as develop an extensive vocabulary. The grammar and vocabulary topics will include:  

• Review of tenses
• Passive voice
• Conditionals
• Reported speech
• Compound and complex sentences
• Thematic vocabulary (i.e., law, art, books and literature, environment)
• Phrasals, collocations, idiomatic expressions
• Prefixes and suffixes

We will practice these grammatical constructions and areas of vocabulary in communicative exercises in class. Be prepared to work in the self-study center as well.

Certificate requirements: Regular attendance and homework is a must. Your grade will be based on homework you have to hand in, active participation and a final exam.

Academic Writing: With and without AI (B2-C1)

SWS: 3

ECTS: 6

Einstufungsergebnis: 60-94

This Academic Writing (B2–C1) course develops students’ ability to write clear, well-structured academic texts with and without AI support. Students learn argumentation, research skills, citation, and genre awareness while critically engaging with AI as a writing tool. The course integrates ethical AI literacy, emphasizing transparency and academic integrity. Through targeted practice, peer review, and two major graded assignments—an AI-free academic essay and an AI-integrated research report—students strengthen their analytical writing, source integration, and revision skills. By the end of the course, they can independently produce coherent academic texts and use AI responsibly to support their academic development. It is expected to work independently for another 1 SWS per week; you will be asked to work additional hours in the self-study center. Your grade will be based on the two longer writing assignments and a portfolio. 

There will be a compensation class on Friday, 12 June. No class on May 7, 2026.

TOEFL and IELTS Exam Preparation (B2-C1)

14 UE

ECTS: 1

This two-session preparation course (14 and 21 NOvember 2025) will help you improve your English and help you with preparing for the TOEFL or IELTS test.

The primary aims of this course are: 

• to develop the English language skills that are necessary to be successful on the test
• to practice reading and the tested reading tasks, listening comprehension, addressing the speaking prompts, and responding to the writing tasks
• to become familiar with the format, organization, and scores of the tests
• to learn more about the differences between the two tests, and how to register and to self-study for the tests
• to practice the types of questions that are asked in each section

Some practice materials will be provided, but it is recommended that you have your own copy with official practice tests for personal use. For IELTS, you can use the Cambridge IELTS books (some older versions of which are also available at the library). For TOEFL, there is Princeton Review TOEFL IBT Prep or The Official Guide to the New TOEFL by ETS. These books are quite expensive if you buy them new, but there are also used options. We also have some practice materials which you can use while working at the Selbstlernzentrum (but you cannot take them out).