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851-0832-11L 2 Credits DS D-GESS

Advanced English for Academic Purposes (C1-C2)

Lecturers & Examiners: Rupert Taylor
Your course regristration is only valid with a simultaneous online registration at the "Language Center of UZH and ETH Zurich" ( ). Course fee: CHF 80.00
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:40:40

Abstract

This course is designed for Bachelor and Master 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.

Objective

Participants should already have reached a level of C1 (advanced), as defined in the Council of Europe Global Scale. 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 lexis, on listening and oral communication skills, increasing fluency, accuracy and complexity of spoken language; writing well-structured descriptive texts and argumentative essays, with the aim to fulfill the language requirements for study at an English speaking university or follow University Masters Courses held in English.

Content

The course covers: a review of vocabulary building and extension, including the Academic Word List and formulaic language; input on academic reading, writing and listening comprehension; and improvement of grammatical accuracy. Special emphasis is placed on individual speaking, argumentative discourse and group discussions, to enhance fluency and confidence. Where possible, students will be asked to reflect on how the course content relates to their own academic disciplines.

Resources

Lecture Notes

No script. Handouts will be delivered weekly and published on Moodle.

Literature

Participants will be expected to make a small contribution to the costs of any photocopies necessary.

General Information

Language
English
Levels
DS
Frequency
Semesterly recurring

Examination

Type
graded semester performance

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Advanced English for Academic Purposes (C1-C2)
**Kurs vom Sprachenzentrum der UZH und der ETH Zürich** Mehr Infos unter: Die Lehrveranstaltung wird in 2 Parallelkursen angeboten. Bitte melden Sie sich direkt über die Homepage des Sprachenzentrums für einen der zwei Parallelkurse an. 1. Kurs: Mittwoch 08.00 - 10.00 Uhr 2. Kurs: Donnerstag 08.00 - 10.00 Uhr
  • Wed 08:15-10:00 (LEE D 101)
  • Thu 08:15-10:00 (LEE D 101)
2 h weekly

Offered In

  • GESS Science in Perspective (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 (Please be advised that your online-registration at the language centre of UZH and ETH Zurich has to be simultaneous ( ) as otherwise your registration for the course will not be valid. There is a course fee of CHF 80.-. Except for: Greek Basic Courses, Heureka and Reading Course Latein. 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.)