Skills-oriented Learning at the ZFA
Course levels at the ZFA
Our course range is tailored to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (Council of Europe, 2000, abr. CEF). Our general language courses are all skills based, i.e. they train not only reading and listening skills, but also spoken and written expression. They lead up to a particular CEF level or part way towards a CEF level (where more than one course is required to reach a level). Below you can see a description of the various levels, which should give you an indication of what you can expect to be able to do at the end of your chosen course
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Detailed description of levels A1 and A2
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Detailed description of levels B1 and B2
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CEF reference levels
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Detailed information about the CEF
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Dialang self diagnostic system
gives you the opportunity to test yourself and find your level in various languages.
Arrangement of courses
Our skills-based courses generally require 4 teaching hours a week (4 SWS) although a few require only 2 SWS. They cover levels A1-C1, depending on the language concerned. As each language has its own characteristics and structures, the length of time it takes to reach a certain level can vary. As such, in some languages you require four courses to reach level B1 because, for example, you have to learn a completely new script. In other languages, two courses are enough as the degree of progression is swifter. This should not, however, influence your choice of language. Instead, your choice should be geared towards your academic needs and future career and which you find challenging and motivating. Bear in mind that a well rounded competence profile in a variety of languages can be a vital qualification for your professional life
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The CEF reference levels are divided as follows:
A1 and A2: Elementary use. These levels are supported in all languages we offer.
B1 and B2: Independent use. These levels are offered in courses for English, French, Italian, Dutch, Russian, Swedish, and Spanish. In Polish, Portuguese and Turkish, we offer courses up to level B1.
C1: Proficient use. Level C1 is available in English, French, Spanish and Swedish.
At levels A2, B1, B2 and C1 we offer UNIcert® exams in many languages. Further information is available here: www.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/zfa/allg/zert/
In addition to this, we offer a number of technical- and technically oriented language courses in English, French, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish and Turkish. The content of these courses is sometimes aimed at the needs of students in particular subject areas (eg. Chemistry, Economics, Engineering, Comparative Literature, Computer Science, Physics, Medicine) and sometimes open to students of all subjects. They are normally cross-level courses, designed for students of differing CEF levels. Some are designed for beginners, others set out a specific CEF level as an entry condition (in which case a placement test is compulsory). We are working constantly to extend the range of courses on offer and welcome suggestions from all subject areas. More information is available here: www.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/zfa/allg/zert/
www.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/zfa/sprachen/fach/ .
Finally, we also offer tandem courses. Exchanges are currently available for Dutch, Russian, Swedish and Spanish. A similar course for French is also being planned. For Italian we offer an E-tandem-programme. More information is available here: www.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/zfa/sgl/tandem/