Additional language courses offered by the department
What language courses are we talking about here?
These language courses are additional offerings from the department that go beyond the foreign language requirements relevant to the JAG program (international legal terminology). They teach skills—such as presentation and debating skills—that are useful for further studies and the professional world, and integrate them with the relevant background knowledge and specialized vocabulary.
International Legal English
This course is primarily designed to train participants in group work and presentations. No placement test is required for this course; however, participants should have English proficiency at the B2 level.
Contemporary Legal Issues and Academic Skills
This course is designed for law students who wish to improve their English proficiency to the B2 level (CEFR) in order to prepare themselves optimally for a semester abroad. Taught in a seminar format, the course covers current legal topics from the Anglo-American legal system, basic legal vocabulary, academic writing, and presentation and debating skills. The course is particularly aimed at students who need proof of language proficiency to apply for a study abroad program. Please check in advance whether this course meets the requirements of your host university.
Introducción al Derecho en América Latina
This course provides a comprehensive overview of the legal systems of Latin America and their interrelationships. Participants will gain fascinating insights into the history and dynamics of law in Latin America, become familiar with key terms in Spanish legal terminology, and explore the major legal challenges of the 21st century.
Course Description:
- A legal English course offered at the law faculty in Bonn
- Lasting one semester (offered each semester) at 4 contact hours a week
Course Subjects:
- Contracts and Remedies
- The Judicial System of England and Wales
- Legal Latin and Jury Trial
- Anglo-American legal concepts, terms and vocabulary
Course Aims and Learning Outcomes:
- Legal vocabulary acquisition and the ability to use this when talking about law in English
- Students' verbal improvement by using new vocabulary and structures through presentations/discussion/debate, explanation and clarification
Please note the following:
- No entrance test is required for this course. But, it is highly recommended that applicants are on the B2 CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) English language level for successful participation.
- During the course, students will be required to learn a large amount of legal vocabulary, including legal concepts, and be able to explain these in class. The course is highly student production orientated (group work + presentations etc.): students who wish to take part must be prepared to: Participate with verbal contribution - Learn/contribute independently and in groups - attend class regularly.
- At the end of the course, students will be issued a certificate of attendance. Therefore, it is required that you may not miss more than two sessions throughout the semester.
- There will be no exam.
Course Description:
- A course designed for law students to further develop their English language skills to the B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)
- One semester in duration with 4 contact hours (= 4SWS)
- Seminar style including short presentations
Course Subjects:
- Current legal issues from the Anglo-American world (e.g. freedom of speech on campus)
- Basic vocabulary in the field of Legal English
- Short presentations and debates
- Academic writing and formal correspondence
- Skills and strategies needed for academic and intercultural exchange
Course Aims & Learning Outcomes
- By successfully completing this course, students will reach B2 level (CEFR) in English.
- Develop skills and strategies for successful participation in study abroad programs.
- Enhance pluricultural competence
Please note the following:
- Target Group: This course is predominantly intended for students who plan to apply for a study abroad program through the International Coordination Team (“Auslandskoordination”) of the Department of Law. "Contemporary Legal Issues" provides proof of English proficiency at the B2 level. Please confirm with your chosen host university whether they have a language requirement and whether this course meets it.
- Admission Requirements: You must be enrolled in the Faculty of Law and Economics.
- Prerequisites: No entrance test is required. However, a minimum English level of B1 (CEFR) is recommended. Various placement tests are available online. For recommendations, you may contact k.petersen@uni-bonn.de.
- Attendance Policy: Attendance is compulsory. A maximum of 8 teaching hours (equivalent to 6 hours) of absence permitted.
- Final exam: Written exam including listening comprehension, reading comprehension, and writing. Duration: 2 hours
- Certification: Students may use their transcript as proof of their language level when applying for a study abroad placement; however, they must first confirm with the host university whether this form of documentation will be accepted. Please note that this course does not provide certification equivalent to internationally recognized examinations such as UNIcert®, TOEFL, or IELTS.
Descripción del curso:
- El presente curso busca ofrecer a la comunidad estudiantil de la Facultad de Derecho de la Universidad de Bonn una visión general, desde el Derecho comparado y con alto contenido crítico, de los distintos ordenamientos jurídicos imperantes en América Latina y las relaciones que entre ellos existen.
- Intensidad semanal: 2 SWS.
Contenido:
-
Introducción a la terminología jurídica en español: conceptos básicos.
- Aspectos fundamentales de la Teoría General del Derecho.
- Historia y evolución del Derecho en América Latina.
- Derecho Constitucional Comparado en Latinoamérica.
- Derecho Civil Comparado en Latinoamérica.
- Derecho Penal Comparado en Latinoamérica.
- Nuevos retos del Derecho para la América Latina del Siglo XXI.
Objetivos:
- Brindar a quienes participen del curso todas las herramientas necesarias para comprender, reflexionar y participar del análisis social y académico del Derecho en América Latina, no solo dentro del aula de clases, sino, especialmente, fuera de ella.
-
Despertar un espíritu pluralista y multicultural en los y las participantes del curso.
Nota:
- Para participar del curso no se requieren conocimientos previos. Sin embargo, se recomienda que los estudiantes dispongan mínimo de un nivel de español B1 según el MCER (Marco Común Europeo de Referencia para las Lenguas).
- Al final del curso, el o la participante recibirá un certificado de asistencia. Para tal fin, se deberá haber asistido al menos a tres cuartas partes (3/4) de todas las sesiones de clase durante el semestre.
- No habrá examen.
No, these events are additional language courses offered by the department. They are not part of the International Legal Terminology program. You can view those at the following link: Foreign Language Certificate.
There is no semester limit, so you can start as early as the first semester.
You can register for these courses on BASIS. Please follow this path in the course catalog:
Rechtswissenschaft ⇒ PO Rechtswissenschaft 2023 ⇒ Extracurriculare Veranstaltungen ⇒ Zusatzangebote ⇒ Fremdsprachenausbildung - Dann klicken Sie entsprechend auf "Englischkurse" oder "Spanischkurse."
Now select the course you wish to take and click the turquoise button labeled "Belegen" /“Register.”
Detailed instructions for registration can be found in the BASIS Registration Guide.
Yes, provided you successfully complete the course. However, the requirements—such as whether attendance alone is sufficient or whether an exam is also required—depend on the specific course.
Dr. Kerstin Petersen (Fremdsprachen)
Adenauerallee 18-22
53113 Bonn
Paula Schier
Adenauerallee 18-22
53113 Bonn
Kim Ihrlich
Adenauerallee 18-22
53113 Bonn