Workshop

Bern, September 19/20, 2008

Organizer: Marc Matter, UniBe

Giving research presentations in social anthropology
This course provides a practical, model-based approach to presenting scientific information in English, either at conferences or in the classroom.

Aims
Basically, the course aims to:
-  improve participants’ spoken communication,
-  build up confidence and fluency in participants’ English,
-  help participants to design more effective talks.

Contents
Aspects of presenting covered include: Introductions, explanations, comparing results, summaries and conclusions, handling questions, planning and referring to visual aids. If desired, a session on discussing and debating (as in panel discussions) can be included.

Working Methods
The course applies a variety of learning/teaching methods, including audio and written presentation of new language, small-group practice, whole-group simulations, written correction, and video recording of participants.

Dates and place
Friday & Saturday, September 19 & 20, 2008; 9.00 - 17.30; University of Bern

Language level
A solid but not brilliant knowledge of English is needed (e.g. Council of Europe level B2 or Cambridge First Certificate).

Preparation
It is assumed that participants will come with a short talk or presentation that they want to work on and perfect. The text of this talk (two to three pages) may be submitted to the instructor for correction before the course starts (hikermarc70@yahoo.com).

Instructor
Marc Matter, MA, Linguistics Department, University of Bern. Marc Matter has been teaching presentation and writing courses for Swiss researchers in various fields such as medicine, physiotherapy, natural and social sciences.