Law and Judicial Culture in Germany

Specialised Course & Language Course

Period: 05.-31.08.2012

Target Group: Upper Levels (C1-C2). This course is for anyone who has an interest in the German legal system, the history of law, and the judicial culture in Germany, and for ERASMUS students who wish to attend a German university in the future.

Requirements: German language skills level C1 or higher. Basic legal knowledge is an advantage but not required.

Each legal system is an expression of a historically developed political culture. The culture moulds the legal system which in turn influences the culture. In this course, you will acquire knowledge about German law in its political, economic, religious, and historical context.

Specialised Course "Law and Judicial Culture in Germany"

The course in the afternoon deals with the German legal terminology based on the special features of the German legal system. There is also an opportunity for international comparison and discussing current events.

Overview of the course content:

• Public law, criminal and civil law allowing for the social context of the Federal Republic of Germany
• Practical exercises with legal terminology
• Visits to court hearings
• Discussion of current cases

Intercultural Language Course

The language course in the morning introduces the social context of the German legal system. 

Within each level, all courses deal with the following regional topics with varying degrees of difficulty:

• Germany Through Foreign Eyes
• Everyday Life in Germany
• Regional Variety
• Cultural Variety
• Germany in the World

"German as a foreign language" consists not only of vocabulary and correct sentence structure. Germans also structure their conversations in a particular way and adhere to a culture-specific set of values. This adherence to culture in communication is a particular focus. Therefore a connection between foreign language and foreign understanding is formed.

At the start of the summer university, you will be allocated to the course which is most suitable for you by means of an assessment. You strengthen your German language skills through dealing with stylistics, idiomology, and vocabulary relevant to the issue. Aspects of German literature, culture, and society will be analysed and discussed. You can also give your own presentation if you wish. 

This course consists of 28 hours per week: 

20 hours of language course in the morning from 9 am to 12:30 pm and  
8 hours of specialised course in the afternoon from 1:30 pm to 3 pm.

With regular attendance and a successfully passed final exam, you will receive ECTS credits for this course.

You may choose from the culture programme in the afternoon and evening according to your interests. 

Cost: Course fee 650 € +registration fee 100 € + accommodation