The aim of the course is to develop students’ literacy, analytical and critical thinking skills by a systematic discussion, reading and critical analysis of stimulating, cognitively challenging, yet engaging topics presented through selected creative and theoretical texts in English language. The course consists of five interdisciplinary units which explore different facets of human existence and give different perspectives on what it means to be human (not only) at the beginning of the 21^st century:

1) The Human/Machine

2) (Female) Heroes = Heroines

3) Stories in Context: Literature and the “Humanities”

4) No Fear (Modern/Contemporary) Drama

5) Apocalypse …Now!

The primary reading list is organised around the given thematic areas and includes texts (and other works of art) of all genres, forms, historical periods, and/or media; for both methodological and practical reasons, the typical length of individual texts typically does not exceed 30,000 words; secondary reading consists of unabridged sections – typically up to 500 words – taken from relevant essays and/or studies on the discussed topic.    

Consequently, the primary and secondary texts are neither abridged nor simplified; instead, the course aims to encourage – or even provoke – students to engage with authentic, original, often demanding texts. This is possible through careful language and content scaffolding, attractive lead-ins, comprehension questions and stimulating content, which – together teachers’ encouragement and enthusiasm – supports student autonomy and empowers them to (at least partially) take over the responsibility for the learning process.