TÜ-VIP October 2026

Syllabus (printable PDF)

Which skills can I gain here?

Multilingual competence and global awareness

"My TÜ-VIP German course is just awesome! What I enjoy the most is learning everyday conversations. I especially loved Anna's recommendations for beginner-friendly learning materials. The small group exercises are also great, especially when we pronounce words in funny ways. That moment made us all laugh and made learning so much more relaxed."

Course content

Learn German and get a (virtual) impression of the inviting atmosphere of Tübingen! This course will cover all aspects of German needed for conversations and communication routines in everyday life. Lessons are lively and communicative, connecting intense language training with general knowledge of Germany and Tübingen.
Classes are available on different levels:

Absolute Beginners (A1.1): for students with no prior knowledge of German, no placement test required
Elementary German I (European Framework of reference: A1.2): for beginners with some previous knowledge (A1.1 completed/about 60 hours of German). Take placement test A1.
Elementary German II (European Framework of reference: A2): for advanced beginners (A1 finished/minimum 120 hours of German). Take placement test A2.

Learning objectives

Depending on your language level, you will…

• learn to communicate in the German Language
• develop your communivative skills on a variety of topics
• develop reading and writing

Method of instruction

Distance learning. Courses run for 3 academic hours each (1 h = 45 minutes).
Classes will be taught via Zoom (90 minutes/week) and the Tübingen’s Content Management System (Moodle) (45 minutes/week).

Academic hours

2 hours/week on Zoom + 1 hour/week on learning platform

Course requirements

Placement test at registration is mandatory (this does not apply to absolute beginners).

Credits & grading

4 ECTS

Coursework in order to get ECTS Credits: Weekly assignments, quizzes.

Course language

German

Number of places

Minimum 8 per course

Course Instructors

TBC

Schedule

Courses take place Tuesdays at 9.00 am or 5.00 pm (German time)

First lesson on Tuesday, October 06, 2026 at 9.00 am or 5.00 pm (German time)

Please note: If you want to attend one of our German beginner classes (only open to students who are currently NOT enrolled at the University of Tübingen) and already have some knowledge of German please take one of the following online tests:

https://einstufungstests.klett-sprachen.de/eks/einstufungstest-netzwerkneu-a1 : take this one, if you are a beginner with some previous knowledge (A1.1 completed/about 60 hours of German)

https://einstufungstests.klett-sprachen.de/eks/einstufungstest-netzwerkneu-a2 : take this one, if you are an advanced beginner (A1 finished/minimum 120 hours of German)

Please choose the appropriate test! Take the test until you feel that it is becoming too difficult. Then click on the button "einreichen" for the results.

Here is a powerpoint presentation with step-by.step instructions on how to complete the test, should you need it: 

PPT Explanation Placement Test

You will be asked for an email address to send the results to - please send this test to tuevip@uni-tuebingen.de. Your registration for a German language class will only be valid with this official test result!

This does NOT apply if you do NOT have any prior knowledge of German.

Syllabus (printable PDF)

Which skills can I gain here?

Multilingual competence and dialogue

"It's not just a class where you sit and take information in for 1hr 30mins. You get to interact and practice what you learn, and the teacher is amazing. I recommend it!"

Course content

Learn German and get a (virtual) impression of the inviting atmosphere of Tübingen! This course will cover all aspects of German needed for conversations and communication routines in everyday life. Lessons are lively and communicative, connecting intense language training with general knowledge of Germany and Tübingen.
Level of this class: Intermediate German (European Framework of Reference B1)

Learning objectives

Depending on your language level, you will⋯
- learn to communicate in the German Language
- develop your communivative skills on a variety of topics
- develop reading and writing

Method of instruction

Distance learning. Courses run for 3 academic hours each (1 h = 45 minutes).
Courses will be taught via ZOOM (90 minutes/week) and Tübingen's Content Management System (Moodle) (45 minutes/week).

Academic hours

2 hours/week on Zoom + 1 hour/week on learning platform

Course requirements

Intermediate language level (= B1). Placement test at registration is mandatory.

Credits & grading

4 ECTS

Coursework in order to get ECTS Credits: Weekly assignments, quizzes.

Course language

German

Number of places

Minimum 8 per course

Course Instructor

TBC

Schedule

Course takes place Tuesdays at 9.00 am (German time)

First lesson on Tuesday, October 06, 2026, at 9.00 am (German time)

Please note: If you want to attend our German intermediate class (only open to students who are currently NOT enrolled at the University of Tübingen), please take the following online test:

https://einstufungstests.klett-sprachen.de/eks/einstufungstest-netzwerkneu-b1/

Take the test until you feel that it is becoming too difficult. Then click on the button "einreichen" for the results.

You will be asked for an email address to send the results to - please send this test to tuevip@uni-tuebingen.de. Your registration for a German language class will only be valid with this official test result!

This does NOT apply if you do NOT have any prior knowledge of German.

Here is a powerpoint presentation with step-by-step instructions on how to complete the test, should you need it:

PPT Explanation Placement Test

Syllabus (printable PDF)

Which skills can I learn here?

Multilingual competence and global awareness.

Course content

This course will cover all aspects of Swahili needed for conversations and communication routines needed in everyday life. Lessons are lively and communicative connecting intense language training with general knowledge of ‘Kiswahili’ and East Africa.
Level of this class:
Elementary Swahili I (European Framework of reference: A1)

Learning objectives

In this course, you will:
- Learn to communicate in the Swahili Language;
- Develop your communicative skills in a variety of topics;
- Develop reading and writing skills.

Method of instruction

Distance Learning. The course runs for 3 academic hours (1h = 45 minutes) and will be taught via ZOOM (90minutes/week) and Tübingen's Content Management System (Moodle) (45 minutes/week).

Academic hours

2 hours/week on Zoom + 1 hour/week on learning platform

Course requirements

Anyone who is interested in learning Swahili can participate in this course as it is for beginners.

Credits & grading

4 ECTS 

Regular attendance (students may only be absent twice!); 3 graded assignments, including at least one oral grade.

(For BA Minor African Literary & Cultural Studies, 6 ECTS can be awarded in relation to the greater workload)

Course language

Swahili and English

Number of places

Minimum 8/class

Course instructor

Drs. Tirza Schipper

Schedule

Courses take place Wednesdays at 7.00 pm (German Time)

First lesson on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at 7.00 pm (German Time)

Syllabus (printable PDF)

Which skills can I learn here?

Language learning and global awareness.

Course content

This course will cover all aspects of Wolof needed for conversations and communication routines in everyday life. Lessons are lively and communicative connecting intense language training with general knowledge of Wolof and West Africa.
Level of this class:
Elementary Wolof I (European Framework of reference: A1)

Learning objectives

At the end of the course, you will be able to:
- Communicate in the Wolof language;
- Show your communicative skills in a variety of topics such as: greetings, directions, restaurant, conversations about health, cultural notes, etc. 

Method of instruction

Distance Learning. The course runs for 3 academic hours (1h = 45 minutes) and will be taught via ZOOM (90minutes/week) and Tübingen's Content Management System (Moodle) (45 minutes/week).

Academic hours

2 hours/week on Zoom + 1 hour/week on learning platform

Course requirements

Anyone who is interested in learning Wolof can participate in this course as it is for beginners.

Credits & grading

4 ECTS

Regular attendance (students may only be absent twice!); 3 graded assignments, including at least one oral grade.

(For BA Minor African Literary & Cultural Studies, 6 ECTS can be awarded in relation to the greater workload)

Course language

Wolof; English for instructions in the first few weeks. 

Number of places

Minimum 8/class

Course instructor

Dr. Mamarame Seck

Schedule

Courses take place Wednesdays at 5.00 pm (German Time)

First lesson on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at 5.00 pm (German Time)

Syllabus (printable PDF)

Which skills can I gain here?

Intercultural sensitivity and adaptability.

"I loved taking part in this amazing course for students looking forward to living and studying in the coming years in Germany and I strongly recommend this to anyone having similar plans. This course has been the most amazing one I've ever attended sitting behind my desk on my laptop. It's nothing short of a real life experience where you get to know new cultures, make new friends, chat with people from all corners of the world and get to know a lot about cultures from different parts of the world. Our dear course instructor Mr. Marc was very encouraging and we shared a lot of talks discussing how things work in each other's countries... I look forward to joining more such courses offered by University of Tubingen."

Course content   

In this online course you will start with an introduction into intercultural topics, review necessary conversation management devices on B1/B2 level and then embark on a journey of self-guided discussions in small groups of 2 (tandem) or 3 (tridem) students from different countries and cultural backgrounds. You will be provided with suggested talking points for discussion for each meeting as well as multimedia and other resources. At the end of the course, you will work in small groups to present aspects of your cultures and universities. Course materials will be provided except for independent research which is an integral part of the course.

Learning objectives    

By the end of the course you will:

• Learn about Tübingen, the university and German culture
• Learn about topics of and engage in intercultural discourse
• Build and consolidate core B1/B2 vocabulary to discuss intercultural topics

Method of instruction    

The course will take place online via Zoom and the Moodle Learning Platform. All course materials will be developed and distributed by your instructor.

Academic hours

3 hours/week on Zoom

Course requirements

B1 or B2 certificate (ENG) or online test of English proficiency 55 points or higher or equivalent

Credits

4 ECTS

Coursework in order to get credits: 10% active participation, 40% weekly homework assignments, 50% presentation in tandems/tridems.

Course language

English

Number of places

Minimum 8

Course instructor

Marc Strain

Schedule  

Course takes place Thursdays at 5.00 pm (German Time)
First lesson on Thursday, October 08, 2026, at 5.00 pm (German Time)

Please note: If you want to attend one of our English Language Classes please take the following online test:

https://fsz-buchung.wi90.uni-tuebingen.de/cgi/ctest.fcgi?testid=120
If the test doesn't upload automatically, please click on the button "continue" or email us: tuevip@uni-tuebingen.de

Before you open the test, please read the instructions on this homepage: https://uni-tuebingen.de/de/214963
Your test result will be automatically sent to us. Your registration for an English Language Class is only valid with an official test result. 

Syllabus (printable PDF)

Which skills can I gain here?

Communication skills: active listening, perspective-taking, asking constructive questions, and developing a growth mindset. 

Course content   

In an increasingly interconnected world, the ability to engage respectfully and constructively with people who hold different beliefs, values, and perspectives is an essential communication skill. In this course, students will develop practical communication techniques for navigating sensitive conversations, using religion as a case study through which to explore dialogue across differences. To provide a common foundation for discussion, the instructor will introduce key concepts, historical backgrounds, and central beliefs of Christianity, Islam, and other religious traditions. Because discussions may touch on personal beliefs and values, the class will establish shared communication guidelines at the beginning of the course to foster an inclusive, respectful, and supportive learning environment. The course welcomes students of all religious traditions, spiritual backgrounds, and secular worldviews. No prior knowledge of religion is required - only a willingness to engage openly and respectfully with different perspectives.

Learning objectives    

By the end of the course you will:

• Develop effective communication and active listening skills.
• Apply dialogue techniques to discuss sensitive and potentially controversial topics.
• Engage respectfully in conversations across religious, cultural, and worldview differences.
• Broaden understanding of diverse religious traditions and the role religion plays in contemporary societies.

Method of instruction    

The course will take place online via Zoom and the Moodle Learning Platform. All course materials will be developed and distributed by your instructor.

Academic hours

2 hours/week on Zoom + 1 hour/week on learning platform.

Course requirements

B2 level English

Credits

4 ECTS

Course language

English

Number of places

Minimum 8

Course instructor

Lucas Ogden

Schedule  

Course takes place Mondays at 5.00 pm (German Time)
First lesson on Monday, October 05, 2026, at 5.00 pm (German Time)

Syllabus (printable PDF)

Which skills can I gain here?

AI literacy and critical thinking.

Course content     

This course provides an introduction into generative AI (LLM, text-to-picture model) technical basics: how does machine learning work, what is "prompting" and so forth, an introduction into AI ethics including theoretical as well as practical perspectives, as well as an introduction into human-technology relations and what the broad use of generative AI means for several areas such as education & research, epistemic lifeworlds (what is true?), and romantic relations with technical objects.

Learning objectives    

Reaching a basic level of AI literacy. Being able to understand current technological development embedded in a broader historical, societal, and ethical context. Having the skill to understand and use generative AI applications.

Method of instruction    

Lectures with interactive elements via Zoom or WebEx. Students give a presentation on a theoretical or practical academic paper. 

Academic hours    

2 hours/week on Zoom + 1 hour/week on learning platform.

Course requirements

Interest in technology, society, philosophy/ethics. 

Credits

4 ECTS

Regular attendance, reading and writing assignments (essay, minutes, reflections), preparation for discussions and presentation (incl. research).

Course language

English

Number of places

Minimum 8

Course instructor

Jacqueline Bellon

Schedule

Course takes place Thursdays at 9.00 am (German Time)

First lesson on Thursday, October 08, 2026, at 9.00 am (German Time)

Syllabus (printable PDF)

Which skills can I gain here?

Intercultural competence and awareness.

Course content

The course Germany - NOW! takes you on a tour of Germany: politics, people, places, popular culture. What is the German nation debating? What shapes – or has shaped - German identity?  

Over the last 30 years, re-unified Germany has moved centre-stage in global politics. It is one of the strongest national economies worldwide and with its soft power wields immense geopolitical influence. And yet, its self-perception seems at odds both with this reality, as well as with the external perception of other countries observing Germany. Is Germany indeed rising to the challenge of the Zeitenwende (change of an era) or is it somewhat stuck in Reformstau (traffic jam of reforms)? 

Using different media, we will explore the historical, geopolitical, and cultural reasons for this. Some key words: loss of political consensus, the successful rise new extreme right in the shape of the AfD, historic legacies (Holocaust/Shoah & relationship with Israel and the Middle East; colonialism; the inner East-West divide) but also literature, music, education. 

Key to course participation is a willingness to contribute to our debate so that from our different cultural perspectives we learn not only about Germany but about ourselves. It is your interests which will shape the curriculum, so get ready to ask your questions about Germany! I will try to accommodate all topics. 

The course language is English.

Learning objectives

In this course, you will (in self-study, group discussions and the plenary forum)

• acquire a broad knowledge of ongoing debates in Germany.
• learn about the German public sphere and how it is shaped.
• discuss many topics, not least those of special interest to you.

And all of this in a global community of like-minded others. 

Method of instruction

- Distance learning.
- 3 academic hours/week (1 h = 45 minutes).
- Courses will be taught via ZOOM (90 min) and Moodle (45 min)

Academic hours

2 hours/week on Zoom + 1 hour/week on learning platform

Course requirements

Course requirement is a good command of English (B1 and higher) enabling you not only to listen to but also to actively participate in discussions, to do the required reading and take part in group activities.

Credits & grading

4 ECTS

Coursework in order to get ECTS credits: A) regular and active participation in the Zoom sessions; B) weekly assignments; C) quizzes and/or presentations.

Course language

English

Number of places

Minimum 8

Course instructor

Dr. Karen Diehl 

Schedule

Courses take place Mondays at 09.00 am (German time)
First lesson on Monday, October 5, 2026, at 09.00 am (German time)

Syllabus (printable PDF)

Which skills can I gain here?

The ability to listen, team work, leadership, and global perspectives.

Course content

Effective leadership involves guiding, inspiring, and influencing others to achieve common goals and drive organizational success.
It's about more than just managing tasks; it requires clear communication, strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, and the ability to motivate and empower team members.
In this course, we will analyze different styles of leadership and discuss case studies and articles relating to the worlds of sports, business and education.

Learning objectives

(1) recognizing effective leadership (2) become familiar with different styles of leadership (3) understanding the 'team' (4) increase cultural awareness. By the end of the course you should be more confident to lead others yourself.

Method of instruction

Intercultural virtual exchange. Student driven discussions. Classes will be taught via ZOOM (90 min/week) and MOODLE (content management system of Tübingen University (45min/wk).

Academic hours

2 hours/week on Zoom + 1 hour/week on learning platform.

Course requirements

Advanced English skills, written and oral.

Credits & grading

4 ECTS

Course Language

English

Number of places

Minimum 8

Course instructor

Steven Trevallion

Schedule

Course takes place Wednesdays at 9.00am (German Time)

First lesson on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at 9.00 am (German Time)

Syllabus (printable PDF)

Which skills can I gain here?

Critical thinking, negotiation and mediation.

Course content

The course provides students with a unique opportunity to develop a global diversity perspective in communication and dialogue. Students will explore their own identity and positionality in the world in a way that allows them to develop empathetic skills that are critical to developing a more secure, healthy, and just world. Utilizing the skills of appreciative inquiry, appreciative curiosity and a variety of dialogic techniques, students will be able to engage in some of the world’s most compelling issues: immigration, poverty and development, extremism, xenophobia/racism, sexism, religious, cultural, and political divisions.

Learning objectives

Students will:

1) build foundational knowledge of critical issues; integrate that knowledge through readings and deep reflection;

2) develop own guidelines for engagement to develop a deep connection to one another via facilitated dialogue centered on appreciative inquiry and curiosity;

3) communicate across diverse communities, increase global awareness.

Method of instruction

International Virtual Exchange. Student-driven and project-based. Courses will be taught via ZOOM (90 min/week) and MOODLE (content management system of Tübingen University) (45 min/week).

Academic hours

2 hours/week on Zoom + 1 hour/week on learning platform

Course requirements

Advanced knowledge of English

Credits

4 ECTS

Based on response paper, research presentation, research paper

Course language

English

Number of places

Minimum 8

Course instructors

Dr. Philipp Kneis & Dr. Allison Davis-White Eyes (Oregon State University)

Schedule

Courses take place Fridays at 5:00 pm (German time)

First lesson on Friday, October 09, 2026, at 5:00 pm (German time)

Syllabus (printable PDF)

Which skills can I gain here?

Ethical decision-making and dialogue.

Course content

"Without interferences and regardless of frontiers": What are the limits of freedom of expression? How is it being endangered today in Europe? This course focuses on the importance of freedom of expression as a basic human right and as a core value of democratic societies in today's Europe. After a general introduction to human rights and the European human rights protection system, the students will be confronted with authentic cases of violation of freedom of expression and will discuss the problems occurring when trying to limit it.

Learning objectives

The aim of the course is to provide an informed understanding of the importance of freedom of expression in contemporary Europe. Students will become familiar with the theoretical and practical approaches to the basic human right of freedom of expression and its implementation.  

Method of instruction

Distance learning.
Courses will be taught via ZOOM (135 min/week) and Moodle content.

Academic hours

3 hours/week on Zoom

Course requirements

The course does not require any previous knowledge and is aimed at students interested in human rights theory and implementation. A good command of English (B2 CEFR) is required.

Credits & grading

4 ECTS

Weekly assignments are required to get credit points and grades. A final presentation may be required in certain cases.

Course language

English

Number of places

Minimum 8

Course instructor

Dr. Germana Favognano

Schedule

Courses take place Tuesdays at 6.30 pm German time)

First lesson on Tuesday, October 06, 2026, at 6.30 pm (German time)

Syllabus (printable PDF)

Which skills can I gain here?

Intercultural awareness.

"Thank you for the great athmosphere in this class, all the interesting discussions and different perspectives!"

Course content

The course will discuss concepts of identity, nationalism and sovereignty in Europe. We will analyze historical backgrounds and developments, as well as various theoretical approaches towards identity. Our conversations will be put within a global context.

We will read a selection of authors such as Benedict Anderson, Erik Hobsbawm, Dipesh Chakrabarty, Kwame Anthony Appiah, Stephanie Bergbauer, Jeffrey T. Checkel and Peter J. Katzenstein and others.

Learning objectives

• understand the complexity of concepts of ethnic, national and individual identity
• understand political structures influencing political identity
• foster an understanding and critique of ideas about cosmopolitanism and globalization

Method of instruction

International Virtual Exchange. Student-driven and project-based.

Courses will be taught via ZOOM (90 min/week) and MOODLE (content management system of Tübingen University) (45 min/week).

Academic hours

2 hours/week on Zoom + 1 hour/week on learning platform

Course requirements

Advanced knowledge of English

Credits & grading

4 ECTS

Based on response paper, research presentation, research paper

Course language

English

Number of places

Minimum 8

Course instructor

Dr. Philipp Kneis (Oregon State University) 

Schedule

Courses take place Thursdays at 5.30 pm (German time)
First lesson on Thursday, October 08, 2026, at 5.30 pm (German time)

Syllabus (printable PDF)

Which skills can I gain here?

This global peer exchange is a unique networking experience, whilst advancing communication skills. 

"I enjoyed being able to connect with other students of great minds and also learning alot of new things. It's an experience I wont forget in a hurry."

Course content 

To support you during your digital experience at the University of Tübingen and to promote an intercultural exchange we have set up a virtual Buddy program. During the Virtual Buddy Program, a student of the University of Tübingen teams up with one or two international participants of TÜ-VIP. The Virtual Buddy Program aims to initiate a cultural exchange between international students and students of the University of Tübingen in order to expand one’s own cultural horizon and strengthen one's intercultural skills and competences. The Virtual Buddy Program will allow you to get to know German student life first-hand and to make friends.

Learning objectives

By the end of the course you will:

• know more about living and studying in Germany
• have gained practical intercultural competences
• have established an international network in Tübingen (and globally)

Method of instruction

Common ('Stammtisch' every 2 weeks, 90 minutes) and individual (between the Buddies without ‘instruction’) Zoom sessions 

Academic hours

3 hours/week on Zoom (1 academic hour = 45 minutes) 

Course requirements

The course does not require any previous knowledge. It is aimed at students interested in intercultural exchange who will reliably participate over the 10 weeks. A good command of English is required.

Credits & Grading

ONLY students enrolled at the University of Tübingen can obtain ECTS (for participating in the 'Stammtische' (at least 3x) and for filling in the Buddy protocol and reflection portfolio). ECTS points can be accrued for the "Global Awareness" certificate.

Course Language

English

Number of places

40

Coordinator

Verena Brenner

Schedule

Syllabus (printable PDF)

Course Content

The Tandem Program is a program where two people with different mother tongues form a language partnership or tandem and who meet regularly via Skype, Zoom, WhatsApp or Line Call, etc. to learn each other's languages. At the same time you can get to know each other's culture better. Language learning in a tandem can, for example, complement a language course, but it can also take place independently. The Tandem Program can be a chance to get to know someone from Tübingen online before heading to Germany.

About

Find more information about the Tandem Program here: 
https://uni-tuebingen.de/en/1088
You can sign up for the program here: https://forms.office.com/r/UfXfXx0y8w