Doboj Summer Institute
Tuzla Summer Institute
2015 Curriculum
The Doboj Summer Institute will be from June 22 to July 10.
The Tuzla Summer Institute will be from July 20 to July 30.
The summer institutes include many different workshops.You are free to apply to several
workshops, or just one. During the application process, you will have a chance to state which
workshops you want to attend the most. If accepted to the summer institutes, you are free to
attend for just one week or the entire time.
All Workshops consist of four days of classes, one class per day. Each class is 1.5 hours long.
Class will meet every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday for one week.
Workshops
Below is a list of all the workshops we are offering at the 2015 Doboj and Tuzla summer
institutes. Descriptions are on the following page.
I. ENGLISH
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Passing the TOEFL Exam –– Preparation for Beginners
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Advanced TOEFL Preparation
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English Practice: Chinese Culture and Customs with Victoria Yu
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English Practice: Wild, Weird, and Wonderful Animals
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Experimentation with Creative Writing
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English PracticeThrough Music and Song –– Articulation and Stage Presence
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English Practice: Folk Legends from the Asia Pacific
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Conversational English: Movies and Popular Culture
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Analytical Reading and Writing: Rhythm, Rhyme, Reason, and Rhetoric
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Thinking on Your Feet –– Improvisation in Creative Writing and Speaking
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Conversational English and Critical Thinking: What Is the Good Life?
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Chuffed to Bits –– British and American Idioms
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English Practice: Let‟s Play a Game!
II. BUSINESS
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Professional Development ––Getting the Job You Want
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Speaking in Public –– Presentation Skills
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How May I Help You? –– Customer Service Skills
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Technical Writing –– How to Communicate with Precision
III. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
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Introduction to Wordpress –– Not Just Another Blog
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Wordpress for Websites
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Social Media Management Using Social Media in Business #Trending
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Java –– Introduction to Programming
ENGLISH
Passing the Exam - TOEFL Preparation for Beginners
Do you want to study abroad? Do you need a visa for an English-speaking country? Doing well
on the TOEFL is the first step. The TOEFL test is one of the most widely used English-language
proficiency tests around the world. This workshop starts from the basics: you will learn how to
find the closest test center, sign-up for a test, pick the right dates and how to prepare a
personalized study plan. We will then start practicing for each section of the test: watching videos
to prepare for the listening component, discussing how to improve your speaking skills, and
writing short essays in class.
Advanced TOEFL Prep
This workshop will give you a more in-depth understanding of how to best prepare for the
TOEFL. In each class, we will look at strategies for a particular section of the test. We will make
sure you improve your academic English, as well as learn key test-taking skills to boost your
scores (note-taking, summarizing, skimming, and outlining/organizing).
English Practice: Chinese Culture and Customs with Victoria Yu
How much do you really know about China? Kung Fu-fighting Jackie Chan and Bruce Lee? The
Disney movie Mulan? Tea, white rice, and dumplings? The Great Wall of China? Names of cities
such as Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong? Come ask me all the questions you have while I share
with you my knowledge about traditional families, festivals, contemporary pop culture, travel,
and much more.
English Practice: Wild, Weird, and Wonderful Animals
Do you know what goes bump in the night? Do you want to know? The world is filled with
creatures that can do amazing, and sometimes terrifying things. This workshop will look at some
of Earth‟s strangest creatures, and the eerie stories that can go along with them. While studying
different organisms, we will discuss what makes them unique, and simulate theoretical games
based on survivalist strategies and our own creativity. Finally, we will create our own „ghost
stories‟ using real animals in nature. If you want to explore the oddest depths of the natural world,
venture here.
Experimentation with Creative Writing
This is your chance to explore a variety of writing forms, including journaling, short stories, and
multiple styles of poetry. Within a highly collaborative, fun, and flexible classroom environment,
you will learn how to act on your creative instincts, give and receive constructive feedback, and
analyze style and content. Gain confidence in your English writing skills through interactive
workshops and journaling prompts that range from the utterly silly to the profound.
English Practice Through Music and Song: Articulation and Stage Presence
Have trouble articulating? Scared of stumbling on words while making a speech? Ever realize
that you may sing clearer than you speak? At least I do. Join me and pretend you‟re a pop star,
head-banging rock star or a soloist in a musical such as Les Miserables! However, this is not just
karaoke. We will use songs to practice articulation and by the last day, each student will be able
to present themselves with character and lyrical flair.
Preferable for students who enjoy singing and aren’t afraid to get a little dramatic.
English Practice:Folk Legends from the Asia Pacific
Practice English while learning about Asian Pacific legends such as China‟s Romeo and Juliet,
the horrifying Japanese oni demons, Vietnamese origin myths, “How the Australian Kangaroo
Got its Pouch,” and much more. We will discuss some of our favorite tales and even make up our
own. Students will get to be creative and develop interest in foreign cultures. If you are curious
about faraway places and stories, this is the place to be.
Conversational English: Movies and Popular Culture
Let‟s practice English together. This class uses film as a great way to acquire language skills
anytime, anywhere. This workshop will introduce you to American and British films, as well as
help you develop critical thinking skills for evaluating script, conversation, set design, lighting,
and theme. By combining old classics like North By Northwest with influential movies like Star
Wars, we will discuss how films are able to influence and comment upon popular culture. During
class, we will watch important clips and short films followed by lively discussions. Come ready
to discuss and debate with everyone. Opinions, suggestions, and theories are welcome.
Analytical Reading and Writing: Rhythm, Rhyme, Reason, and Rhetoric
Do you enjoy the art of language, and want to be familiar with some of the most influential
writers? Studying poetry will improve your understanding of the rhythm and pronunciation of the
spoken language as you tap into one of the purest forms of self-expression. The workshop will
examine a wide variety of famous poets, from older authors such as William Blake to recent ones
such as Raymond Carver. The purpose of the workshop is to develop our knowledge of poetic
styles in English by reading several poems aloud, analyzing how they use and manipulate
language, and finally composing your own poem that you may share with the class if you wish.
Thinking on Your Feet – Improvisation in Creative Writing and Speaking
Would you like to improve your creative writing and speaking skills? This workshop will practice
various forms of creative English, including short stories, poetry, advertising, plays, and more.
Every day, this class will incorporate improvisational games, reading, and writing, so thinking out
of the box and not being shy are key requirements. The workshop will end with a “whodunit”
mystery where you will create the character, play the role, and solve the great mystery.
Conversational English and Critical Thinking: What Is the Good Life?
What does it mean to be happy, and how do we achieve it? Together, we can try to unravel some
of our most pressing questions. In this workshop, you will be able practice your English through
an introduction to mindfulness and happiness ethics – a source of endless fascination for
philosophers, scholars, and everyday people alike. You will experiment with various methods of
mindfulness (including meditation, gratitude notes, and reflective journal entries), stretch your
mind through logic puzzles and moral questions, and examine different cultural perceptions of
happiness, success, and life after death. Hopefully, through this discussion-based class, you will
feel inspired, connect with others, and gain a better understanding of what it means to be happy
and human.
Chuffed to Bits - British and American Idioms
Would you like to strike when the iron is hot, cross the Rubicon, face the music and commit to
learning some of the most commonly used idioms in the English language? Would you like to
play idiom tennis? There is no need to walk on eggshells. We will not clip your wings, steal your
thunder, nor pull the rug out from underneath your feet. In this workshop, you can hit the ground
running and learn the ropes in a friendly and supportive atmosphere. If you are on the ball (pay
attention) and mind your P„s and Q„s (mind your language and your manners), you„ll be chuffed
to bits (overjoyed) when you receive a certificate confirming that you can use over 60 idioms in
an accurate, appropriate and meaningful manner.
English practice: Let’s Play a Game!
Get comfortable speaking English through games and role-play. Every day will present a new
scenario to act out, or new game to play. Join us as we improve our English language skills and
discover who is the ultimate master of Taboo, Monopoly, giving advice, uncovering the culprit,
Scattergories, and more.
BUSINESS
Professional Development –Getting the Job You Want
Do you enjoy doing something but don‟t know how you will make it into a career? Join us in a
discussion about possible careers and then practice skills that will help you succeed. This
workshop will walk you through all elements of professional development leaving you with
tangible assets such as a CV and cover letter, as well as useful skills including career choice,
interview preparation, and tips for when you are on the job.
Speaking in Public - Presentation Skills
Have you ever been to a presentation where you feel bored and confused and just want to leave?
When you give a presentation, how do you want your audience to feel? Would you like to be
confident, enthusiastic and effective when you speak to a big group of people, instead of nervous
and shy? In this class you will learn the skills to help you do that. This workshop will help you to
build your confidence and develop strong presentation skills by speaking and presenting your
own ideas on a daily basis with fellow students and staff from all over the world. Developing
your presentation skills through interactive activities will enable you to effectively represent a
business or organization when the opportunity presents itself.
How May I Help You? - Customer Service Skills
Have you ever had a bad experience as a customer in a store? Maybe the staff made you wait a
long time before they served you, or perhaps they were irritated by your presence. You may have
decided never return to that store again. This demonstrates the importance of customer service. In
this workshop you will learn the principles of customer service and practice those skills through
role-playing exercises and games. You will learn how to make a customer feel welcome and
cared for both in a store and on the phone, as well as the importance of building positive
relationships with customers. Knowing how to give exceptional customer service is one of the
keys to building and sustaining a profitable business. The skills and vocabulary gained through
this workshop will help you to become a valuable employee and a successful businessperson.
Technical Writing
How do you explain how to do something in writing ? How do you describe to your grandparents
how to use Skype or Facebook if you are not sitting there beside them? How do you give clear
directions to your house to someone who has never been there before? In this workshop, you will
be introduced to the essential elements of technical writing, such as empathy (putting yourself in
the reader‟s position), precision (providing specific relevant details), and logic (presenting
instructions in an intuitive, step-by-step manner). Since technical writers often work in teams,
participants will work together on a class project. At the end of the workshop, the teams will
present their written document and be evaluated based on how effectively they explained a given
task.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Introduction to Wordpress – Not Just Another Blog
Ever wanted to start a blog documenting fashion, sports, travel, daily life or more? Whether
interested in starting a blog or creating a customizable website, Wordpress is a leading tool
accounting for over 20% of content on the web. This workshop will focus on a broad overview of
creating a blog using Wordpress. This workshop will teach you the basic steps of using
Wordpress, including what a theme is and how to choose the right one, as well as how to add
content such as text or pictures.
Wordpress for Websites
Wordpress is a leading tool accounting for over 20% of content on the web. It allows you to
create easy and fun to explore blogs as well as customizable websites. The workshop will focus
on what makes a user-friendly, marketable website, as well as key design elements we often
overlook. Students will walk away with the basics of website creation and website customization
including what are themes and plugins and how to use them.
It is recommended that you understand how to create a blog on Wordpress or have taken
“Introduction to Wordpress” in order to enjoy this workshop.
Java – Introduction to Programming
If you are interested in computer programming, but have little or no knowledge of the
programming language Java, then this class is for you. Java is one of the most popular
programming languages and is used to develop mobile applications, games, software, and webbased content. Students in this class will be guided through the basics of Java in an easy-tofollow, step-by-step process. After taking this introductory workshop, you can join BILD-IT
training, which you can learn more about at www.mozemo.ba.
Social Media Management: Using Social Media in Business #Trending
Would you enjoy a job where you spent all your time using Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and
other social media to help promote a business or organization? Big companies, public institutions,
and NGOs around Europe and North America often employ professional social media managers.
But what is their job really about? Learning about social media management is lots of fun and
canhelp you get a job. We will look at how companies use Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and
LinkedIn, with case studies from Europe and the US. And, you will learn how to use tools that
help you manage all of your different profiles and postings from one platform. Students will work
on a final project to improve BILD‟s social media profiles. The winner could be BILD‟s future
social media intern!