Programme

The USI Modern Languages Laboratory offers 28-hour language courses over the two-week programme as well as 14-hour language conversation and weekly speaking labs entirely held by USI students, for students who wish to practice and improve their language skills in a dynamic and stimulating environment.

Effective English Communication skills (B2)

Teacher: Rut Castanera

While there are many difficulties learners may face in communicating effectively and confidently in English there are a few skills and tips that they can use to help them along. In this course students will improve their fluency in different areas of English through activities that focus on listening comprehension and oral expression.

The course will provide the students with useful listening skills and practical speaking strategies to make their conversation more fluent and natural.

Course areas:

• Listening: Predicting content, listening for the main idea, detecting signposts, listening for details, and listening for opinions;
• Speaking: Fluency, pronunciation & intonation, discourse management (coherence);
• Functional language: Giving opinions, arguing for and against in debates, making presentations, using everyday social expressions correctly.

Sources: texts, articles, videos

Advanced English for business communication in context (C1)

Teacher: Louise Bostock

In the world of work, fluency in English has never been more important. Being able to communicate confidently at a high level in English helps candidates win hotly contested positions, ensures that their voices are heard beyond the immediate team, and enables them to direct and develop their future career success in senior roles on the international scene.

This course aims to develop your advanced English language skills and awareness with a focus on contemporary business contexts and an emphasis on speaking. It is fully customized, based around themes you are likely to meet in your future career. You will practice higher-level communication skills that are vital in business, including negotiating, argumentation and active listening, collaborative decision-making and fostering agreement.

The course is taught through a dynamic blend of authentic reading and listening input, in depth language study and collaborative case-study work.

Improving English language skills while exploring different themes (B1)

Teacher: Christin von Broen

The course will focus on improving writing, reading, listening and speaking skills. The lessons will centre around specific themes such as the global economy, the environment, technology, media, health and other topical subjects. During the course students will have the opportunity to:

• practice summary and report writing;
• revise English grammar;
• improve reading and listening skills;
• enlarge and expand their vocabulary.

Students will be working together on a range of interesting tasks encouraging collaboration and team work in an English-speaking environment.

Deutsch. Hallo wie geht’s. Communication in everyday life (A1)

Prof.: Ursula Wolf

The aim of the course is the improvement of spoken communication by acquiring the basic vocabulary relating to everyday life through role-playing games.

Reise durch die deutsche Lebenswelt (B1-B2)

Prof.: Germana D’Alessio

Berühmte Städte und schöne Landschaften werden mit Videos der Deutschen Welle vorgestellt, darunter auch einige Folgen der Abenteuerspielsendung "Ticket nach Berlin". Es werden verschiedene Themen wie Reisen und Urlaub, Freizeit und Sport, Einkaufen und Essen behandelt. Die Konversation sowie das Seh-Hörverstehen werden aktiviert. Die Sprachkenntnisse werden durch Zusatzmaterial und interaktive Übungen und Aufgaben zu Wortschatz, Grammatik und Landeskunde trainiert. "

Le savoir-faire français : la haute couture, les métiers d’art et le monde du luxe à la française (A2)

Prof.: Anne Criblez

L’objectif de ce cours est d’encourager les participants à mettre en pratique et développer leurs compétences linguistiques orales et écrites, tout en découvrant quelques domaines du savoir-faire français.

Bâtir en français : patrimoine, monuments, architectes et savoir-faire (A2)

Prof.: Paola Crivelli

L’objectif de ce cours est d’explorer le paysage construit en terre francophone tout en améliorant les bases du français et la conversation. Les participants auront la possibilité de faire de petites présentations.

La thématique se concentre sur le patrimoine bâti :

• monuments, bâtiments significatifs, villes d’intérêt historique ou architectural, anciens et modernes
• architectes, ingénieurs, jardiniers qui ont modelé le paysage en France, Suisse, Belgique et au-delà des mers

Les sujets présentés et explorés par les participants seront traités en parallèle avec des exercices de français pertinents.

French and German-language conversation and speaking labs

The 28-hour French and German-language conversation and speaking labs are entirely held by students. An opportunity to exchange views and discuss different topics, meet with peers and improve practical language skills!

During the meetings, you’ll be able to discuss topics and issues of general interest.

For more detailed information: [email protected]

​

• Italian level A1: I introduce myself! In addition to basic grammar, close attention is given to communication in daily routines.
• Italian level A1-A2: Let’s speak Italian! Interacting in the most common situations of daily life. In addition to grammar, close attention is given to interactive communication.
• Italian level A2: Express yourself clearly with a simple language. Communication and grammar in an ideal combination to deal with everyday situations in Italian.
• Italian level A2-B1: Italian language and culture. Learning Italian through art, literature, traditions, architecture and history.
• Italian level B1: Italian at University. Sector-based terms: Italian elements in communication, economic and informatic studies.

28 class hours, from 11.07 to 20.07. 

For more detailed information: [email protected]

​Stop Motion Animation
Docente: Milly Miljkovic, Set designer, Animation Director, and illustrator, millymiljkovic.com
Stop motion is increasingly being used in advertising videos, music videos, promotional inserts, etc. This course will start with a brief introduction on storytelling, after which there will be a constructive part, where you will build objects-subjects (two-dimensional or three-dimensional) with various materials available, and then we will proceed with the real animation part. The purpose of the course is to learn the stop motion technique at best, so that you can use it in the future for professional / personal needs. At the end of the course you will obtain a short animated movie/gif. 
To participate in the course you will need to download the app Stop Motion Studio on your smartphone. 
Course duration: one lesson.

Video Editing con Filmora
Teacher: Shondel Bervini, video maker, eLab
Realization of a video composed of several clips on a simple software for video editing

• How to cut and assemble video clips
• How to enlarge and resize the images of a video
• How to correct colors
• How to insert images, graphics and add simple effects
• How to export the finished video

Course requirements: you must have your personal computer and at least 10 videos lasting at least 15 seconds ready to be used on your pc.
The software that will be used is called Filmora and can be downloaded for free for a trial for both Windows and Mac. Remember to only download the free version on the course date.
Course duration: one lesson.

Photography e smart editing for social advertising
Teacher: Virna Buda, Marketing and Communication Manager at Horizons Advisors SA (Lugano)
This course illustrates the potentials that students have in creating meaningful visuals with their smartphones.
Students will be asked to present themselves with 3 photographs themed: food, landscape, themselves. Guidelines will be given to introduce the foundations of photography: light, composition, balance.
Hints will be given to explore the available instruments for editing and visuals creation.
By the end of the course we will explore the possibility of turning our photographs in advertising material with tools like Canva.
Students are asked to bring their smartphones.
Course duration: one lesson. 

Produzione audio (podcast)
Teacher: Stella N’Djoku, audiomaker e content creator, eLab, stellandjoku.wordpress.com
How do I create a podcast? What is the difference between mono and stereo? Do I need sophisticated tools to create good content?
The course aims to introduce the world of audio using tools for recording and editing audio files. The course will also present different dissemination platforms for audio content.  
At the end of the course:

• Students will know - broadly speaking - the history of the podcast.
• Students will be able to recognise the different types of audio content available and the different platforms
• They will be able to record voices and sounds through different instruments and in different environments
• They will be able to create content from a multitrack montage
• They will be able to insert sound effects into a recording
• They will be able to create an audio file on an audio editing software (Audacity)
• They will be able to export an audio file in the various useful formats.

No previous knowledge is requested to participate.
Course material: please bring your smartphone, headphones, and your personal computer with the free audio editing programme Audacity downloaded.
Course duration: one lesson. 

Titolo: Phothoshop
Teacher: Mattia Pera, graphic designer, eLab
The course is designed for those who wish to acquire the basic knowledge of image processing and will cover the following topics:

• User interface and workspace
• Image acquisition
• Compressions and formats
• Color correction;
• Photo editing and Photo composition
• Types of export

No prior knowledge of Photoshop is required.
Course duration: one lesson.

The courses offered by the DML might be accredited by relevant programs for 1.5 ECTS for 3 courses.
For more detailed information on Digital Media Lab courses: [email protected]

List of courses offered available in the section USI Digicamp.

For more information: [email protected]

Held by Prof. Lorenzo Cantoni, Chair-holder, and other members of USI’s UNESCO Chair. Since 2013 a UNESCO Chair has been established at USI, devoted to ICT [Information and Communication Technologies] to develop and promote sustainable tourism in World Heritage Sites. The course will address the three main themes covered by the Chair – Heritage, ICT, sustainable tourism – and their reciprocal interactions. It will focus on the role digital media can have to preserve and communicate cultures. The course will include theoretical presentations, case studies as well as practical activities.

The course might be accredited by relevant programs for 1.5 ECTS. In English, Master level; In Italian, Bachelor level
On Saturday of both weeks, there will be a guided tour of the city of Bellinzona, to which the students of the course are invited to participate (see section Cultural activities and discovery of the territory).

For more detailed information: [email protected]

If-then-else. Algorithmic power and algorithmic literacy
Teacher: Dr. Rebecca Venema; Post-Doctoral Researcher, USI, Institute of Digital Technologies for Communication (ITDxC)
Course language: English
Course duration: four lessons split over two days

Algorithms impact on nearly everything we do online and with digital devices. For example, they filter information on our social media or news feeds. Furthermore, they impact on e.g., the search engine results we see, on music we get recommended on streaming platforms, on the selection of dating partners we get matched with, on the prices we pay for products in online stores, or if we are classified as credit-worthy by companies and institutions. Because of the increasing relevance of algorithmic tools and algorithm decision-making in our everyday life, it is crucial to understand algorithms, how they are shaped, and which issues and challenges might arise in their use and implementation. Therefore, in this course, we will unpack the multifaceted roles and power of algorithms in society and issues of e.g. biases and justice. Moreover, we will complement these insights and shed light on what people know about algorithms and how they make sense of algorithms at work. To this end, we will map studies on algorithmic literacies and imaginaries of citizens. By the end of this course, you will be aware of key concepts related to (1) algorithms and algorithmic power as well as (2) algorithmic knowledge and algorithmic literacy. As such, you will have the skills to assess what algorithms are and which critical aspects are worth considering when discussing about the role of algorithms and algorithmic decision-making in our society and our everyday life. Moreover, you will have the skills to critically reflect on dimensions of algorithmic literacy which is often deemed a key competence to navigate digital worlds and a crucial aspect to fight future digital divides.

Workshops

• Effective CV: Instructions for use

• Personal branding
  3 minutes self presentation
  Elevator pitch

  Teacher: Louise Bostock, course language: English

In-Company Visits

Company visits allow students to gain insights into corporate culture, explore new professional environments, get in direct contact and establish new networks with professionals working there. 

Information: [email protected]

Workshops (only in English):

• From idea to business concept

Master the fundamentals of entrepreneurial thinking. This workshop provides a framework and tools to systematically analyse ideas and their business potential. The participants will go through the process of transforming an initial idea into a concrete business concept. You are welcome to join the session whether you already have an idea or not.

• How to pitch your idea

Learn how to present your ideas and proposals effectively in front of different types of audience and in different contexts. Whether you need to pitch in front of clients, investors or colleagues, knowing how to get your point across is key not only for entrepreneurs but for all the current and future professionals.

Visit the Centre:

Lunch break at the USI Startup Centre, The startup incubator of USI supporting ideas for innovation and entrepreneurship: visit the USI Startup Centre and informal meeting with some start-uppers. Refreshments and little lunch offered. 

• Canoeing

Canoeing is offered as a single introductory course for beginners and an advanced course for those who have already started.
Each course lasts 4 hours with a break of about 30 minutes.
The courses are offered on Mondays and Fridays, starting at 2.30 p.m. and finishing around 7 p.m.
The activity may be suspended or cancelled if the weather conditions do not allow the activity to take place in complete safety.
Meeting place: Canottieri Lugano, www.clubcanottierilugano.com/links-utili
Instruction: USI Sport Service Team.
Conditions for participation: ability to swim and good physical shape.
Material to bring: swimming suit, lycra T-shirt for protection from the sun. Snack and drink.
Number of participants per course: 8.

• Stand up paddle

Stand-up paddling is offered as a single introductory course for beginners and an advanced course for those who have already started.
Each course lasts 4 hours with a break of about 30 minutes.
The courses are offered on Mondays and Fridays, starting at 2.30 p.m. and finishing at around 7 p.m.
The activity may be suspended or cancelled if the weather conditions do not allow the activity to take place in complete safety.
Meeting place: Canottieri Lugano, www.clubcanottierilugano.com/links-utili
Instruction: USI Sport Service Team.
Conditions for participation: ability to swim and good physical shape.
Material to bring: swimming suit, lycra T-shirt for protection from the sun. Snack and drink.
Number of participants per course: 8.

• Rowing
   

Rowing is offered as a single introductory course for beginners and an advanced course for those who have already started.
Each course lasts 4 hours with a break of about 30 minutes.
The courses are offered on Mondays and Fridays, starting at 2.30 p.m. and finishing around 7 p.m.
The activity may be suspended or cancelled if the weather conditions do not allow the activity to take place in complete safety.
Meeting place: Canottieri Lugano, www.clubcanottierilugano.com/links-utili
Instruction: USI Sport Service Team.
Conditions for participation: ability to swim and good physical shape.
Material to bring: swimming suit, lycra T-shirt for protection from the sun. Snack and drink.
Number of participants per course: 4.

• Body Tone and Body Balance fitness courses
   

Workouts led by our fitness instructors in the East Campus Sports Hall.
The Body Tone course is offered every Wednesday from 3.45pm to 4.45pm.
The Body Balance course runs from 5.15pm to 6.15pm.
For each of the courses, the meeting point is directly in the Course Room (green room) of the East Campus Sports Hall.
We recommend that you arrive at least 10 minutes before the start of the class.
Number of participants: 15 per workout.

• E-M'bike, evening course
   

Excursion and technical training on an electric grappling hook led by an instructor from the Sport Service, which runs from the East Campus in the direction of Tesserete to the Redde forest.
The activity is offered every Thursday from 2.30pm to 7.00pm (approximate return time).
It is necessary to have a minimum of ability to use a bicycle on dirt roads and easy paths and a good physical condition, not suitable for people who do not know how to use brakes and gears correctly.
Material to bring: small mountain bag for your picnic, shoes and sports clothes.
The e-bike and helmet are provided by the Sport Service.
Number of participants per course: 4.

• E-M'bike, day excursion
   

Challenging excursion (both from a technical point of view and in terms of physical condition) led by the instructors of the Sport Service, it will cover the paths of the upper part of Val Colla.
The activity is proposed on Saturday 23 July.
Departure at 08.30am from the East Campus and return after 7.00pm.
Important: in order to take part in the excursion, you must take part in one of the two evening outings to check your technical skills and physical fitness.
Equipment to bring: small mountain bag for your picnic, sports shoes and clothes.
The e-bike and helmet will be provided by the Sport Service.
Number of participants: 4.

• Trekking Val Colla - Gazzirola
   

Excursion (www.montagneticinesi.ch/trekking/gazzirola/?lang=it) led by the instructors of the Sport Service in the region of Val Colla to reach the highest peak of the municipality of Lugano: the Gazzirola at 2116 msm.
The activity is proposed on Saturday 16 July.
The hike, which lasts about 6-7 hours, requires a good physical condition and suitable equipment for walking on the trail (high boots to protect the ankle and with profiled soles), mountain sack, water bottle. Lunch will be in the form of a pic-nic to be eaten outdoors and must be organised by the participants.
Number of participants: 12.

• Individual fitness training in the Fitness Room
   

You can apply for a card for individual access (every day from 06.00am to 10.30pm) to the Fitness Room at the East Campus Sports Hall.
You will also be able to access Les Mills' virtual classes in the Courses Room/ Green Room (class schedule available on site).
Applications for the card must be made within a week of the start of the Summer Campus 2022 at the following address: [email protected]

Information: [email protected]

• LAC, church and cloister in the urban area

The guided visit offers a historical, artistic, architectural and urbanistic overview of the district in which the LAC is located, through a path that winds between past and present (LAC Lugano). Meeting Point: main entrance LAC Lugano.

• MASILugano exhibitions (Marcel Broodthaers - industrial poems, Sentiment and observation)

Guided visit of the exhibitions' programme. Meeting Point: main entrance LAC Lugano.​​

• "Istituto Ricerche Solari Locarno" (IRSOL)

Guided visit to the "Istituto di ricerche solari" and the "Specola Solare Ticinese». IRSOL is from January 2021 affiliated to the Faculty of Informatics at USI. Lugano railway station FFS.

• Bellinzona. UNESCO World heritage sites and local traditions

Complementary visit included in the course "UNESCO World heritage sites" offered by the UNESCO Chair at USI and held by Prof. Lorenzo Cantoni. And a guided tour to discover the typical tourist attractions, the historical center, the castles of Bellinzona and the traditional Saturday morning market. Meeting point: Bellinzona, which can be reached by public transport.

• Monte Tamaro. Architecture, arts, culture and spirituality. Nature and adventure

Cable car ride to Monte Tamaro. Adventure park trail and guided visit to the "Santa Maria degli Angeli" church, created by the famous architect Mario Botta, also popular for being among the founders of the Academy of Architecture in Mendrisio at USI. Meeting point: Monte Tamaro, Rivera, which can be reached by public transport.

• Monte Generoso. Architecture, design, landscape and stunning view

Ride by small train to the Vetta. Walk and guided tour of the "Stone Flower" recently created by the famous architect Mario Botta, also popular for being among the founders of the Academy of Architecture in Mendrisio at USI. Meeting point: Capolago, which can be reached by public transport.

For more detailed information: [email protected]