Polish and English Language Centre for Foreigners offers courses of Polish language and Polish culture on different levels of competence – A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2. They are intended for candidates who want to study at any higher education institution in Poland and also for those who want to learn Polish intensively. 

The courses of Polish language last for the whole academic year (from October to June). They cover 20 teaching units (45 min.) of Polish language per week (5 times a week, 4 units a day). Both the first and the second term include 300 teaching units of Polish language. 

The students also take part in supplementary, specialisation courses related to their further studies (mathematics, physics, biology, computer sciences, geography, knowledge of Polish culture and history – depending on the students’ needs). 

The advanced level courses start in the winter term and the elementary courses start in the summer term. The specialization courses are taught in Polish. 

The courses are taught on several proficiency levels and provide language skills needed in both formal and informal situations. At the same time, they prepare the candidates for studying in various faculties. Students improve four key linguistic competences: listening, reading, speaking and writing based on various types text. Additionally, some lectures and classes on Polish history and culture are carried out in Polish and English. 

The course ends with a written and oral examination in Polish language and with examinations in all chosen subjects. 

The Department of Polish Language for Foreigners also offers additional activities (trips to the most interesting regions of Poland, visits to some historical places in Wrocław) and participation in different cultural events. As part of the course, the students also learn about important Polish customs and traditions. 

The contents of the course on elementary level (A1 and A2) include subjects related to everyday life: personal data, education, general look, family, leisure activities, health etc. Other topics include: the surroundings of people (both immediate: living place, dormitory, etc. and more distant: city and its institutions), as well as daily routines, plants, animals, weather and climate. 

The grammatical material includes:

• declination of the nouns, adjectives, pronouns and numerals;
• verb inflexion, transitive and intransitive verbs, verb voices and moods, impersonal verb forms, modal verbs and verbs connected with movement;
• comparison of adjectives and adverbs;
• classifying words into different parts of speech;
• syntax of a single and compound sentence, double negation, punctuation.
• The course contents also include typical communicative situations.

Courses: 

Polish history is presented from the oldest to the contemporary times. The course is designed in parts divided by events of great significance to the society and the state. 

The purpose of the geography course is to present Polish social and economic situation in global context. The chemistry course covers a variety of issues, most important of which include: atoms, solutions, electrolytes, hydrolysis, matter, reactions of oxidation and reduction, electrochemical processes and organic chemistry. 

Selected areas of biology cover, among others, skeletal system, muscular system, cardiovascular system, lymphatic system, digestive system, nervous system and reproductive system. 

Participants of mathematics classes will have an opportunity to get to know the language and terminology used in mathematics. They will also have a chance to make up for the secondary school knowledge they miss (e.g. digits, geometric figures, fractions, mathematical actions, functions, sequences, etc.). 

The purpose of the physics course is to give participants an opportunity to understand the phenomena of the surrounding world and nature, the structures of physics and its connections with other natural sciences (kinematics, dynamics, thermodynamics, electrostatics, optics, contemporary physics, electric current). 

Skills required at levels A1, A2, B1

• sufficient to handle basic communicative situations (e.g. in a bank, information about exams, courses, telephone conversations)
• an understanding of simple statements on familiar matters, relating to e.g. the home, studying, leisure time
• main points of radio news and other simple recorded messages – familiar topics: travelling, university, habits and customs, student life, descriptions of people
• sequence of events in simple stories, e.g. childhood memories

Reading comprehension

• you can give instructions and advice (e.g. to give directions, describe a town or a travel route)
• you can present, using simple sentences, your plans and intentions (e.g. weekend or holiday plans)
• you can describe your place/surroundings (e.g. university, flat, students’ club)
• you can take part in conversations on common/interesting topics, and issues related to everyday life
• you can cope with travel-related issues (make arrangements, find accommodation, book a trip, etc.)

Writing

• you can write simple, coherent texts on issues you are conversant with/interested in
• you can write very simple informal letters, describing experiences, impressions, feelings
• you can take a note, make a simple announcement, etc.

The syllabus of a Course in Polish as a Foreign Language at B2, C1 and C2 levels contains more varied themes – relating to education, work, culture, health issues, nature and the environment, science and technology, the media, Polish traditions and customs (as compared with other cultures), and current social issues. Diverse communication situations are practised and communication skills are developed. Also, key cultural issues are discussed.  Grammar skills acquired on A1, A2 and B1 level courses are developed. Besides, the most difficult problems – concerning word construction, declension, inflection, phraseology, syntax and style – are introduced.  The course also covers elements of Polish history and culture: historical monuments; national heritage, martyrdom and Holocaust sites; profiles of the most outstanding Polish artists. 

End-of-course requirements 

Listening comprehension

• longer utterances, discussions about general topics
• radio and TV programmes, e.g. the news, factual programs, documentary films
• films in standard Polish

Reading comprehension

• authentic texts on subjects relating to your field of study and interests
• the gist of literary, specialist and popular science writing
• you can make use of resources such as dictionaries, encyclopedias, lexicons

Conversation and Speech

• you can start or enter a conversation or discussion on general issues
• you can present your view, give arguments and defend yourself against criticism
• you can conduct interviews, conversations or negotiations
• you can deliver a successful, interesting presentation

Writing

• you can take notes from longer utterances and readings
• you can write choosingbetween formal and informal style
• you can produce general-interest and ‘technical’ texts (e.g. formal letters)
• you can write efficiently and correctly.