Field Studies in Languages

You will study and gain practical experience of methods for the collection of mainly spoken and written material and methods for the analysis of such material, with a particular focus on field research.

During the course, you will develop your ability to critically read, discuss and apply scholarly research in linguistics and field studies. You will also make independent methodological choices in preparation for a clearly defined fieldwork project. In addition, you will practise structuring and analysing collected material with methodological precision, arguing for your methodological choices in seminars, and addressing ethical questions in connection with work with informants, respondents and collected linguistic material.

The course consists of two modules: Methods of Field Research (5 credits), in which you study theory, methods and ethical aspects of field research and prepare a preliminary plan for your own fieldwork; and Field Work (10 credits), in which you carry out your own project, analyse the material and write a field report. Teaching takes place in the form of seminars and supervision. Assessment consists of written assignments and oral presentations, including a compulsory seminar in which you discuss your own and other students’ fieldwork projects.

Field studies may be carried out in Sweden or abroad. Any costs in connection with field studies and/or a stay abroad are paid by the student.

It may also be possible to use the collected data in a Bachelor's thesis