Comparative historical linguistics in an African perspective

The course is given as a freestanding course.

The course can be part of the following programme: 1) Master's Programme in Language and Intercultural Communication (H2SIK)

The requirement for admission to the course is as follows: (A) a Bachelor's degree in a language or general linguistics in which an individual project of at least 15 credits should be included; (B) English 6/English level 2/IELTS 6.5/TOEFL 580, in all parts, or the equivalent thereof.

The course gives an introduction to comparative historical language studies. We study effects of language contact such as language change and variation, linguistic contact fields and loans based on African languages. We discuss, among other things, phonological, morphosyntactic and semantic change. In most cases, the type of written documentation that is available for many other languages is not available for African languages and this makes linguistic reconstruction even more important.

On successful completion of the course the student will be able to:

Knowledge and understanding
- give an account of current methods in comparative historical linguistics and contact linguistics, in particular with regard to African languages;
- use key concepts in historical linguistics, language classification, language contact, variation and change;
- discuss research on comparative historical linguistics and language contact with a focus on the African context;

Competence and skills
- identify appropriate methods for a limited research study in historical linguistics or contact linguistics;
- present and discuss scholarly articles within historical linguistics and language contact;

Judgement and approach
- critically reflect on the methodology and the relevance and sustainability in research publications as well as present arguments of his/her own on the basis of the same principles.

The course may be given as an on-campus course or as an online course. The teaching is conducted in the form of scheduled seminars.

Language of instruction: English

To what extent the student has achieved the aim of the course is tested through written and oral tests and presentations.

Students who have failed any part of the course are given the possibility of a new test. In connection with written assignments, supplementary assignments may be offered in order for the student to achieve a Pass grade. Such a supplementary assignment should be done within the stipulated time (normally five working days after the result has been posted). Otherwise a Fail grade will be reported.

A student who has passed a subtest may not do a new test for a higher grade. Nor do students have the right to withdraw a submitted test and in such a way avoid being graded.

If a student who has failed the same examined component twice, wants to change examiner before the next examination, they should submit a written request to the department responsible for the course. The request shall be granted unless there are special reasons to the contrary (Chapter 6, Section 22 of Higher Education Ordinance).

If the University of Gothenburg has decided that a student is eligible for special study support, the examiner may, provided it is compatible with the aim of the course and it can be done within the scope of available resources, decide to offer the student an adjusted examination or a different examination format.

If the course has been discontinued or substantially revised, a student should be guaranteed to sit the examination on at least three occasions (including the ordinary examination occasion) during a period of at least one year, but not later than two years after the course was discontinued or revised. As regards internships/placement the same as above applies, with the exception that examination is offered on only one occasion.

The grading scale comprises: Pass with Distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U). For the grade of Pass with distinction on the entire course, the grade of Pass with distinction is required on the final written assignment.

The students are given the opportunity to make a written evaluation of the course. The results of the evaluation are published digitally

Equality aspects should be taken into account in content, literature, teaching and evaluation.

To follow a web-based course, students must have access to a computer, web camera and stable internet connection.