English: Introductory Course

The course is a freestanding course.

The course can be part of the following programme: 1) Bachelor's Programme in English Studies (H1KEN)

The course has four modules:

English Linguistics, 7.5 Higher Education Credits

The module gives an overview of the theoretical width of linguistics with the aim to clarify the structure of the language and different contexts. The course focuses on sociolinguistics, language history, language change and first and second language learning, as well as the structure of the English language.

Academic English in speech and writing 7.5 Higher Education Credits/Academic Written and the Spoken English 7.5 Higher Education Credits

In the course, basic features of academic English in speech and writing are treated. In particular the written components constitute an introduction to English academic prose. Examples of components that are included are linguistic awareness, linguistic correctness, stylistics, academic vocabulary, cohesion and argumentation structure.

English Literary Studies, 7.5 Higher Education Credits

The module contains both literary primary texts and simple literary texts. The student learns to analyse literary texts with regard to literary aspects, presentations, language and underlying cultural aspects.

Cultural studies, 7.5 Higher Education Credits

The course aims at providing students with an understanding of key concepts and methods in cultural studies as well as the ability to apply these to cultural and popular cultural texts. Key areas of focus include history, ideology, representation and the environment. These areas will also be viewed through the lens of sustainable development, involving issues of social, economic and environmental justice and diversity.

Together the different parts of the course aim to give students increased knowledge of and skills in the English language, in-depth knowledge of English-speaking literature and culture as well as skills in adopting a scholarly approach. In addition, the course aims to lay the foundation of the development of the knowledge of sustainable development and a refinement of generic skills.

Upon successful completion of the course, the student should be able to:

Knowledge and understanding
- describe the basic grammatical and phonetic structures as well as different stylistic levels of English;
- account for basic terminology within the fields of linguistic, literary and cultural studies.

Competence and skills
- use basic concepts about cohesion and overall structure in written production;
- efficiently without making elementary errors use English in connection with oral and written argumentation and presentation;
- produce close readings and scholarly analyses of literary texts;
- apply basic concepts of cultural studies to the interpretation of (popular)cultural texts.

Judgement and approach
- make critical assessments considering the importance of culture for sustainable social progress;
- critically reflect on his or her own theoretical arguments and methods in his or her own production and that of others.

The teaching is constituted by lectures, seminars and group work.

Language of instruction: English

To what extent the student has achieved the aim of the course is tested through oral and written tests, written assignments and participation in seminars. Assessment should be based on the individual performance of each student.

The module English linguistics is assessed through two written exams. Exam 1 treats central themes in English linguistics (4 credits), and exam 2 focuses on the structure of English (3.5 credits).

The module of Academic English in speech and writing is assessed partly through a vocabulary and multiple choice test (1 credit), partly through an oral presentation (1.5 credits), and partly through written assignments written in grammatically and stylistically correct English (total 5 credits).

The module English Literary Studies is assessed through two written assignments: a critical analysis (4.5 credits), and a literary essay (3 credits).

The module Cultural Studies is assessed continuously through two written assignments of 2 credits and 3.5 credits as well as an oral presentation of 2 credits.

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.

A student who has taken two exams in a course or part of a course without obtaining a pass grade is entitled to the nomination of another examiner. The student needs to contact the department for a new examiner, preferably in writing, and this should be approved by the department unless there are special reasons to the contrary (Chapter 6 Section 22 of the Higher Education Ordinance).

If a student has received a recommendation from the University of Gothenburg for special educational support, where it is compatible with the learning outcomes of the course and provided that no unreasonable resources are required, the examiner may decide to allow the student to sit an adjusted exam or alternative form of assessment.

In the event that a course has ceased or undergone major changes, students are to be guaranteed at least three examination sessions (including the ordinary examination session) over a period of at least one year, but no more than two years, after the course has ceased/been changed. The same applies to placements and professional placements (VFU), although this is restricted to just one additional examination session.

The grading scale comprises: Pass with Distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U). To pass the course with distinction, the grade Pass with distinction is required on at least 50% of the credits of the course.

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 in consideration in content, literature, teaching and evaluation.