African Languages, Linguistic Structures

The course is 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.

This course is an advanced introduction to the scientific study of grammatical structures in African languages. The domains in focus are phonology, morphology and syntax. One African language, chosen according to the expertise of the teacher, is taken as the point of departure, and a deeper understanding is achieved through the study of a second language, chosen individually by each student. Students will also gain insights into each other's chosen languages through mutual presentations by the peers in the group. Thereby different kinds of variation between linguistic structures in individual African languages will be illustrated, and since the grammatical properties are discussed from a typological perspective, the course will highlight what is characteristic of African languages as compared to other languages of the world.

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

Knowledge and understanding

• demonstrate knowledge of central aspects of the grammatical structure of the language in focus on the course, as well as of another selected African language, chosen by the student in consultation with the teacher;
• show knowledge of the linguistic variation in African languages;

Competence and skills

• identify typologically interesting features in a given language and work out research questions that are (partly) unanswered;
• identify and present background data and propose strategies for further investigation of such a research question;
• use relevant linguistic terminology and produce annotation of linguistic examples;

Judgement and approach

• identify the need of additional knowledge and to take responsibility for developing their knowledge;
• demonstrate an understanding of the potential and limitations of the subject area and of its role in society.

The course may be offered as a campus-based or a net-based course. When the course is offered as a net-based course the teaching is conducted in the form of seminars on the virtual learning platform of the university.

Language of instruction: English
The major part of the course literature is in English.

To what extent the student has achieved the aim of the course is tested through written assignments and oral presentations during the course, and a final written exam.

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). In order to receive the grade VG on this course, VG is required on the final written exam.

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 consideration in content, literature, teaching and evaluation.