African Languages master's essay, Independent project

The course is a freestanding course.

The requirement for admission to the course is a Pass grade on the course AF2203 (Method and field work) or the equivalent. An additional requirement is language ability corresponding to English 6 or English level 2 from Swedish Upper Secondary School.

Implementation of an independent assignment in the subject area of African languages, mainly field work that results in the writing of an academic paper. The subject is chosen in consultation with the supervisor. The thesis is ventilated at a seminar. In the course, students are also expected to act as opponents on a thesis.

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

Knowledge and understanding

• identify and with the support of a supervisor delimit a linguistic subject so that it becomes manageable within the scope of the assignment, and anchor the subject in relevant and applicable theory and possible practice;
• independently and with precision carry out a linguistic study of limited extent;
• justify method choice and theoretical foundation in his/her own words on the basis of subject choice, related studies and good scholarly practice and discuss the result of the study and its consequences;
• present the study in a thesis that satisfies the content-based and linguistic requirements within the subject;
• independently summarise, discuss and relate to other research projects in the same disciplinary research domain critically and at the same level;
• contribute actively and independently in seminar discussions;
• show good ability in critical assessment;

Competence and skills

• demonstrate the ability to apply theories and methods to identify, formulate issues and to plan and carry out a limited research project within a given time frame;
• demonstrate the ability both at subject and departmental level to present and discuss orally and in writing his/her research questions and research results in dialogue with different groups;
• demonstrate the ability to make research-ethical assessments in his/her individual studies;

Judgement and approach

• demonstrate the ability to realise his/her need of additional knowledge and take responsibility for his/her knowledge development;
• demonstrate an understanding of the potential and limitations of the subject and of its role in society

The teaching is given in the form of supervision and seminars.

Language of instruction: English

The course is assessed through a research report in the form of an independent written work (thesis) which focuses on a specific linguistic or sociolinguistic issue. The thesis is ventilated orally in a seminar within the subject.
For more specific assessment criteria, see the department's template for assessing master theses. This is made available to the students at the beginning of the course.

A student who has failed a course item is eligible for a retake exam/assignment. 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 completed an exam/assignment with a passing grade is not eligible for a retake for the purpose of receiving a higher grade. Nor may a student withdraw a test/assignment once it has been submitted for the purpose of avoiding receiving a grade for the work.

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.

If you do not finish your essay: about supervision, examination and re-registration

1. Supervision of essays is linked to the term when a student is registered on the course for the first time. Supervision can be done individually or in a group. Hours for supervision are allotted at the course introduction for the term in question.

2. If students are unable to finish their essays within the course period, they must notify the Director of Studies as soon as possible in order to save any remaining supervision for the next course opportunity. Such a notification must be given before the course ends. If no notification is given, the supervision will be regarded as forfeited and the students only have the right to be examined in connection with later examination occasions.

3. Any remaining supervision that has been saved according to point 2 can be used during the six (6) subsequent terms from the first occasion when the student registered on the course. Saved supervision may only be used during one and the same term. After that, students only have the right to have their essays examined in connection with a re-registration on the course. A student may be given a new supervisor when the remaining supervision is used.

4. Students who have saved supervision according to point 2 and who intend to use it in connection with a later course opportunity, need to notify the Director of Studies for the subject in question no later than 20 April (before the Autumn term) or 20 October (for the Spring term). This also applies in case a student wishes to use supervision the following term after the first course opportunity.

5. To be able to use remaining supervision according to points 2-4, students must re-register on a course opportunity when the saved supervision is to be given. Students must also re-register on a course opportunity to have their essays examined.

6. In the event of unforeseen circumstances such as illness, saved supervision that a student has planned to use according to point 4, may be postponed by agreement with the Director of Studies/Study Counsellor.

7. For students who registered on the course before points 1-6 came into effect (Spring Term 2022), the right to supervision is assessed on an individual basis.

The grading scale comprises: Pass with Distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U).

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

For this module, data collection in the geographic language area that is relevant for the subject is recommended.

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