Introduction to Linguistics and African Languages

The course is offered as a freestanding course.

The course aims at students acquiring a basic linguistic conceptual apparatus and developing a basic understanding of the analysis of language structures with examples taken from typologically different languages in Africa. The knowledge is obtained through lectures and the reading of relevant scholarly literature.

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

Knowledge and understanding

• account for a basic linguistic conceptual apparatus;
• show basic knowledge of the language situation in Africa;

Competence and skills

• discuss simple grammatical questions and use an adequate linguistic conceptual apparatus; 
• account for and analyse chosen grammatical phenomena that are characteristic of African languages;

Judgement and approach

• relate to the reading list and make independent reflections on the basis of it;
• problematise and evaluate different scholarly approaches within the subject.

The teaching is web-based and instruction is given in the form of lessons and exercises in a digital learning environment.

Language of instruction: English

The course is assessed continuously through compulsory assignments, and through a final examination.

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 been failed twice for the same examination element wishes to change examiner before the next examination session, such a request is to be granted unless there are specific reasons to the contrary (Chapter 6 Section 22 HF).

If a student has received a certificate of disability study support from the University of Gothenburg with a recommendation of adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment, an examiner may decide, if this is consistent with the course’s intended learning outcomes and provided that no unreasonable resources would be needed, to grant the student adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment.

If a course has been discontinued or undergone major changes, the student must be offered at least two examination sessions in addition to ordinary examination sessions. These sessions are to be spread over a period of at least one year but no more than two years after the course has been discontinued/changed. The same applies to placement and internship (VFU) except that this is restricted to only one further examination session.

If a student has been notified that they fulfil the requirements for being a student at Riksidrottsuniversitetet (RIU student), to combine elite sports activities with studies, the examiner is entitled to decide on adaptation of examinations if this is done in accordance with the Local Rules Regarding RIU Students at the University of Gothenburg.

The grading scale comprises: Pass with Distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U). For the grade Pass with distinction on the whole course, this grade is required on the final examination.

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.

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