African Languages, Data and Method

For eligibility to this course the completion of AF2208/AF2211 and AF2209/AF2212 is required, or the equivalent. In addition English 6/English level 2/IELTS 6.5/TOEFL 580 is required in all parts, or the equivalent.

The course gives the students the possibility to deepen their knowledge about relevant research methods as well as data collection and processing. Both general surveys on methods and data, and sample publications within each student's profile will be studied. The students will analyse both structure and content of such research publications as well as the research activities that they are based on. Students will also design their own research project for their planned master essay and conduct a small pilot investigation resulting in a short PM. The course design as well as the literature to be studied is chosen in a mutual dialogue between the students and the teacher.

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

Knowledge and understanding

• show knowledge and understanding within their research domain;
• be familiar with common research methods in general and with potential methods suitable for the planned master project in particular;

Competence and skills

• choose appropriate methods for a limited research assignment as a preparation for the planned master project;
• present and discuss methods, orally and in writing, in dialogue with fellow students and teachers;
• develop independently in order to be able to carry out future independent research activities, such as a master project;
• critically read and understand scholarly publications in the general field and well as the chosen speciality;

Judgement and approach

• analyse a scholarly publication with regard to research methods and the relevance and sustainability of the arguments, and present own arguments on the basis of the same principles.

The teaching is web based and is carried out in the form of individual assignments and seminars where the outcome of these assignments are presented and discussed.

Language of instruction: English

To what extent the student has achieved the aim of the course is tested through written assignments and active participation in the seminars.

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.

The grading scale comprises: Pass with Distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U). The requirement for the grade of Pass is an active participation and the grade Pass for all the parts of the course.

The requirement for the grade of Pass with distinction is submission of all the written assignments in time and the grade of Pass with distinction on the final essay.

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.