Field Studies in Languages

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)

Completed courses (optional) from second cycle of at least 15
credits, and English 6 or English level 2 from Swedish Upper Secondary School, or the equivalent.

The course includes studies of and practical handling of methods for collection of mainly spoken and written material and methods for the analysis of the material (e.g. interviews and narratives). The course also treats ethical questions in connection with work with informants, respondents and collected linguistic material.

The course consists of two modules:

Sub-courses

1. Methods of field research (Fältforskningsmetodik), 5 credits
Grading scale: Pass (G) and Fail (U)
On the basis of the student's previous knowledge, the course provides an opportunity for the student to explore the theoretical, methodological and ethical aspects of field research. In connection with the theoretical studies, a preliminary plan for the fieldwork in module 2 should be prepared. This must be approved by the course coordinator, before the student can start module 2.

2. Field work (Fältarbete), 10 credits
Grading scale: Pass with Distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U)

The module consists of fieldwork, where the material is decided by the student's language and subject specialisation. Choice of place and material is made in consultation with the course coordinator and should be approved by him/her before the fieldwork commences. The module is completed with submission and examination seminar of a field report.

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

Knowledge and understanding

• critically read and discuss scholarly nonfiction in language oriented field research and in the specific research domain of the field study;
• demonstrate a good understanding of what academic integrity implies with special emphasis on citation and reference systems, and on rules for plagiarism;

Competence and skills

• demonstrate the ability to independently identify appropriate methods before the implementation of well-defined language-oriented fieldwork;
• structure and analyse, with methodological accuracy, collected spoken and written research material within the scope of a qualified field report;
• review a scholarly presentation with regard to methodology and the relevance and sustainability of the arguments;
• in dialogue with the group objectively argue for his/her points of view and choice of research methodology and discuss problems and solutions related to the implementation of the fieldwork;

Judgement and approach

• be able to assess the suitability of different methods of data collection to answer different linguistically and humanistically oriented questions;
• handle and make independent decisions in a critical way with regard to current ethical questions and dilemmas that form a part of field research.

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

Language of instruction: English

To what extent student has achieved the aims of the course is tested through written assignments and oral presentations. Among other things, a plan for the fieldwork and a final field report should be submitted. A compulsory examination seminar on campus is also included in the examination. At the seminar, the student should critically review and lead a conversation in seminar form about another placement report.

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.

If a student, who has been failed twice on the same course component being examined, wishes to change examiner before the next examination, a written application shall be sent to the department responsible for the course, and shall be granted, unless there are special reasons to the contrary (Chapter 6, Section 22, Higher Education Ordinance).

If a student has received a recommendation from the University of Gothenburg regarding study support for students with disabilities, the examiner may decide, in the case where this is compatible with the learning outcomes for the course, and provided no unreasonable resources are required, to give the student an adjusted examination or an alternative form of examination.

In case the course has been discontinued or undergone any larger changes the student is guaranteed access to at least three additional examination sessions (including regular examination sessions) within the time of at least one year. 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 module 1, the following grades apply: Pass (G) and Fail (U). In module 2, the following grades apply: Pass with distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U). To obtain the grade of Pass with distinction (VG) on the whole course, the grade of Pass with distinction is required on module 2.

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

The course may ideally be combined with a Master's degree (60 or 120 credits) dissertation.

Any costs in connection with field studies and/or a stay abroad are paid by the student.

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