African languages, Theory

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.

The course gives students the opportunity to deepen their knowledge within selected areas of linguistics in order to lay a theoretical basis for future independent work. Course content and reading lists will therefore, as far as possible, be adapted to the students' linguistic profiles.

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

Knowledge and understanding

• apply scholarly concepts on questions that are relevant for African languages;
• show a theoretical understanding in research about African languages;
• discuss and assess theories that are used in scientific articles on African languages;

Competence and skills

• demonstrate the ability to identify, formulate, present and discuss research questions, both orally and in writing;

Judgement and approach

• relate critically and independently to the literature studied and to the research field;
• identify the need of additional knowledge and take responsibility for developing their knowledge.

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

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.