African Languages, Comparative Linguistics and Typology

The course is given as a freestanding course at second cycle level.

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 focuses on systematically comparative language studies of African languages. Recurrent patterns in different language systems as well as hypotheses concerning unit, diversity, possibilities and limitations in human language are studied. The focus is on languages in Africa and their phonology, morphology and syntax and information structure. Throughout the course, theories of the relationship of the languages from a synchronic and a diachronic perspective are also treated. In an independent task, the student identifies a relevant question in order to analyse data by means of current theories and methods. The independent task should focus on a specific language typological issue question from an African perspective.

On completion of the course, the student is expected to be able to:

Knowledge and understanding
- demonstrate knowledge about and understanding of basic theories and methods in the research domains of comparative linguistics and language typology;
- give an account of relationships between language and important characterising features of various language families in Africa;
- describe how knowledge of African languages contributes to the research domain of language typology;

Competence and skills
- identify and formulate relevant questions;
- plan and independently carry out a limited research project within a given time frame;
- apply language typological theories and methods;
- orally and in writing present and discuss different research questions and research results;

Judgement and approach
- relate critically to literature on comparative linguistics and language typology;
- demonstrate the ability to make research-ethical assessments in his/her individual studies.

The course may be given as an on-campus course or as an online course. The teaching is conducted in the form of scheduled seminars.

Language of instruction: English

To what extent the student has achieved the aim of the course is tested through written and oral assignments and presentations.

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 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 of Pass with distinction on the entire course, the grade of Pass with distinction is required on the final written assignment.

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

The major part of the course literature is in English.

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

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