English: Introductory Course. Linguistics and Academic English

The course is given as a freestanding course.

The course consists of two modules:

English Linguistics 7.5 Higher Education Credits

The module gives an overview of the theoretical width of linguistics with the aim to clarify the structure of the language and different contexts. The course focuses on sociolinguistics, language history, language change and first and second language learning, as well as the structure of the English language.

Academic Written and Spoken English 7.5 Higher Education Credits

The course treats basic linguistic features of academic English in speech and writing. In particular the written components constitute an introduction to English academic prose. Examples of components that are included are linguistic awareness, linguistic correctness, stylistics, academic vocabulary, cohesion and argumentation structure.

Together, the different parts of course aim to give the student in depth knowledge about and skills in the English language, as well as to develop a scholarly approach. In addition, the course aims to form the basis of developing the knowledge of sustainable development and a refinement of generic skills.

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

Knowledge and understanding
- describe the basic grammatical and phonetic structures as well as different stylistic levels of English;
- account for basic linguistic terminology;

Competence and skills
- use basic concepts about cohesion and overall structure in written production;
- efficiently and without elementary errors use English in connection with oral and written argumentation and presentation;

Judgement and approach
- critically reflect on his/her own and others' theoretical arguments and methods in his/her own production.

The course is an online course. The teaching is given in the form of recorded lectures and discussion forums.

Language of instruction: English

To what extent the student has achieved the aims of the course is tested through oral and written exams and written home assignments. Assessment should be based on the individual performance of each student.

The module English linguistics is assessed through two written exams. Exam 1 treats central themes in English linguistics (4 credits), and exam 2 focuses on the structure of English (3.5 credits).

The module Academic English in speech and writing is assessed partly through a vocabulary and multiple choice test (1 credit), partly through an oral presentation (1.5 credits), and partly through an argumentative thesis written in grammatically and stylistically correct English (5 credits).

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, requests a change of examiner before the next examination session, a request of this kind must be sent in writing 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 the University of Gothenburg has decided that a student is eligible for special study support, the examiner may, provided it is compatible with the aim of the course and it can be done within the scope of available resources, decide to offer the student an adjusted examination or a different examination format.

In the case where a course has been discontinued or has undergone major changes, a student shall be guaranteed access to at least three examination opportunities (including the regular examination opportunity) during a period of at least one year, but at the most two years after the course has been discontinued/changed. As regards internships and practice at a school (VFU), the equivalent applies, but limited to only one additional examination opportunity.

The grading scale comprises: Pass with Distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U). For the grade of Pass with distinction, this grade is required on at least 50% of the credits of the entire course.

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

Exemption is made in the entry requirements from the requirement of Swedish.

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

Together with EN1117, this course corresponds to EN1110 and may therefore not be included in English as the main field of study in a Bachelor's Degree together with EN1110.

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