General provisions

The course is a self-contained course.

Entry requirements

General entry requirements and English 6 or English B

Learning outcomes

Upon completing the course students will have a good knowledge of both practical grammar and grammatical terminology and insights into pronunciation rules and the relationship between spelling and pronunciation. Students should be able to communicate well and in idiomatically correct English, both in oral and written form. Students will also have acquired a basic knowledge of linguistic concepts and theories. Students will also be able to read and analyse literature written in English.

The goals for each course component are given below.

Module 1 Language structure (8 credits)

Upon completing the component students will

- be able to identify and use basic grammatical terminology

- be able to identify and analyse grammatical structures, in particular such that differ between English and Swedish, and be able to use these

- be able to apply grammatical rules in guided and free production and in translation

- be able to account for the sound system of English including stress and intonation patterns

- be able to demonstrate a knowledge of differences between English spelling and pronunciation and distinguishing features between British and American English in both spelling and pronunciation

- demonstrate a broad vocabulary of academic English in oral and written production, and demonstrate a knowledge of English word formation

- be able to use relevant dictionaries

Module 2 Academic writing in English (7 credits)

Upon completing the component students will

- be able to write coherent prose in English without a large number of language errors

- be able to logically structure ideas in speech and writing

- be able to adapt texts to formal stylistic levels

- be able to revise a written assignment independently, based on received criticism

- be able to read critically and comment on other students' texts

- be able to use quotations and references to document sources

Module 3. Introduction to English linguistics (5 credits)

Upon completing the component students will

- be able to demonstrate a general understanding of linguistics and its main foci

- be able to show a basic knowledge of the sound system of the English language

- be able to show a basic knowledge of linguistic theories within phonology morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics, discourse analysis, socio-linguistics, and first - and second language acquisition

- be able to apply linguistic analytical methods to English texts

Component 4. Literature (10 credits)

Upon completing the component students will

- be able to demonstrate a good ability to read literary texts in English

- be able to present analyses and interpretations of literary texts both orally and in writing, in good English

- be able to analyse literary texts using established critical terminology

- be able to provide support for an interpretation of a text by using references to the text

- be able to show an awareness of the importance of a gender perspective when reading a text

- be able to place a text within its social and cultural context.

Content

The course consists of four components.

Module 1 Language structure, 8 credits

Module 1 focuses mainly on the structure of the English language, its grammatical and phonetic components, but also vocabulary, word formation and translation.

Module 2 Academic writing in English, 7 credits

The component focuses on central aspects of writing in formal and academic contexts and offers students the possibility to practise their skills in formal writing. The module consists of two parts: a short and intensive phase with several lectures and seminars (2 credits) and a longer phase under supervision in small groups (5 credits).

Module 3: Introduction to English linguistics, 5 credits

Linguistics is the scientific study of human language. The component introduces and explains linguistic concepts and theories. Speech sounds are studied within phonetics. The structural building blocks and their importance for human languages are treated within phonology, morphology, syntax and semantics. Models for how people interact by means of language are studied within pragmatics, discourse analysis and socio-linguistics. Various types of language acquisition theories, both in first - and second language acquisition, are dealt with.

Component 4. Literature, 10 credits

The component is devoted to the reading and analysis of literature in English. The module consists of two parts, the first of which is common to all students. This part is an introduction to reading and interpreting various literary genres such as novels, short stories, poetry and drama (5 credits). The second part is a reading course, where the students can choose one of two themes (5 credits).

Instruction

Instruction is normally given in the form of lectures and group instruction. Self-study is a prerequisite. Component 2 also involves supervision and review of practice essays. Active participation in course seminars is obligatory. In case of absence students will be given the opportunity to complete an extra assignment within the framework of the course period.

Assessment

Examination in the various components is done by oral presentations, written assignments, and written final examinations. Grades used are either Fail, Pass, or Pass with Distinction. To receive a grade of Pass with Distinction for the whole course, students must have achieved the grade of Pass with Distinction in components worth a total of at least 18 credits

Students who do not achieve a passing grade on the regular examination will have another opportunity to take the examination within a reasonable period of time after the regular examination.

Students who do not achieve a passing grade from continuous assessment may take the component again if a place is available.

Besides the regular examinations, all beginning students take an obligatory diagnostic test in English grammar for purposes of student guidance.

Other directives

For admission to the course English B, students must have achieved a passing grade for three of the four modules where modules 1 and 2 must be included. Attendance is obligatory in group instruction in all components.

Results that are more than five years old are normally not recognised if the syllabus for the course component has been changed.

If the syllabus or course reading for a component has been changed, students have the right to be examined under the original syllabus and course reading on three occasions during the following three semesters. Normally this right then expires. Otherwise there are no limitations on the number of examination opportunities.

The course cannot be counted toward a degree together with the courses English LS, HS1, T1, courses that are included in the course block Practical English (30 credits) or with courses in English with technical specialisation, 7.5 or 15 credits.

Transitional provisions

For transitional regulations in the case of changes in the syllabus, please contact the Student Counsellor.