General provisions

The course is given as an optional module within Linguistics D but may also be taken independently.

Entry requirements

Fulfilment of the requirements for a Bachelor's degree with Linguistics or another language subject as the main field of study.

Learning outcomes

On completion of the course, to earn the mark Pass, the student should at least be about to:

• explain the basic principles of the scientific work and the research methodology with reference to modern linguistics (general linguistics),
• describe, analyse and critically examine relevant scientific articles within the field of linguistics (general linguistics), and
• work with a certain level of independence, clearly formulate and critically discuss theoretical and methodological assumptions and make adequate professional oral and written presentations of the results.

Content

The course is given with different theme from current trends in linguistics. Possible themes are, e.g.:

• The Geometry of Meaning, based on Gärdenfors' book by the same name.
• The Phylogenetic Analysis of Language
• Grammaticalisation
• Colour semantics

Instruction

Instruction consists of lectures, workshops and assessment. The student's own learning activities are of major importance for the outcome on this course.

Assessment

The course has two moments of examination:

1.continuous written tests that are conducted during lecture hours;

2. a final project, the exact date for submission is announced by the teacher at the start of the course.

For the grade Pass (G), Pass is required in all moments. For the grade Pass with distinction (VG), Pass with distinction is required in moment 2 as well as Pass in moment 1.

If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the University's disability coordinator.

Other directives

The course may be taken even if the student has already taken the course Current Trends in Linguistics (5LN142).