Course syllabus autumn 2020
Course syllabus autumn 2020
Title
Sociolinguistics - Theories and Methods
Swedish title
Sociolinguistics - Theories and Methods
Course code
EN238L
Credits
7.5 credits
Grading scale
UA / Excellent (A), Very Good (B), Good (C), Satisfactory (D), Pass (E) or Fail (U)
Language of instruction
English
Decision-making body
Faculty of Culture and Society
Establishment date
2013-11-12
Syllabus approval date
2021-08-19
Syllabus valid from
2021-11-08
Entry requirements
Basic eligibility for university studies and the higher education course English I, 30 credits (en101E/A).
Level
Basic level
No main field.
Progression level
G1F
Progression level in relation to degree requirements
The course can normally be included as a part of a general degree at undergraduate level.
Course objectives
Sociolinguistics - Theories and Methods is for the students to gain insight into language use in society. Students will study how social factors affect and influence linguistic choices. The course has a practical element involving data analysis and research.
Course contents
In Sociolinguistics - Theories and Methods, the student will gain a critical understanding of language, society and identity. Students will study speakers’ language choices and social conventions. The course involves investigation and analysis of real world texts from different social contexts e.g. gender and ethnicity.
Learning outcomes
After completing this course, the student will be able to:
1. account for sociolinguistic theories and methods;
2. show critical awareness of language use in society and speakers’ linguistic choices;
3. analyse linguistic features in different types of real world texts; and
4. research language use in society based on social factors.
Learning activities
Learning activities are lectures, seminars, written assignments, self-study of course literature and independent work.
Assessment
Sociolinguistics - Theories and Methods is examined by oral and a written seminar work (2,5 credits), a mid-term assignment (1 credit), and a final written assignment (4 credits).
The seminars and the mid-term assignment assess learning outcomes 1,2 and 3. The final written assignment assesses learning outcomes 1-4.
The seminars and the mid-term assignment are graded pass/fail. The final written assignment is graded A/U.
In order to achieve a passing grade on the course in its entirety, a passing grade is required for each assessment format.
Course literature
Mooney, A. & Evans, B. 2019. Language, Society and Power. An Introduction. 5th edition. Oxon: Routledge
Fahnestock, J. 2011. Rhetorical Style. The Uses of Language in Persuasion. Oxford: Oxford UP.
Additional material related to research will be introduced.
Course evaluation
The course is concluded with an individual course evaluation focusing on the goals of the course. The evaluations are summarized and made available to the students at the completion of the course.
Interim rules
In a case when a course is no longer given, or the contents have been changed essentially, the student has the right to two opportunities during a one year period to be examined according to the course plan which was valid at the time of registration. The exam opportunities are set by the department and it is the student’s responsibility to contact the department to find out how and when the re-examination will take place.