Discourse Studies in Applied Linguistics

This course gives an introduction to how applied linguists study discourse and communicative competencies. Applied linguistics is multidisciplinary, and the course offers a basic introduction to a range of perspectives and research methods within the field. Students acquire knowledge about the functions of language and communication in society and culture, and of how communication is related to identity, learning and social relations.

KNOWLEDGE
On successful completion of the course, candidates will have acquired a broad knowledge of:
• The interplay between discourse, identity, culture and social relations.
• Methods that are central to the process of describing, analyzing and understanding human communication in a variety of settings.
• The history, distinctiveness and relevance of applied linguistics.
• Have enough basic knowledge of selected fields in applied linguistics so that they are able to find and assess new knowledge in those fields


SKILLS
Candidates will be able to:
• Identify and account for connections between theoretical understanding and relevant research questions in selected fields of applied linguistics.
• Evaluate popular beliefs about discourse and about how people acquire discourse competencies.
• Present knowledge in a consistent manner and provide arguments in keeping with the discipline.
• To offer constructive responses to others' writing and make use of such responses in their own writing processes.

The course alternates between lectures, seminars and workshops, and students receive comments on required assignments. The size of the submitted material depends partly on the subject, but is usually between 5-10 typed A4-pages (line spacing 1,5). In special cases, students may apply to the Department for alternative assessment in the form of a take-home exam to substitute the written exam.