Applied Linguistics: Research Methods and Ethics

A wide variety of theories and research methods are used in applied linguistics. This course offers an introduction to central research strategies and to practical experience with different methodological approaches. A main focus in the course is the relation between research questions, theory, methods and empirical material. Ethical aspects in academic and scientific work are also emphasized, as are different forms of reporting and disseminating research.

KNOWLEDGE
Candidates:
• Have extensive knowledge about a range of methodological approaches in applied linguistics, and about their implications for issues of discourse and culture.
• Have a highly developed awareness about how different empirical fields and research methods may raise specific ethical issues.

SKILLS
Candidates:
• Are able to independently use discursive analytic tools in order to operationalise a communicative phenomenon for research purposes.
• Are able to develop a project design that satisfies the requirements of applied linguistics.
• Are able to evaluate the compatibility of methods and research positions with a pronounced commitment to real-world concerns.
• Are prepared to identify, evaluate and provide advice on ethical issues when using authentic data.

Lectures and seminars.
More on assessment: Obligatory written and oral exercises must be approved before the candidate can do the take-home exam. The size of the written assignment must be between 15-30 typed A4-pages (line spacing 1.5).The size of the take-home exam depends partly on the subject, but is usually between 15-30 typed A4-pages (line spacing 1.5).