Communication Researach and Theory of Science

Starting point: Students choosing verbal communication for their professional career need to be able to place their field in a wide academic and interdisciplinary context. They also need thorough knowledge of different communication theories relevant in Norwegian and international contexts.
Content: The course gives a survey of different directions in communication theory, and discusses connections between a general view of academics and different traditions of research in applied linguistics. The course also provides epistemological connections between different empirical fields and perspectives in verbal communication.

KNOWLEDGE
Candidates:
• Have extensive knowledge of competing directions within communication theory and understand these in relation to applied linguistics.
• Have developed a critical awareness of the ethical implications of different positions on knowledge and research.

SKILLS

Candidates:
• Are able to account for their professional positioning in terms of applied linguistics as an interdisciplinary, problem-driven discipline.
• Are able to critically evaluate their own and others’ scholarly work in terms of theoretical premises, ethical implications and knowledge interests.

Lectures and seminars. More on assessment: The size of the term paper depends partly on the subject, but is usually between 20-25 typed A4-pages (line spacing 1.5). If the course is not passed, the student retakes the part(s) which he/she failed. 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.