Theories and Methods in Linguistics

This course is part of the following master's programmes: English, French, German and Scandinavian Language and Literature Studies.

The course has one core component common for all students and one subject-based component. The core component covers research theories as well as some central frameworks, theories and/or disciplines in linguistics, for example generative grammar, sociolinguistics, language and cognition, language acquisition, pragmatics. In the subject-based component one or more linguistic disciplines will be studied in more detail.

The candidate
- has insight into fundamental issues in linguistic research
- has knowledge of modern linguistic theories
- can relate theories to problems and data within his or her field of study
- has knowledge of methods used in various theoretical approaches and can choose appropriate methods for his or her own field of research

Lectures and seminars.
Obligatory activities: One written assignment, 3-5 pp, in the subject-based component. Students admitted to the master's programmes in English, French or German must write the assignment in the language of study. Students at the master's programme in Scandinavian Language and Literature studies must also submit a reading list for approval. Approved obligatory assignment is valid for 2 semesters.

Assessment: Home exam, approx. 10-12 pp. Students admitted to the master's programmes in English, French and German must answer questions concerning the subject-based component in the language of study. The core component part of the exam and the subject-based component of the exam count equally toward the final grade (50-50).