On completion of the course the student should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student

• has developed analytic skills and an academic approach to language
• has developed a basic understanding of one of more linguistic theories

Skills

The student

• is able to apply linguistic methods to shed light on aspects of the English language.

General competence

The students

• have developed a critical and independent approach to central linguistic questions.
• are able to express themselves in correct academic English

It is recommended that students have completed the introductory semester as well as ENG110 (or ENG114, ENG115), ENG120 (or ENG107, ENG108/118, ENG109/119), ENG122, and ENG125, or equivalent.

For students with a background other than the Norwegian school system, a level of competence in English corresponding to C1 in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages is recommended.

The course is open to all students admitted to the University of Bergen.

For exchange students: Applicants have to document English language proficiency to access the course. Students should hold a level of C1 in the Common European Framework of Reference for Language (CEFR). For valid tests, please see uib.no/exchange.

Seminars: up to 24 hours (normally 2 hours per week for 12 weeks).

In the case that fewer than five students register for a course, the organized teaching may be adapted to fit the number of students. If this occurs, students will be informed at the start of the semester, and before the registration deadline 1. February/1. September.

Students are expected to take part in and actively contribute to teaching. This expectation is also the basis for the preparation towards the exam.

Students shall hand in a draft of their term paper of minimum 500 words. There will be supervision individually or in groups. Students have the right to supervision in working with the term paper. Supervision is also compulsory and must be completed at least 2 times. Students must follow guidelines and meet deadlines set by the Department and the course teacher. Students who fail to meet these requirements may not submit their term paper for assessment.

Compulsory assignments are valid for the teaching semester and the following semester.

The exam is a supervised term paper of 4500 words (±10%), where the student, in a separate chapter of 1000 words (±10%) on theory, data and methods, presents their thoughts on the theoretical and methodological approach chosen in the term paper. The student chooses the topic of the term paper in agreement with the course instructor. The bibliography and attachments are not included in the word count.

Additionally, there is an oral examination in which students are assessed on the entire syllabus and the written work they have submitted. Following the oral examination, the final grade for the term paper may be adjusted up or down by one letter grade. Both the term paper and oral examination must be passed in order to pass the course, and both must be passed in the same semester.

The term paper fulfils the requirements for an independent piece of research that can be part of a bachelor degree.

The reading list is comprised of general topics in modern English linguistics, as well as primary texts.

The reading list will be available by 1 December for the spring semester.

Student advisor: studierettleiar@if.uib.no

Exam administration: eksamen@if.uib.no