System and variation
Undergraduate course
- ECTS credits
- 15
- Teaching semesters
- Autumn
- Course code
- ENG120
- Number of semesters
- 1
- Teaching language
- English
- Resources
- Schedule
Course description
Objectives and Content
The objective of this two-module course is to introduce students to central aspects of the English language system and to language variation.
The course aims to engage students in the exploration of the language systems, language variation and language in context, by paying attention to linguistic patterns at different levels. The content of the course may vary from year to year, including various combinations of topics from the two modules.
The course combines theoretical introductions and practical activities. Both theory and practice are carefully weaved together in order to develop a broad understanding of the topic.
The language system module surveys one or more of the central components of the English language such as the lexicon, semantics, phonology, morphology or syntax.
The English language variation module surveys some of the kinds of phonological and/or morphosyntactic variation that are found in different varieties of English.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of the course, students have achieved the following learning outcomes in terms of knowledges, skills, and competences. These are achieved through autonomous work with the syllabus, preparation for lectures and seminars, participation in discussions and submission of the compulsory assignments specified under "Compulsory Assignments and Attendance".
Knowledge
Students
- have detailed knowledge of aspects of the English language system
- have detailed knowledge of aspects of variation in English, including linguistic outcomes and underlying factors
- are familiar with concepts and terminology used in the study of the English language system and language variation in English
Skills
Students are able to
- use language data to discuss, explain and contextualise linguistic structures, phenomena and variation
- describe and analyse data relevant to linguistic systems and language variation
- discuss topics within language system and language variation using linguistic terminology
- identify and describe a range of concepts and methods relevant to the language system when working with examples from language data
- describe language variation in precise linguistic terms, using theoretical concepts and models introduced during the course
- select relevant information from a variety of sources
- link more advanced linguistic concepts and theories to the already familiar ones
General competence
Students can
- think and argue analytically, critically, and independently
- apply analytical concepts, theories, and methods for the scientific study of language
- manage and organise new information and relate it to previously acquired knowledge
- work autonomously, plan their own work, and achieve goals and meet deadlines
- express themselves in correct academic English, both in writing and orally
- extend their knowledge through further studies of English linguistics
ECTS Credits
Level of Study
Semester of Instruction
Place of Instruction
Required Previous Knowledge
Recommended Previous Knowledge
It is strongly recommended that students, in addition to fulfilling the general admission requirements, also have good grades in specialized English courses from Upper Secondary School.
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.
It is strongly recommended that students have taken/completed EXFAC00SK Basic Linguistics and ENG110 (Sounds and Structures) or equivalent courses.
Credit Reduction due to Course Overlap
Access to the Course
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. Student should hold a level of C1 in the Common European Framework of Reference for Language (CEFR). For valid tests, please see uib.no/exchange.
Teaching and learning methods
Lectures: up to 48 hours.
Students are expected to be actively present in class. This expectation is also the basis for the preparation towards the exam.
Compulsory Assignments and Attendance
In order to take the exam, students are required to complete and to pass the following compulsory assignments:
- one short presentation (individually or in groups)
- one written task, 500 words max.
- two multiple choice tasks (one per module)
Which module will have which assignment may vary from year to year.
Details about the assignments, the presentation and submission procedure, as well as the deadline for the assignments will be advertised on MittUiB. All compulsory assignments must be completed in the same semester.
Compulsory assignments are valid for the teaching semester and the following two semesters.
Forms of Assessment
The course exam is a 5-hours school exam in Inspera, with the two modules weighted equally. In order to pass the course, both modules must be passed.
Students who do not complete the obligatory assignments (described above) will be refused the right to take the final exam.