Course content

The course deals with sociolinguistic theory and methods. The content may focus on the historical development of the discipline as well as more recent directions and approaches. Insight into theoretical and methodological aspects within Sociolinguistics will enable students to pursue an academically well-grounded and up-to-date master's thesis project in this discipline.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

Candidates who have passed this course

- have knowledge of the central questions in sociolinguistic theory

- have in-depth knowledge of selected theoretical issues in Sociolinguistics

- have knowledge of methods used in Sociolinguistics

Skills

Candidates who have passed this course

- are able to give an informative and independent discussion of a specified problem within the chosen area of study

General competence

Candidates who have passed this course

- are able to combine and process academic material and elaborate an academic presentation

Learning methods and activities

Lectures, seminars. Students are required to use the course learning platform regularly.

Students should expect that this 7.5 credit course equates with approximately 10 hours of work per week, including teaching time.

Approved obligatory assignments are valid for 2 semesters (the semester in which the approval is given, plus the following semester). All obligatory assignments must be completed in the same semester. Classes will be taught in English and/or Norwegian.

Students admitted to an English program shall, as a rule, do the obligatory assignments in English. Students admitted to a Norwegian/Scandinavian studies program shall, as a rule, do the obligatory assignments in Norwegian.

Compulsory assignments

• Written and/or oral exercises worth approximately 3000 words.

Recommended previous knowledge

Undergraduate language and linguistics courses.

It is expected that students who will be completing the course work and exam in English have a good command of the English language, enabling them to communicate well at an academic level. The level of English proficiency should be at least B2, preferably C1, using the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages scale.

Course materials

Curriculum/reading list will be available at the beginning of the semester.