Course syllabus
Welcome to the course Language and Society in Africa!
University campus, Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania. Photo: Rasmus Bernander
The goal of the course is to give you an overview of the language situation in the African continent as a whole. At the same time it will make you aware of how the multilingual situation found in most African countries has affected and continues to affect the lives of individual Africans in different countries in different ways. The historical events and political decisions which have guided language policies in the African context will also be discussed.
Teacher: Rasmus Bernander
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Structure of the course and requirements:
The course is taught as a 25% course (quarter time), which means that you should count on devoting ca 10 hours per week to the course.
The course consists of 8 modules. Every other week a new module becomes available, along with readings and discussion questions relating to each module's theme.
- Note that you must log in to each module and read its contents before you can proceed to the next module.
The course is completely net-based, without online meetings. We communicate with each other here in Canvas.
Course requirements include:
- An obligatory assignment to be handed in for Module 1, and two obligatory group projects.
- All course participants must participate actively in a discussion forum for each module.
- Final exam
All of the course readings are in English and are available electronically. Links are provided in the Course reading list.
On the road, Rwanda. Photo: Tove Rosendal
Course guide
Find syllabus and reading list here
Introduction week at the department
Tuesday 3/9 at 15:15-16:15 Starting your Studies (Study guidance)
Join this seminar that covers a lot of the practicalities regarding your studies. Information and advice on study and career planning, study strategies, support, exams etc.
ROOM: J336 + ZOOM
Overview of the course:
Module 1, week 36-37: The language situation in Africa
Module 2, week 38-39: Current language policy in African countries
Module 3, week 40-41: African language study from a historical perspective
Module 4, week 42-43: Effects and consequences of language policies
Module 5, week 44-45: Language and the individual
Module 6, week 46-47: African languages in society: present and future
Module 7, week 48-49: Description and documentation of African languages
Module 8, week 50-1: African language structures
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Study counselling
If you have questions or concerns about your studies, degrees and careers, please contact your study counsellor. The study counsellor is also the contact person for pedagogical support and adjustments of studies.
Email: studievagledning.afrikanska@sprak.gu.se
More information on study counselling: https://www.gu.se/en/languages/study-here/study-guidance
Pedagogical support
Information: https://studentportal.gu.se/en/service-and-support/disability-study-support
If you have a NAIS decision about adjustments of studies, please read the information above carefully.
For information on pedagogical support at the Department of Languages and literatures, click on Department of Languages and literatures: https://studentportal.gu.se/en/service-and-support/disability-study-support?f_hn=1&i_spl=1#information-from-faculties-and-departments
Information about being a student at the Faculty of Humanities, GU.
Plagiarism
Rules about the use of AI - Disciplinary matters | Student Portal (gu.se) (scroll down and click on "Department of Languages and Literatures)