Course syllabus

AF1111, Introduction to Linguistics and African Languages

On this course you will learn basic facts about the language situation in Africa. You will also learn basic linguistic concepts and develop a basic understanding of the analysis of language structures with examples from languages in Africa. Phenomena that are typical for African languages will be particularly highlighted. You will also learn the correct formal use of references and the linguistic standard design for grammatical analysis and translation of foreign language examples under discussion.

Term: Autumn 2024, starts 2 September, ends 18 January
Credits: 7.5 ects
Study Pace: 10 working hours/week
Teacher: Morgan Nilsson
Schedule: Online lessons on most Mondays from 17.00 to 18.45 CET.
Reading list: AF1111
Syllabus/Kursplan: AF1111

 

 

Resources for reference

 

Learning outcomes

  • account for basic linguistic concepts;
  • know the basics about the language situation in Africa;
  • discuss simple grammatical questions and use adequate linguistic terminology;
  • account for grammatical phenomena that are characteristic of African languages;
  • make independent reflections based on your reading;
  • discuss different scholarly approaches within the subject.

 

Exams and grading

The course is divided into three parts. Each part consists of five or six weekly modules. Every week there are obligatory exercises and assignments that contribute points to your results on each of the three parts. You can find an good overview of your progress and your points under Grades in the left hand menu.

After each part of the course there is also a test that you will be taking online through Canvas. These tests must be taken on fixed dates, on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday. You will find the exact dates in the weekly Modules in Canvas. Each test takes about 90 minutes to complete, and you are free to choose on which of the three days that you want to take the test.

Part 1 - Exam 1: after Unit 5, Retake: Three weeks later.

Part 2 - Exam 2: after Unit 10, Retake: Three weeks later.

Part 3 - Final Exam: after Unit 16, Retake: Three weeks later.

After each part you will be awarded 2.5 ects. The points on each of the tests are added to the points from the exercises and assignments. Two different grades are available: a result of 70 % is required for G (Good) and 90 % is required for VG (Very Good). The percentages are calculated on the basis of the total amount of points earned from exercises, assignments and tests.

Your result on a previous part of the course do not affect your result on a later part. The grade on Part 3 is equal to the final grade that you will receive for the whole course.