Course syllabus

AF1311, Investigating African Language Structures

The aim of the course is to introduce students to scientific research in African linguistics. Special attention is given to research questions, research methods, and the structure of academic papers. Necessary concepts are introduced through lectures and texts from basic handbooks. The acquired knowledge is then applied in assignments where samples of good BA essays and accessibly written scholarly articles are analysed through critical reading and discussion. At the end of the course each student presents their plan for an intended bachelor project. These project plans are discussed in a final seminar.

Term: Autumn 2024, starts 2 September, ends 18 January
Credits: 7.5 ects
Study Pace: 10 working hours/week
Teacher: Morgan Nilsson
Schedule: Online seminars at times that will be decided later on.
Reading list: AF1311
Syllabus/Kursplan: AF1311

 

 

Resources for reference

 

Learning outcomes

  • account for linguistic structures in particular African languages, mainly regarding phonetics, morphology and syntax;
  • explain the importance of theoretical and methodological considerations for linguistic research;
  • critically read and understand accessibly written scholarly publications within the field, and at the same time problematise traditional concepts and analyses;
  • present and discuss data, methods and analyses, orally and in writing, in dialogue with fellow students and teachers, using a relevant conceptual apparatus;
  • independently apply the acquired theoretical understanding, retrieve and analyse data on African language structures, in order to carry out a smaller research task,such as a bachelor project;
  • make independent and critical reflections on the relevance and sustainability of arguments in scholarly texts;
  • present and discuss own arguments from a scholarly perspective;
  • relate critically to his/her own learning process.

 

Exams and grading

Active participation in all the seminars.