Course syllabus
This course is designed for students who want an introduction to Swahili, a widely-spoken language in East and Central Africa. The goal of the class is to teach the basics of how to read, write and speak the Swahili language.
University campus in Iringa, Tanzania
Students practice reading and speaking the language by studying and actively using common constructions and everyday phrases. Students practice reading and writing the language by doing translations, both from Swahili into English and from English into Swahili. The necessary linguistic terminology is introduced as students develop their knowledge of Swahili phonetics, grammar and semantics.
Course instructors: Augustino Kagwema
(with Rasmus Bernander)
Activate your student account and Register for the course
Course schedule:
The course starts on 20 January 2025 with an introduction zoom meeting at 6-7pm. Here is the zoom link https://gu-se.zoom.us/j/61870049892.
Please see the Course guide for further details! Note that you cannot access the lessons before you have read the course guide. Go to Modules in the left menu to access the lessons.
The Zoom meetings (mainly conversation practice) listed below are the only "fixed" lessons - all other tasks are done at your own pace.
Schedule (Zoom link in Course guide)
Introductory meeting 20 January 6-7 pm
Conversation 5 February 6-7 pm
Conversation 19 February 6-7 pm
Conversation 19 March 6-7 pm
Grammar 16 April 6-7 pm
Conversation 14 May 6-7 pm
The dates given below are the dates when a certain lesson starts (Lesson 1 starts on 20 January, and so on).
Module 1
Lesson 1: Starts 20 January
Lesson 2: Starts 3 February
Lesson 3: Starts 17 February
Module test (lessons 1-3) before 2 March More information about the test under Form of assessment and examination of the course in the course guide.
Module 2
Lesson 4: Starts 3 March
Lesson 5: Starts 17 March
Lesson 6: Starts 31 March
Module test (lessons 4-6) before 13 April.
Module 3
Lesson 7: Starts 14 April
Lesson 8: Starts 28 April
Lesson 9: Starts 12 May
Exam: 26 May - 1 June Two hours of your choice.
Retake exam August 2025
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Introduction week at the department
https://canvas.gu.se/courses/89999
Presentations in English and on Zoom
12:15-13:00 Grammar (at the university)
13:15-14:00 Starting your Studies (at the university and on zoom)
09:10-09:50 Introduction to Canvas (on zoom)
10:15-12:00 Academic writing (on zoom)
13:15-14:00 Literature (on zoom)
14:00-14:30 Drop-in Q&A session about written sit-down exams in an examination hall or in zoom. (Questions can be asked in Swedish or English). (on zoom)
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
Rues about the use of AI - Disciplinary matters | Student Portal (gu.se) (scroll down and click on "Department of Languages and Literatures)