Teaching starts Autumn

Language of instruction Norwegian

Learning outcomes Linguistics (2/3) Students will gain insight into natural human languages and general linguistics. They will obtain a basic understanding of language as a system containing various sound, word and sentence levels as well as skills in language analysis. In addition students will gain insight into central aspects of how languages vary typologically, historically, geographically and socially. They will familiarize themselves with the characteristics of natural languages and be trained to use linguistic terms, analyse language data and build linguistic argumentation. Students will acquire in-depth knowledge about various linguistic schools, such as cognitive linguistics, generative linguistics, computation linguistics, descriptive linguistics and prescriptive linguistics. This understanding will be critical in that they will learn about the main argumentation (assenting and dissenting) regarding the different schools of thought. Philosophy of Science (1/3) Students will acquire a basic understanding of the language of science, scientific methods, scientific argumentation, scientific explanation, theories of truth and various ontological and epistemological positions. Where it is appropriate, students are expected to have a reflected view on competing methods, schools and ontological positions.

Course contents The course comprises two parts: Linguistics (2/3) and Philosophy of Science (1/3). Linguistics gives an introduction to the characteristics of natural human languages seen from various angles. The course gives insight into the study of language as a system containing various sound, word and sentence levels. It also introduces central aspects of language communication and language variation - typologically, historically, geographically and socially. Different linguistic schools of thought will be presented. Philosophy of Science emphasizes basic concepts within modern research, central methods and scientific argumentation and explanation. Various theories of epistemology and reality conception are included as well as various aspects of the relationship between science and society. The approach to the subject is mainly critical, as the various fundamental attitudes of the philosophy of science and argumentation will be discussed.

Teaching methods The course is given as a combination of lectures and seminars.

Examination requirement A multiple choice test comprising the two diciplines must be assessed as a Pass.

Assessment methods and criteria 3-hour written examination within the discipline linguistics. Graded assessment.

Type of course Theoretical

Level of course Bachelor's level

Year of study See course structure diagram.

Name of lecturer/contact person Boriana Vukovska

Mode of delivery Face-to-face