Table of contents

The course is connected to the following study programs

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course, the student shall

Knowledge

  • have advanced knowledge about central research traditions within linguistics, and about how this insight can be used in interpretation and analysis of languages and language conditions
  • have in-depth knowledge about the subject history and central questions related to scientific theory within the field of linguistics
  • have knowledge about how linguistic traditions are formed by varying views on the philosophy of science

Skills

  • be able to reflect independently on various theories and their premises
  • be able to draw parallels and contrasts between various linguistic scientific traditions
  • be able to assess and use linguistic theories and methods in various scientific and non-scientific contexts

General competence

  • be able to use linguistic knowledge and analytical skills in when meeting relevant challenges in various contexts
  • be able to communicate linguistic and grammatical problems, analyses and conclusions, both with specialists and with people in general

Contents

The course is a study of linguistic theory, and it gives an introduction to various trends and methods within linguistics as a scientific discipline. The students shall read and discuss a selection of original theoretical texts and acquire an insight into how linguistic traditions and methods have contributed to form modern linguistics. The texts present among others, structuralism, generative grammar, cognitive grammar, socio-linguistics and the science of text. The students will also read and discuss texts related to subject history and scientific theory.

Teaching and learning methods

Lectures and seminars. The students are actively participating in discussions and analyses. The workload is estimated at 400 hours.

Examinations

Individual home examination (7 days). The examination must be written in bokmål if the master’s thesis is written in nynorsk, and in nynorsk if the master’s thesis is written in bokmål. Graded assessment.

Student evaluation

The study programme manager, in consultation with the student representative, decides the method of evaluation and whether the courses will have a midterm- or end of term evaluation, see also the Quality System, section 4.1. Information about evaluation method for the course will be posted on Canvas.

Offered as a free-standing course

Yes. Subject to availability or capacity.

Admission Requirement if given as a free-standing course

Admission requirements for the course are the same as for the Master's Programme in Nordic Languages and Literature.

Reduction of Credits

This course’s contents overlap with the following courses. A reduction of credits will occur if one of these courses is taken in addition:

Course Reduction of Credits
NO-417 – Linguistic theory. 15
NOU416 – Literary theory - for International Students. 5
Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem) Oct. 15, 2026 6:44:52 AM