Basics in Linguistics, 12 credits

For admission to semester 2, the student may remain a maximum of 15 credits from semester 1.

Module 1: The smallest components of the language, 3 credits To pass the module, the student has to show his/her ability to

• define, discuss and apply chosen linguistic concepts
• account for the smallest components of the language and how the language is built from these
• carry out linguistic analyses such as basic phonetic transcription, morpheme analysis and definition of word class

Module 2: The variation of language, 3 credits To pass the module, the student has to show his/her ability to

• define, discuss and apply chosen linguistic concepts
• account for linguistic variation at different levels such as individual variation, geographic and social variation and language typology
• carry out simple studies of typologic variation from chosen data-sets

Module 3: Syntax and prosody, 3 credits To pass the module, the student has to show his/her ability to

• define, discuss and apply chosen linguistic concepts
• account for the bases in the study of prosody and syntax and for some chosen grammatical categories
• carry out basic syntactic analysis

Module 4: Semantics, discourse and applications, 3 credits To pass the part, the student has to show his/her ability to

• define, discuss and apply chosen linguistic concepts
• account for the bases in the methods that are used to study semantics and discourse and some of the most important discoveries in these fields
• account for some chosen applications of linguistic knowledge
• carry out basic identification of semantic roles

The course consists of four modules and gives an overview of the areas of activity of modern linguistics and gives basic knowledge about how the language is constructed. The modules discusses among other things different parts of the grammar of Swedish and other languages, for example how words and sentences are built of smaller parts, word classes and various types of phrases, the relations of meaning between words and relations between different parts of a sentence and linguistic variation at different levels. Further, human speech communication is discussed with respect to how speech sounds are formed and transferred how they are registered and are perceived by the ear and the brain.

The following modules are included:

In this module, the smallest components of the language and how the language is constructed from these is discussed. In the module, linguistic analyses such as basic phonetic transcription, morpheme analysis and definition of word class are carried out.

In this module, linguistic variation at different levels are discussed, such as individual variation, geographic and social variation and language typology. In the module, simple studies of typologic variation from chosen data-sets are also carried out.

In this module, the bases of the study of prosody and syntax are discussed. In the module, basic syntactic and grammatical analysis is also carried out.

In this module, the bases of the methods that are used to study semantics and discourse and some of the most important discoveries in these fields are discussed. In the module, different applications of linguistic knowledge are also discussed.

The teaching is given as lectures, group work and laboratory sessions. All teaching except lectures is compulsory unless there is other information in the schedule.

In case of absence from a compulsory teaching activity, the student is responsible for contacting the course coordinator for complementary assignment. Course coordinator decides, how absence from compulsory teaching activity can be made up for. Study results cannot be reported until the student has participated in compulsory course elements or compensated for any absence in accordance with instructions from the course coordinator. Absence from a compulsory lecture may result in that the student can not make up for the teaching activity until next time the course be given.

The modules are examined through shorter written examinations (4 tests). To obtain a final grade for the whole course, a passing grade for all modules is required.

The written examination is graded anonymously (using a identification number for each student). Students who do not pass the written examination are entitled to re-sit the examination on five more occasions, the first of which within fourteen days after the notification of the result of the exam. The other re-examination is the following regular examination in the course. Submission of a blank exam paper is regarded as an examination. Examination session for which the student registered but did not participate does not count as a examination session.

Examination can be carried out according to an earlier literature list during a period of one year after the date when a renewal of the literature list was made. Examination will be provided during a time of two years after a possible discontinuation of the course.

The course, as a whole, is given at the Department of Linguistics, Stockholm University. The course evaluation will be carried out in accordance with the guidelines that are established by the Board of Education.