LING4101 – The Theory of Science in Linguistics
Schedule, syllabus and examination date
Course content
What is this thing called Linguistics? This course aims at building an understanding of the scientific discipline Linguistics and consider questions such as:?
- How "scientific" is Linguistics?
- What counts as evidence in Linguistics and what sorts of assumptions do we have to make about language, the mind, and behaviour to do Linguistics?
- How have these assumptions changed historically?
- How do we know if the science we are doing is any good?
- Are we making progress in Linguistics, in the same sense that we are in more established sciences, such as chemistry and physics?
None of these questions have widely accepted answers. The purpose of this course is not to provide any definite answers on the nature of language or science. Rather, the purpose is to stimulate students to reflect on and argue critically about the foundational, philosophical, and social issues which are core to the discipline; and to provide students with the tools to do this effectively.? ?
Learning outcome
Students will be able to explain and discuss key concepts related to the scientific method applied to the field of Linguistics. Students will be able to discuss different foundational assumptions of Linguistic theories, what counts as evidence in Linguistics as well as current challenges in the advancement in Linguistics.?
Admission to the course
Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.
Students enrolled in other Master`s Degree Programmes can, on application, be admitted to the course if this is cleared by their own study programme.
If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.
Maximum of 24 students. Minimum of 5 students. Students who are admitted to a study program that includes the course will be given priority.
Teaching
Classes are given throughout the semester, 10 double lectures in total.
Each student has to write an assignment given by the lecturer during the course of the seminar. The assignment must be approved by the lecturer before the student can take the final exam.
Obligatory activities are valid for the next two semesters where the same seminar is offered.
A student who has completed compulsory instruction and coursework and has had these approved, is not entitled to repeat that instruction and coursework. A student who has been admitted to a course, but who has not completed compulsory instruction and coursework or had these approved, is entitled to repeat that instruction and coursework, depending on available capacity.
Examination
Term paper.?
Language of examination
You may write your examination paper in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.
More about examinations at UiO
- Use of sources and citations
- Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
- Withdrawal from an exam
- Illness at exams / postponed exams
- Explanation of grades and appeals
- Resitting an exam
- Cheating/attempted cheating
You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.