Bachelor’s Seminar: English LinguisticsLaajuus (3 cr)

Objective

Learning outcomes: A successful student will be able to 1) Plan and prepare a small-scale study on the linguistics of English (BA thesis) • delimit a research topic and research question and select data and methods suited to them • locate information and research literature on the subject in different sources • use the research literature to compile a critical summary on the issues relevant to the topic • delimit the research material and carry out a systematic analysis with justified interpretations 2) report the study in English following the conventions of academic writing 3) critically analyse their own work and give spoken and written feedback on the work of other students The course develops the following work life skills: Managing large entities, meaning making, argumentation skills, systematic thinking, time management and prioritization skills, managing digital learning- and working environments, using basic office software, special knowledge of a culture area, information sources and source criticism, and language skills Generic competences: digitalization, ethics, leadership and development, internationality, critical thinking, identification and development of expertise, interaction and communication

Content

During the course, the student will create a small-scale research project related to English linguistics on a topic agreed upon with the teacher. The research project can consist of an empirical analysis or a critical literature review. It aims for the completion of the Bachelor’s thesis (study unit 2130415). The course focuses on the basics of linguistic research (defining a research problem, selection of material and method, providing a basis for the analysis through theoretical and empirical literature, critical analysis of the material, and research ethics). The written assignments include a research report, a research plan and theoretical and empirical sections of the thesis. The course pays special attention to conventions of academic writing in English linguistics (e.g. Harvard/APA referencing). Students will also practice oral communication skills in an academic context. The language of the course is English.

Qualifications

Basic studies and the following intermediate courses: • 2130443 Changing English (or 2130405 History of English) • 2130444 English as a World Language (or 2130406 English as a World Language) • 2130442 Structures of English 2 (or 2130404 English Grammar 2) • 2130441 Writing for Research in English (or 2130418 Academic Essay Writing 1 and 2130419 Academic Essay Writing 2)

Further information

Time: 3rd year of study, periods 1-3 Offering data: This course is open only to students majoring in English language and culture. Campus: Joensuu Further information: Language of tuition: English. The course is not open to exchange students. In connection with the Bachelor’s Seminar course, students majoring in English are expected to take the discipline-specific course on information retrieval skills 8020080 Information Skills in English Language and Literature Studies (1 cp) offered by the library. It is recommended that the course be taken in tandem with the Bachelor’s Seminar. NB! It is also strongly recommended that the students take the advanced studies section Methodology: Language Research (English) (5 cp) in tandem with the Bachelor’s Seminar.

Execution methods

Exercises (26h + 16h)

Accomplishment methods

Modes of study: Active participation in the seminar (42h) and independent work (39h). During the seminar the student works towards completing their Bachelor’s thesis, which required 162 hrs of independent work. The seminar has a minimum of 80% attendance requirement. Evaluation criteria: Written research papers (80%), presentations, oral critiquing and active classroom participation (20%).