ENG501 Introduction to English linguistics

Contents and structure

Linguistics 1 consists of three parts: phonetics and grammar and history of ideas in Linguistics. The course offers a general introduction to English phonetics. Attention will be given to the phonemes of English and their articulation. The students will also learn how to transcribe words using the International Phonetic Alphabet. The course aims to offer students an understanding of English grammar. This covers aspects of semantics, morphology and syntax, with an emphasis on word classes and their grammatical functions, as well as key aspects of phrase and clause structure and function. The course also offers an introduction to the history of ideas in Linguistics.

Learning Outcome

Upon completion of the course, the student should have the following overall learning outcomes:

Knowledge

The student

• has general knowledge of the main ideas in the history of Linguistics
• has knowledge of the phonemes of English and their articulation and how the articulation of phonemes in words and utterances can influence each other
• has knowledge of IPA symbols
• has knowledge about word classes and their grammatical functions
• has basic knowledge of semantics and morphology
• understands the grammatical structure of phrases and clauses, and of grammatical terminology

Skills

The student

• is able to read and transcribe speech using IPA and use relevant terminology to describe English phonemes
• is able to analyze English at the word, phrase and clause level
• is able to use grammatical terminology to account for language usage
• is able to use English orally and in writing according to context and recipient
• is able to apply knowledge of the system of language in his/her own linguistic development

General competence

The student

• has the ability to develop his/her own linguistic and general English competence
• has insight into relevant topics within English grammar and phonetics
• has the ability to communicate orally and written in English according to context and recipient

Entry requirements

None

Recommended previous knowledge

Good command of spoken and written English.

Teaching methods

This is a fully online course. The course is divided into four modules with varied teaching and learning activities. Most of the learning activities are asynchronous, while some sessions of discussion, cooperation and student activity are synchronous. Examples include lectures, group work via online conferences and discussion forums, digital learning resources and tasks, written and oral assignments, supervision and student organized study groups, and independent studies.

Compulsory learning activities

The following mandatory assignments must be approved for the student to qualify for the exam:

• Portfolio assessment with 4 components

The mandatory assignments must be completed by the specified deadlines.

The mandatory assignments must be approved no later than 2 weeks before the exam. If an obligatory assignment is assessed as not approved, a reason must be given for this. Students who are not approved for an obligatory assignment will, as far as possible within the set deadlines, be given another attempt in the current semester.

Guidelines on the compulsory learning activities, including the use of AI tools, will be given in the course.

See also HVL's guidelines for use of AI: Using AI in Your Studies

Assessment

Home exam (4 hours).

Grading scale: A - F, where F corresponds to fail.

Examination support material

All aids are allowed.

Guidelines for the home exam will be provided in the course.

Students should read the following page about the use of AI in academic work at HVL: Using AI in Your Studies

More about examination support material