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| Semester | spring semester 2018 |
| Course frequency | Irregular |
| Lecturers | Jakob Leimgruber (jakob.leimgruber@unibas.ch, Assessor) |
| Content | This research seminar focuses on the English language as it is found, in its various shapes, around the globe. We begin by looking at 'traditional' inner-circle varieties before moving 'outwards' in Kachru's concentric circles. There are no limits as to which varieties can be considered, and students are welcome to suggest regional or social varieties of personal interest. Theoretical models of approaching this variation will be explored, and descriptive methods will be explained. We will use corpora (where present) and other primary material to analyse structural differences, and there will be opportunities for engaging first hand with original data. After a few introductory sessions, students will be expected to work on dedicated projects of their own, and to gradually present their evolving methodology and results in class. |
| Learning objectives | Students will develop an understanding of the global nature of the English language and its variation across different cultures. They will be taught to identify structural linguistic features (grammatical and phonological) and sociolinguistic settings that position varieties within larger frameworks of world Englishes and theories of globalisation. Practical descriptive research skills and fieldwork methods will be acquired and applied to actual data. |
| Bibliography | A detailed reading list, as well as selected readings, will be made available on ADAM. |
| Weblink | ADAM |
| Admission requirements | This seminar is for MA students in English and the MA Language and Communication. |
| Language of instruction | English |
| Use of digital media | Online, mandatory |
| Interval | Weekday | Time | Room |
|---|
No dates available. Please contact the lecturer.
| Modules |
Modul English Linguistics (Master's degree subject: English) Modul English Sociolinguistics & Cognitive Linguistics (Master's degree subject: English (Start of studies before 01.08.2013)) Modul Forschungspraxis und Vertiefung (Master's degree program: Language and Communication) Modul Research in English Linguistics (Master's degree subject: English) Modul Sprache und Gesellschaft (Master's degree program: Language and Communication) Modul Sprachen in Zeit und Raum (Master's degree program: Language and Communication (Start of studies before 01.08.2013)) |
| Assessment format | continuous assessment |
| Assessment details | Regular and active participation, presentations, written work. |
| Assessment registration/deregistration | Reg.: course registration; dereg.: not required |
| Repeat examination | no repeat examination |
| Scale | Pass / Fail |
| Repeated registration | as often as necessary |
| Responsible faculty | Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, studadmin-philhist@unibas.ch |
| Offered by | Fachbereich Englische Sprach- und Literaturwissenschaft |