Course syllabus - English 4

Objectives

The aim of the course is for students to acquire broader and enhanced knowledge and skills regarding the English language, English-language literature, and phenomena related to these. A number of new areas within English linguistics and literature are treated in depth, while students also have the opportunity to explore a topic of their choice and further train their scientific approach as well as English writing by carrying out a linguistic or literary study.
The course comprises three of the five modules specified below. The modules to be included vary between terms, though the Advanced Essay in English Studies is always included.
 

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course, students are expected to be able to
with regard to the Advanced Essay in English Studies:
- identify a suitable research topic within English linguistics or literary studies and choose relevant background sources
- critically review and understand scientific literature
- plan, carry out and report on a study and relate it to previous research in a suitable manner – all of which with a high degree of independence and a scientific approach
- apply principles of academic working methods and attitudes
- receive and asses criticism and comments from others, as well as review others’ work and provide constructive criticism
 
with regard to the module From Modernism to Postmodernism:
-    define and describe core concepts in modernism and postmodernism
-    read, analyze and interpret literary texts from modernism and postmodernism and relate them to different texts within literary theory and literary criticism
-    analyze and apply literary theory and methods in literary studies
-    present their analyses in speech and writing and, in connection with this, apply perspectives and methods from literary studies, including transparent source use
-    plan and write an argumentative, theoretically supported essay within literary studies
 
with regard to the module Corpus Linguistics:
- give an account of core concepts within corpus linguistics
- give an account of the principles and methods behind the compilation of linguistic corpora
- give an account of the way research is carried out in the area and how research has informed the current view of knowledge
- carry out corpus-based investigations
 
with regard to the module Narrative and Theory:
- define and describe core concepts within narratology and related fields
- read, analyze and discuss literary theory and literary criticism within narratology
- apply narratology and methods within literary studies to the analysis of works of literature
- plan and write an argumentative essay supported by narrative theory
 
with regard to the module Translation Studies:
- give an account of core concepts in translation studies as well as of the principles and processes applied in translation and its study
- discuss specific issues emerging in different translation contexts, e.g. the translation of fiction, poetry, film or technology, as well as in interpreting
- take a stance on the translation of specific textual features, such as humour or culture-specific elements
- use standard aids in their own translations
- critically analyze and assess their own and others’ translations
- carry out small projects in translation studies
 

Course content

With regard to the Advanced Essay in English Studies:
- explorations of a specific area within English linguistics or literature by carrying out an advanced research task
- general and subject-specific scientific methods for research and writing
- defence of one’s own essay and critical discussion of other students’ essays
 
With regard to the module From Modernism to Postmodernism:
- British and North American modernist and postmodernist works of literature
- texts within literary theory and literary criticism
 
with regard to the module Corpus Linguistics:
- corpus linguistics as a scientific field
- corpus-linguistic research in theory and practice, with a focus on the English language
 
With regard to the module Narrative and Theory:
- British and North American works of literature belonging to different genres
- literary theory and literary criticism within narratology and related fields
 
With regard to the module Translation Studies:
- core concepts and issues in translation studies
- translation in theory and practice, with special focus on English as the source or target language
 
 

Tuition

Teaching and learning take place in the form of seminars, supervision, home assignments and presentations. Some ICT. Participation in all scheduled teaching events is mandatory.
The course, or parts of it, may also be offered as a distance course, via a web-based course platform. In this case, too, mandatory meetings may occur.
 

Specific requirements

120 credits, of which 90 credits of increasingly advanced courses in English Studies. This can be achieved by completing the courses English 1, English 2 and English 3. Also required are upper-secondary Swedish as well as upper-secondary advanced-level English. Where courses are offered in English, the upper-secondary Swedish requirement can be waived.
 

Examination

INL1, From Modernism to Postmodernism, hand-in assignment, 5 credits: essay; grades Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with distinction (VG).
INL2, From Modernism to Postmodernism, hand-in assignment, 2.5 credits: course portfolio of continuous spoken analyses with written documentation; grades Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with distinction (VG).
INL3, Corpus Linguistics, hand-in assignments, 4 credits; grades Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with distinction (VG).
INL4, Narrative and Theory, hand-in assignment, 5 credits: essay; grades Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with distinction (VG).
INL5, Narrative and Theory, hand-in assignment, 2.5 credits: course portfolio of continuous spoken analyses with written documentation; grades Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with distinction (VG).
INL6, Translation Studies, spoken and written assignments, 4 credits; grades Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with distinction (VG).
SEM1, Corpus Linguistics, seminar, 1 credit: preparation for and participation in course activities; grades Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with distinction (VG).
SEM2, Translation Studies, seminar, 1 credit: preparation for and participation in course activities; grades Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with distinction (VG).
TEN1, Corpus Linguistics, home exam, 2.5 credits; grades Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with distinction (VG).
TEN2, Translation Studies, home exam, 2.5 credits; grades Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with distinction (VG).
UPS1, Advanced Essay in English Studies, 15 credits: degree project with defense; grades Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with distinction (VG).
Which of the above forms of examination apply depends on which modules are included in the course during a given term.
In connection with all forms of examination, students are expected to express themselves in correct and idiomatic English.
For a VG on the course as a whole, a VG is required for a minimum of 22.5 credits.
 

A student who has a certificate from MDU regarding a disability has the opportunity to submit a request for supportive measures during written examinations or other forms of examination, in accordance with the Rules and Regulations for Examinations at First-cycle and Second-cycle Level at Mälardalen University (2020/1655). It is the examiner who takes decisions on any supportive measures, based on what kind of certificate is issued, and in that case which measures are to be applied.

Suspicions of attempting to deceive in examinations (cheating) are reported to the Vice-Chancellor, in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance, and are examined by the University’s Disciplinary Board. If the Disciplinary Board considers the student to be guilty of a disciplinary offence, the Board will take a decision on disciplinary action, which will be a warning or suspension.

Grade

Pass with distinction, Pass, Fail

Interim Regulations and Other Regulations

The course cannot be included in a degree together with any of the modules by themselves.