course-details-portlet

SPRÅK3011

Theory and method in linguistics

New from the academic year 2025/2026

Credits 15
Level Third-year courses, level III
Course start Autumn 2025
Duration 1 semester
Language of instruction German, english, french and norwegian
Location Trondheim
Examination arrangement Portfolio assessment

About

About the course

Course content

The course provides a thorough introduction to selected theories and methods in linguistics. It covers approaches from various sub-disciplines of linguistics, and students will gain an understanding of the theoretical and methodological diversity in linguistic research. Students will receive training in formulating research questions and assessing the applicability and relevance of different research methods.

Learning outcome

Candidates who have passed this course

Knowledge

- have knowledge about the diversity of methods employed in linguistics

- have knowledge of linguistic theories and selected fields within linguistic research

Skills

- can compare and assess the relevance of various theoretical and methodological approaches related to specific issues in linguistics

- can formulate linguistic research questions and relate them to relevant theories and methods

- can read and write linguistic texts in the target language

General competence

- can reflect on various ethical aspects in linguistic research

- can search for and find information relevant to the field in both digital and physical sources of various kinds

- have developed critical thinking within linguistic disciplines

- can communicate about academic issues in the target language

Learning methods and activities

Asynchronous digital lectures in the form of videos, as well as synchronous seminars (4 during the semester) and supervisory meetings, individually or in groups. The teaching will be conducted in Norwegian or English for video lectures and in the target language for the seminars.

The seminars will have various activities that may involve active contributions from the students. Students are expected to use the current learning platform regularly.

Students should expect that this 15-credit course corresponds to approximately 20 hours of work per week, including teaching time.

Obligatory assignments

The course includes up to 4 obligatory assignments. This may include both written and oral assignments.

Approved compulsory assignments are valid for two semesters (the semester in which the approval is given and the following semester).

Compulsory assignments

  • 1-4 assignments

Further on evaluation

The exam form is portfolio assessment with up to 4 assignments, where at least 2 of them are revised versions of the mandatory assignments. The portfolio receives an overall grade, and all elements must be assessed as equivalent to a passing grade.

It is not possible to retake a passed exam in SPRÅK3011 in a semester where the course is not taught. In the case of a deferred exam (due to failure or valid absence), it is possible to submit an exam answer, but no guidance will be provided.

The exam must be answered entirely in the target language.

Required previous knowledge

A minimum of 7.5 credits in linguistics courses at advanced level in French, German, or linguistics

Course materials

The syllabus will be announced at the start of the semester.

Credit reductions

Course code Reduction From
SPRÅK3001 7.5 sp Autumn 2025
SPRÅK3002 7.5 sp Autumn 2025
This course has academic overlap with the courses in the table above. If you take overlapping courses, you will receive a credit reduction in the course where you have the lowest grade. If the grades are the same, the reduction will be applied to the course completed most recently.

Subject areas

  • Scandinavian Language
  • English Language
  • German Language
  • French Language
  • Foreign Language
  • Language and Literature
  • Language Studies

Contact information

Course coordinator

Department with academic responsibility

Department of Language and Literature

Examination

Examination

Examination arrangement: Portfolio assessment
Grade: Letter grades

Ordinary examination - Autumn 2025

Portfolio assessment
Weighting 100/100 Date Release 2025-12-16
Submission 2025-12-17
Time Release 09:00
Submission 12:00
Exam system Inspera Assessment

Ordinary examination - Spring 2026

Portfolio assessment
Weighting 100/100 Exam system Inspera Assessment