Learning outcome

By the end of the course the student should have basic knowledge about terminology in grammar and phonetics, and be able to apply the knowledge on linguistic examples. The theoretical knowledge should also contribute to an improvement of the student's own written and spoken English. The student will be familiar with the most common pronunciation problems and grammatical errors among Norwegian pupils, and have gained insight into the main differences between Norwegian and English grammar and pronunciation.

Course Description

The course will provide a general understanding of the sound-system of the English language and a basic introduction to grammatical structures and how the language is organised. In addition, the instruction includes a short summary of how the language has developed as well as an introduction to variants of English worldwide. An important element of 2005 Introduction to the English Language is how students may use the themes from the course in teaching situations.

Teaching and Learning Methods

The teaching is organised ias lectures and seminars, with altogether 4 hours per week. In the lectures, the individual themes will be clarified and examined. In the seminar lessons, the students will be given the opportunity to work with exercises on specific themes, and take part in discussions. An attendance rate of at least 75 per cent is required for the seminars.

Assessment Methods

Continuous assessment during the course will include an oral or written test which will constitute 40% of the final grade. The final examination (written or oral) will count for 60%. Students must achieve passing marks in both the ongoing assessment and the final examination in order to earn a final passing grade. Grades will be awarded on a scale from A to F, where E is the lowest passing grade and F represents a failing grade.

It is a prerequisite for the completion of the course that the students hand in at least four written papers. At least two of these must be in grammar and at least two in phonetics. The papers are not graded and do not count towards the overall grade, but must be approved by the course teacher. The attendance rate of at least 75 per cent in the seminars must be met.

Minor adjustments may occur during the academic year, subject to the decision of the Dean