Learning outcome

Upon completion of the course the student should be familiar with the basic terminology of grammar and phonetics, and should be able to apply this terminology when working with linguistic examples. This theoretical knowledge may be applied to the student’s own English in order to facilitate correct and idiomatic spoken and written English. The student should be able to recognize the most common pronunciation difficulties and grammatical errors that Norwegian pupils experience when learning English, together with the main differences between English and Norwegian grammar. The student will be able to explain the main patterns of English intonation. He/she will also be able to explain how the English language has evolved historically, and know the variants of English around the world. Learning outcomes build on the learning outcomes of the course, Introduction to English Language.

Course Description

Sounds and Structures of the English Language is an in-depth introduction to the sound-system, intonation and grammar of the language, where individual themes will be studied in greater detail. Attention will also be given to how the subject can best be taught to others.

Teaching and Learning Methods

The teaching is organised in lectures and seminars, with 4 hours of instruction weekly. 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% 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 (oral or written) will count for 60%. Students must achieve passing grades in both the continuous 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 to qualify for the final examination.

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