ENG207 English vocabulary: structure and acquisition
60 credits:
ENG141 Grammar and lexicology
ENG143 Phonetics and varieties of English
+ two of the following -- HUM101, ENG142, ENG144
(or equivalent to the above four courses)
This course provides an in-depth look at English lexicology and morphology: what words are, where they come from, how they are structured, and how they are acquired. The course explores these topics from a primarily cognitive perspective, and particular attention will be paid to how information about words is organised in the minds of speakers, as well as how vocabulary is acquired by both first- and second-language learners. Additionally, the course will prepare the student for independent research, both within this field and in general.
In accordance with the National Qualification Framework, the course provides the student with the following learning outcomes after completion:
After completing the course, the student has an in-depth knowledge of:
- English lexicology: word origins, structures, meanings, and relationships
- the history of English vocabulary, and how this reflects the historical origins of the English language as well as its position as an international language
- the morphological structures and patterns of English vocabulary
- the relationship between morphological structure and semantics, and how this can be used in the interpretation of unfamiliar words
- how vocabulary is acquired and developed, with emphasis on the similarities and differences between first- and second-language contexts
- how words and information about words are structured and organised in the mind
- how to conduct research in these areas, with a focus on understanding scientific theory, research methods, and research ethics
After completing the course, the student is able to:
- Demonstrate and reflect on how one can use identifiable morphemes to interpret unfamiliar words
- Discuss how the forms and behaviour of English words reflect the multicultural roots of the English language, as well as its role as a global lingua franca
- Use knowledge from the course to improve their own vocabulary learning and understanding
After completing this course, the student is able to:
- Use their knowledge and skills to reflect and think critically and independently
- Maintain and develop their own linguistic, cultural, and research comptentence
- Understand and adhere to the standards for production of academic texts and responsible usage of sources
Teaching varies between lectures, seminars and discussion groups, group work, and individual study.
Attendance requirements:
Obligatory attendance for all organised or scheduled teaching (70 % minimum).
Work requirements:
- a short oral presentation discussing a central topic in lexicology (to be agreed with instructor)
- a first draft (minimum 2000 words) of an individually-written essay. The topic for this essay must be discussed with and approved by the instructor.
Each student has the right to one supervision meeting with the instructor, in addition to feedback on the first draft.
The assignments must be submitted by the required deadlines given by the instructor. The student has one chance to improve work which is not accepted. All required assignments must be approved in order for the student to be allowed to sit the final exam.
- English - specialization
| Assessment Form | Grouping | Duration | Grading scale | Proportion | Comment | Support Materials | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Oppgave | Individual | Semesters | A-F, A is the best grade and E is the lowest passing grade | A written essay of 3000-4000 words (based on the submitted first draft) | |||
Adjusting oral examination | Individual | A-F, A is the best grade and E is the lowest passing grade | The submitted essay |