ENG4117 - Analysing advanced learner English
Course content
The course focuses on features of advanced learner English. What are the differences between native and non-native English as regards vocabulary, phraseology, grammar and text organization? To what extent and in what ways is non-native English coloured by the learner’s first language? The emphasis of the corpus analysis is not so much on errors as on quantitative and qualitative differences between native and non-native English. The methodological approach taken in the course is called “contrastive interlanguage analysis”. It typically involves the use of electronic text corpora to explore patterns of language use. Thus the course also includes an introduction to the use of corpora of spoken and written learner English, which will be used in conjunction with similar corpora of L1 English.
Learning outcome
After completing the course you will be able to:
- describe special features of non-native English;
- apply the methodological framework of contrastive interlanguage analysis;
- compare native and non-native English on the basis of corpus material;
- conduct a case study of selected features of advanced learner English.
Admission
Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in StudentWeb.
International applicants, if you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures for international applicants.
Prerequisites
Recommended previous knowledge
Students should have some competence in corpous methods (for example ENG4100 or ENG2153). Students who are not already familiar with interlanguage analysis (for example from ENG2162 or similar courses) may have to do some extra reading.
Teaching
Seminar, two hours per week for ten weeks, 20 hours in total.
Attendance is obligatory at least 8 out of 10 seminars.
Two obligatory assignments (one essay and a short paper containing the topic for the term paper and a list of selected reading in connection with this).
Examination
The assessment of the course is based on a term paper of approximately ten pages.
Language of examination
English.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.
Explanations and appeals
You may request an explanation of your grades, and you may also appeal against your grades or make a complaint about formal examination errors. Read more about explanations and appeals.
Resit an examination
You can usually resit an exam, but the conditions depend on whether you had a valid reason for absence from the regular exam. Read more about resitting an exam.
Withdrawal from an examination
A student may sit this exam up to 3 times. If a student wishes to withdraw from the exam, s/he must do so in StudentWeb at least two weeks prior to the first day of the exam. Failure to do so will be counted as one of the three opportunities to sit the exam.
Special examination arrangements
If you have a disability or a health problem that entails significant inconvenience in an examination situation, you may be considered for special examination arrangements. Mothers who are breastfeeding may apply for extra time to complete the exam.