UNIVERSITY OF BAYREUTH Master of Arts: Intercultural ... · Master of Arts: Intercultural Anglophone Studies ... texts for presenting complex topics, ... subjects of the course,

1

UNIVERSITY OF BAYREUTH Master of Arts: Intercultural Anglophone Studies

Major area Linguistics

MODULE HANDBOOK

2014

Preliminary Remarks

Contents of courses, lectures and seminars: see Course Commentary published each semester.

Workload: 1 ECTS credit point (ECTS) equals ca. 30 working hours; this underlies the

workload calculation of average working hours.

2

Designation of module

A Foundations

ECTS 36

Function This module covers two semesters, and is designed to introduce

postgraduate students to the contents and methods of Intercultural

Anglophone Studies in either Literature or Linguistics as major

area. For a convenient overview, the module is divided into:

Foundations: part modules / courses A 1 Foundations: part modules / courses A 2 and A 3

There is no requirement to take these courses in a particular order,

but usually A2 and A3 may be slightly more advanced than A1.

For the major area linguistics, module A will help acquire (1) the

ability to explain linguistic problems at a sophisticated level and

present solutions in exemplary fields of research, which are

increasingly incorporated into studies;(2) the ability to apply

important theories and methods of linguistic studies independently,

with regard to the analysis of English texts.

Designation of part-

module A Foundations / A 1

ECTS 26

Function This module stage will help acquire the following abilities: the



increasingly incorporated into studies; the ability to apply important

theories and methods of linguistic studies independently, with

regard to the analysis of English texts. The topics will pertain mostly

to Language, cognition and culture; English worldwide— regional

and cultural varieties of English (including a special focus on Africa)

and corpus linguistics.

The competence acquired forms a basis for C. The knowledge gained may, after consultation with the chosen supervisor, form a

basis for inclusion in the oral or written examination or for a thesis.

Preparatory research leading to a thesis may begin early during

studies.

Duration 2 semesters

3

Part module A1.1

6 ECTS

Function Advanced Seminar, MA level. In the Advanced Seminar, research problems are treated in an exemplary way and in selected areas;

scholarly methods are applied at an advanced level of complexity.

Requirements: Selection of an Advanced Seminar from the range of

those offered.

Frequency At least once per year Type Seminar Prerequisite Distinct interest in in-depth reflection on linguistic structures and

phenomena; willingness to undertake largely independent

investigation of problems in linguistic studies Assessment Active participation; knowledge of relevant methods for independent

analysis of linguistic data on the basis of current scholarly research

and linguistic theory; completion of an individual task assigned by

the professor (e.g. written assignment or short oral presentation).

Moreover, the student will agree with the professor on a research

topic of suitable scope, and will treat the topic (seminar paper value

4 ECTS equivalent to ca. 120 working hours, in a paper of ca. 8500 words) on the basis of independent research.

Assessment according to adequate and independent use of

analytical methods as evidence of the abilities mentioned above;

independence and individuality of judgement; the conclusiveness

of the structure of argumentation; and stylistic quality.

Responsible Chairs of English Linguistics Workload Active participation in seminar 60 hours

Credit work, seminar paper 120 hours

Sum 180 hours

4

Part module A1.2a

4 ECTS

Function Advanced Seminar, MA Level. This seminar serves to consolidate

students’ knowledge of fundamental issues and approaches in

linguistic theory. Since students sometimes have a heterogeneous

background of academic preparation, the seminar is designed to

ensure that all the theoretical contexts needed for further module

work are familiar to them. Students will read a range of texts and

text excerpts from influential writings in these fields, and will discuss

these in the seminar to gain a better understanding. Active

participation will be demonstrated by academic work to be specified

by the professor (e.g. 2 essays of about 2000 words each, with

written exam or with oral presentation, or 3 essays).

Alternative: Elective seminar (as in A1.3)



investigation of problems in linguistic studies

Assessment Regular attendance and active participation; active participation

will be demonstrated by academic work to be specified by the

professor (e.g., 2 essays of about 2000 words each, with written

exam or with oral presentation, or 3 essays).


Credit work as specified 60 hours

Sum 120 hours

Part module A1.3

4 ECTS Function This course is designed to enhance the ability to write English

texts for presenting complex topics, with adequate command of

style and register. The competence acquired is important and

helpful for this module as well as for module C and the thesis.

Registration in the Language Centre before or at beginning of

lecture time in the semester.

Frequency At least once per year, usually winter semester Type Workshop Prerequisite Willingness to write English texts for complex topics Assessment Active participation; assignments and an essay within a fixed

time (equivalent to a part-value of 2 ECTS) based on the

subjects of the course, as evidence of the abilities specified

above. Assessment according to the stylistic

adequacy of the treatment of the assigned topic.

Responsible Head of English Department, Language Centre Workload Active participation in workshop 60 hours


Sum 120 hours

5

Part module A1.4

3x4 ECTS

Function The competence acquired in A1 will be extended in three

elective courses as announced in the Course Commentary.

Topic areas are "American Studies, Anglophone Studies,

English Studies: Cultural Encounters, Conflict, and

Communication."

The competence to be gained in these courses is the extension of

competence already acquired. Hence a module already validated

with credits in an undergraduate program cannot be validated

again in a graduate program.

Frequency At least once per year Type Seminars, lectures Prerequisite None Assessment Active participation will be demonstrated by academic work, to be

specified by the professor depending on the course type (e.g. 2

essays of about 2000 words each, with written exam or with oral

presentation). Responsible Moderator Workload Active participation 3x60 hours

Credit work as specified 3x60 hours

Sum 3x120 hours

6

Designation of part- module

A Foundations / A 2, A 3

ECTS 10

Function This module stage will further enhance the following abilities: the



increasingly incorporated into studies; the ability to apply important

theories and methods of linguistic studies independently, with

regard to the analysis of English texts. For topics, see A1.

The competence acquired forms a basis for C. The knowledge gained may, after consultation with the chosen supervisor, form a

basis for inclusion in the oral or written examination or for a thesis.

Duration 1 semester

Part module A2

6 ECTS

Function Advanced Seminar, MA level. The topic will pertain to Language, cognition and culture; or English worldwide—regional and cultural

varieties of English (including a special focus on Africa) or corpus

linguistics.



investigation of problems in linguistic studies

Assessment Regular participation and academic work, based on students' own

reading (usually 3 essays with oral presentation or with written

exam of adequate scope; ; students who did not submit a BA thesis

in English in the application process: term paper of 4.500 to 6.000

words). A supporting contribution to research projects, to

preparing publications or academic conferences, may gain credit if

approved by the professor who offers this option in any semester.



Sum 180 hours

7

Part module A3

4 ECTS Function Advanced Seminar, MA level. This special seminar will introduce

as well as enhance students' knowledge of important theories and

methods of linguistic studies, with regard to the analysis of English

linguistic phenomena. Requirements: Registration in a suitable

seminar from those offered by the English Department, also partly

those offered by other departments. Regular attendance and

active participation; knowledge of relevant methods for

independent analysis of texts of cultural theory or of methodology;

knowledge of relevant research sources; knowledge of linguistic

methods of analysis and competence gained from the compulsory

and elective courses may be integrated.



investigation of problems in linguistic studies Assessment Completion of tasks, assigned by the professor and based on

students' own reading (usually 2 essays of 2000 words each with

oral presentation or with written exam of adequate scope). The

student will agree with the professor on research topics of suitable

scope, and will treat these using relevant and independently

researched materials.

Assessment according to adequate use of analytical methods as

evidence of the abilities mentioned above; the conclusiveness of

the structure of argumentation; independence and individuality of

judgment; and stylistic quality.

Responsible Chairs of English Linguistics

Workload Active participation in seminar 60 hours


Sum 120 hours

8


B: Second foreign language / B 1, B 2

ECTS 8

Function This module will help acquire or improve the ability for oral and written communication in the chosen language, at the level of skill which can be acquired in this module. Depending on the language

chosen, the module comprises two consecutive two-hour courses or

one composite four-hour course.

The competence acquired is important and helpful for life in

Germany, if German is chosen, or to maintain and extend the

language proficiency gained at undergraduate level. This

enhances a candidate's vocational skills.

The competence to be gained in this module is the extension of


with credits in an undergraduate program cannot be validated

again in a graduate program.

Duration 2 semesters Frequency Normally each semester, unless regulated otherwise by the

Language Centre

Type Language courses Prerequisite Willingness to acquire or improve one's skills in the chosen

language

Assessment Consultation about the choice of courses at the Language Centre. Registration in the Language Centre before or at beginning of

lecture time in any semester. Regular attendance and participation;

written assignments and exam in each course (B2: 2- hour written

exam as module exam) within a fixed time based on

the subjects of the course, as evidence of the abilities specified

above.

Assessment according to the linguistic accuracy of the solution

presented.

Responsible Director of Language Centre Workload Active participation in course(s) 120 hours

Assignment(s)/exam(s) 120 hours

Sum: 240 hours

9

Designation of part-

module C1 and C2

ECTS 10 Function In these part-modules, the Advanced Level offers the opportunity

to acquire the ability to treat complex and problem-oriented

questions pertaining to the cultural development of the Anglophone

regions of the world, the region(s) to be chosen by the student,

from a wider range of perspectives. They enhance the

interdisciplinary understanding of intercultural research issues and

approaches to their analysis.

Courses can be chosen from linguistics and literary studies

(including the English Department), theatre studies, history,

sociology, geography and other disciplines. Seminars or workshops

outside the English Department will mostly be taught in German,

and may be chosen if language proficiency is adequate. Seminars

or workshops may all be chosen from the same discipline or from several disciplines; suitable seminars and workshops will be

announced by the Moderator and usually on the MAIAS website.

Lectures may be validated as equivalent to a seminar upon

application.

The competence to be gained in this module is the extension of


with credits in an undergraduate program cannot be validated again

in a graduate program.

C1: Orientation (First selection from courses offered by various

disciplines, wherever possible at postgraduate level)

C2: Consolidation (At higher semester level, selection from further

courses in the same discipline or in other disciplines, wherever

possible at postgraduate level)

Duration C1: 1 semester

C2: 1 semester Frequency Each semester Type Seminar, workshop


C Advanced level

ECTS 26 + Module examination

Function This module enables students to acquire the ability to treat complex

and problem-oriented questions pertaining to the cultural

development of the Anglophone regions of the world, from the

perspectives of linguistics and literary studies and, if language

competence in German is adequate, of other disciplines. This

ability supports an understanding of classical and recent

methodical and analytical approaches to linguistics, and their

applicability for specific research projects within a cultural

studies perspective; enhancement of one's understanding by

exchanging information and opinions about specific research

projects and problems; as well as adequate presentation of

complex topics in the fields specified.

10

Prerequisite Interest in becoming acquainted with and studying questions

pertaining to the English-speaking regions and cultures from the

perspectives also of other disciplines, with a considerable degree of

independence perspectives also of other disciplines, with a

considerable degree of independence

Assessment Active participation in the seminars/workshops chosen; acquiring the knowledge needed for independent analysis

of topics relevant to each seminar/workshop; ability to use a

selection of relevant research materials. Individual tasks based on

students' own reading and assigned by the professor, in C1

(usually 3 essays with oral presentation or with written exam of

adequate scope) and C2 (usually 1 essay with oral presentation or

with written exam, or 2 essays), mostly during lecture times, making

use of relevant research materials. The student decides whether a

particular seminar/workshop should classify as C1 or

C2.

Assessment according to (a) adequate application of suitable

analytical methods as evidence of the abilities specified above and

(b) conclusiveness of the structure of argumentation and

presentation. Each partial module is assessed, owing to the range

of contributing disciplines.

Responsible Moderator Workload Active participation in courses 120 hours

C 1 Credit work 120 hours

C 2 Credit work 60 hours

Sum: 300 hours

11

Designation of part- module

C3 and C4

ECTS 16

Function This further module level, supported by C1 and C2, serves the

acquisition of the following abilities: understanding classical and

current methodology and analytical approaches to linguistics, and

their applicability for specific research projects within a cultural

studies perspective; enhancement of one's understanding by

exchanging information and opinions about specific research

projects and problems; adequate presentation of

complex topics.

For fields of study and topics, see A1.

The competence acquired is important for further degree work.

The knowledge gained may, after consultation with the chosen

supervisor, form a basis for a thesis.

Duration 2 semesters

Part module C3

6 ECTS (+ Elective course / C 3.1: 4 ECTS)

Function This course is designed for in-depth information and discussion

concerning classical and current methodology and

analytical approaches to linguistics.

Elective course: see description for A1.4. The competence to be

gained in this module is the extension of competence already

acquired. Hence a module already validated with credits in an

undergraduate program cannot be validated again in a graduate

program.

Frequency C3 At least once per year, Elective course: Each semester Type Seminar Prerequisite Modules A, B. This prerequisite is controlled by the professor

teaching C3. Willingness to undertake intensive and extensive

reading; willingness to work independently and in a theoretically

informed way on linguistic problems. Assessment Requirements: Active participation;

attendance will be demonstrated by regular participation as well as

academic work based on students' own reading (usually 3 essays

with oral presentation or with written exam of adequate scope). Responsible Linguistics: Chairs of English Linguistics



Sum 300 hours

12

Part module C4

6 ECTS (+ 24 ECTS examinations) Function This Research Seminar is designed for the exchange of

information and opinions about specific research projects and

problems. Frequency At least once per year Type Research seminar Prerequisite Modules A, B. This prerequisite is controlled by the professor

teaching C4. Willingness to undertake intensive and extensive

reading; willingness to work independently and in a theoretically

informed way on literary or linguistic problems. Assessment Requirements: Active participation; individual tasks assigned by the

professor, based on students' own reading (usually 3 essays with

oral presentation or with written

exam of adequate scope). The student will agree with the professor

on research topics of suitable scope, and will treat these with

attention to knowledge gained from C3 and elective courses as well

as relevant research materials. A supporting contribution to

research projects, to preparing publications or academic

conferences, may gain credit if approved by the professor who

offers this option in any semester.

Assessment according to adequate use of analytical methods as

evidence of the abilities specified above; the conclusiveness of the

structure of argumentation; independence and individuality of

judgment; and stylistic quality. Responsible Linguistics: Chairs of English Linguistics



Oral and written examination 720 hours

Sum 900 hours

C5, C6 Module examinations:

Descriptions and format specified in Examination and Study Regulations (Statutes) for MA Intercultural Anglophone Studies

Documents

UNIVERSITY OF BAYREUTH Master of Arts: Intercultural ... · Master of Arts: Intercultural Anglophone Studies ... texts for presenting complex topics, ... subjects of the course,