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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.
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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
ability to explain linguistic problems at a sophisticated level and
present solutions in exemplary fields of research, which are
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)
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 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).
Responsible Chairs of English Linguistics Workload Active participation in seminar 60 hours
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
Credit work as specified 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
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Designation of part- module
A Foundations / A 2, A 3
ECTS 10
Function This module stage will further enhance the following abilities: the
ability to explain linguistic problems at a sophisticated level and
present solutions in exemplary fields of research, which are
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.
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 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.
Responsible Chairs of English Linguistics Workload Active participation in seminar 60 hours
Credit work, seminar paper 120 hours
Sum 180 hours
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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.
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 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
Credit work, seminar paper 60 hours
Sum 120 hours
8
Designation of module
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
competence already acquired. Hence a module already validated
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
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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
competence already acquired. Hence a module already validated
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
Designation of module
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.
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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
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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
Workload Active participation in seminar 120 hours
Credit work as specified 180 hours
Sum 300 hours
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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
Workload Active participation in seminar 60 hours
Credit work as specified 120 hours
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