One-Year Master Degree Thesis in Applied English Linguistics

On completion of the course, the students shall be able to:

• conduct an independent linguistic study of scholarly value, characterised by a clear connection to current research, application of relevant method and clear argumentation based on advanced linguistic analysis within a limited frame of time
• demonstrate an advanced knowledge of one of the areas of applied English linguistics, including an advanced knowledge of relevant theory and methodology as well as insights into topical research questions in the area
• demonstrate the ability to analyze, critically evaluate and deal with complex phenomena and questions, for example in reporting on primary sources and in integrating secondary sources in their own work
• demonstrate the ability to develop a research question with support from their supervisor and then independently search for, collect, evaluate and critically interpret and analyze relevant information
• orally and in writing present and argue for their own results as well as for the knowledge and argumentation which form the basis for the conclusions, showing a high level of communicative competence
• write a degree thesis that follows discipline-specific conventions for academic writing in terms of style, organisation and referencing
• analyze and discuss the scholarly work of others by pointing out weaknesses as well as strengths in the form of constructive response, and respond to feedback from others, adapting their own work when appropriate.

The course’s predominant content is an independently conducted research project which is presented in the form of a degree thesis of about 8,000-10,000 words. The student carries out an independent linguistic study on a well-defined and delimited topic which is relevant to the English language in general and to applied English linguistics in particular. The choice of topic, research question, method and theoretical orientation are discussed in seminar form as part of the process of developing their project. Students then continue their work independently with the support of a supervisor during various phases of the process. The course concludes with the student defending the thesis orally at a final seminar as well as critically examining another student’s thesis.

The course is mainly examined through the independently written thesis, but the student’s ability to give and take constructive criticism through peer review is also considered in the final assessment.

The course is taught in the form of obligatory seminars and individual supervision. The thesis is defended and discussed at a defence seminar. All teaching is conducted in English.

The Swedish grades U–VG.

If all allotted supervision time has been used up or if no supervisor is available, the right to supervision is withdrawn after the term when the student was registered on the course for the first time.