SFE20811 English: Systemic-Functional Grammar (Autumn 2011)
Facts about the course
- ECTS Credits:
- 10
- Responsible department:
- Faculty of Business, Languages, and Social Sciences
- Course Leader:
- Daniel Lees Fryer
- Duration:
- ½ year
The course is connected to the following study programs
Obligatory subject within the 90 study credits English Extension Course.
May be taken as part of the Bachelor in Society, Language and Culture.
Lecture Semester
English Extension Course: 1st Semester (Autumn)
Bachelor in Society, Language and Culture: 3rd or 5th Semester (Autumn)
The student's learning outcomes after completing the course
-Knowledge of the systemic-functional grammar framework (SFG),
-Understanding of how this framework can be used to examine language and the social/cultural context in which it is used and
-Awareness of how SFG can be used to examine the function of multimodal texts.
Content
This module is an introduction to a systemic-functional approach to describing language and communication.
Systemic-functional grammar (SFG) attempts to model language and meaning based on the choices made by language users in specific social and cultural contexts.
The theory can also be applied to communicative modes other than spoken and written texts, such as images and music, or a combination of these (multimodal texts).
In this module, students will study the theoretical framework of SFG and explore how the theory can be used to examine a variety of authentic texts.
Forms of teaching and learning
Lectures, seminars.
Coursework requirements - conditions for taking the exam
One written assignment must be approved by the lecturer and completed at a specific deadline before students can start the final written esamination.
Examination
Written assignment and oral exam:
A written assignment (2000-3000 words) on a topic chosen in consultation with the lecturer; the assignment should be analytical, research based, and clearly referenced.
The written assignment has to be approved for a pass result before the oral exam
The oral exam (c. 30 mins) is based on the final written assignment. The oral exam may adjust the final result by one step up or down on the A-F grading scale.
If a complaint is filed about the final result, the written part will be reassessed. In the case of a changed result a new oral exam will be arranged in accordance with the exam regulations of Østfold University College (section 18-4).
Course evaluation
To improve the course, we need the evaluations from the students. The course is evaluated by the students in the middle of the semester and in the end of the semester.
The evaluations from the students are treated by the staff, the head of studies and the committee for programme quality and internationalization.
Literature
Thompson, Geoff (2004) Introducing functional grammar. Second edition. London: Hodder Education.
Martin, J. R. & David Rose (2007) Working with discourse: meaning beyond the clause. Second edition. London: Continuum.
Kress, Gunther & Theo van Leeuwen (2006) Reading images: the grammar of visual design. Second edition. London: Routledge.
Selected articles: to be provided during course
Reference works:
Halliday, M. A. K. & Christian M. I. M. Matthiessen (2004) An introduction to functional grammar. Third edition. London: Arnold.
Martin, J. R. (1992) English text: system and structure. Amsterdam: John Benjamins.