SFE20815 English: Systemic-Functional Grammar (Autumn 2015)

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 programme in Society, Language and Culture.

Lecture Semester

English extension course: 1. Semester (autumn)

Bachelor's Programme in Society, Language and Culture: 3d or 5th semester (autumn)

The student's learning outcomes after completing the course

KNOWLEDGE?

Students have knowledge of the systemic-functional grammar framework (SFG)

SKILLS?

Students understand how this framework can be used to examine language and other meaning-making resources, as well as the social/cultural contexts in which they are used.

GENERAL COMPETENCE?

Students know how SFG can be used to examine the function of multimodal texts.

Content

The course 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).

Students get an introduction to SFG and how this theory can be used to examine a variety of authentic texts.

Forms of teaching and learning

Lectures and seminars

Coursework requirements - conditions for taking the exam

Three short written assignments must be approved by the lecturer and completed at specific deadlines before students can start the final written examination.

Examination

Individual 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 and the shorter written assignments. 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, the written part will be reassessed. In the case of a changed result a new oral exam will be arranged.

Course evaluation

The course is evaluated twice each semester.

Literature

Thompson, G. (2013). Introducing functional grammar. Third edition. London: Routledge.

Kress, G, & van Leeuwen, T. (2006). Reading images: the grammar of visual design. Second edition. London: Routledge.

Selected articles: to be provided during course

Additional literature:

Halliday, M. A. K. & Christian M. I. M. Matthiessen (2013). Halliday's introduction to functional grammar. Fourth edition. London: Routledge.

Martin, J. R. (1992) English text: system and structure. Amsterdam: John Benjamins.

Martin, J. R. & Rose, D. (2007). Working with discourse: meaning beyond the clause. Second edition. London: Continuum.

Martin, J. R. & Rose, D. (2008). Genre relations: mapping culture. London: Equinox.

Martin, J. R. & White, P. R. R. (2005). The language of evaluation: appraisal in English. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.

Matthiessen, C. M. I. M., Teruya, K., & Lam, M. (2010). Key terms in systemic functional linguistics. London: Continuum.