ENG4111 - Corpora in English Language Research
Course content
This course gives an advanced introduction to the theory and methodology of corpus use in English language research. There is also great emphasis on practical experience of the use of corpora. Through problem-oriented exercises students will learn how to use electronic text corpora in different types of language studies. The course includes practice in the use of corpus analysis software and the database program FileMaker Pro.
Learning outcome
After completing this course you will:
- be familiar with a range of English-language corpora;
- have deep insight into the background and current status of corpus linguistics in English language research;
- have extensive experience in the use of corpora;
- understand how to select and work with electronic text corpora for different types of language studies;
- know how to use computer tools for analysing and handling corpus data;
- know how to exploit corpora as a tool for continued language learning.
Overlapping courses
10 credits overlap with ENG4100 English Language Research: Methods and Thesis Outline and ENG4107 - Corpora in Language Research: Theory and method (discontinued)
Teaching
The course is taught throughout the semester with a 2-hour seminar per week, 28 hours in all.
Attendance is obligatory; students must attend at least 11 out of 14 seminars. Additional absences must be justified by documentation given to the exam coordinator.
The course requirements include two obligatory assignments. One is an essay on a given topic, and the other is a corpus investigation which involves the use of FileMaker Pro in the analysis of the material. Both assignments must be approved by the teacher. Read more about guidelines for compulsory activities.
Examination
The exam is a three-day take-home exam. The exam question will normally include a limited corpus investigation in which relevant corpus tools are applied. Quotations, references and examples must be properly presented. Both language and content will be part of the assessment.
The assignment will be published in Fronter, and the exam paper must also be submitted in Fronter. Read more about submission procedures.
Language of examination
The language of the examination is English.
Explanations and appeals
Resit an examination
Special examination arrangements
If you have a disability or a health problem that entails significant inconvenience in an examination situation, you may be considered for special examination arrangements. Mothers who are breastfeeding may apply for extra time to complete the exam.