Forensic Linguistics: Language in the Judicial Process, 7.5 Credits

Contents

Language is a central tool in the different parts of the judicial process, in legislation, crime investigation and legal proceedings. Linguistic products in written or oral form can also constitute evidence in judicial proceedings. The course provides an overview of the field of forensic linguistics and research issues in this discipline, and an individual specialization. The course is divided into three modules:

1. Elements of forensic linguistics (2 credits);
2. Current research in forensic linguistics (2 credits);
3. Individual specialization in forensic linguistics (3.5 credits).

Expected learning outcomes

To be awarded a Pass grade, the student should be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

• account for how linguistic methods can be applied in the judicial process
• demonstrate a knowledge of current research issues in forensic linguistics
• demonstrate advanced knowledge of a problem area in forensic linguistics

Competence and skills

• apply linguistic concepts in analyses of judicial discourses
• communicate and discuss research issues and research results in forensic linguistics

Judgement and approach

• critically evaluate forensic linguistics research from a methodological point of view
• demonstrate awareness of ethical aspects on forensic research.

Required Knowledge

90 ECTS in a subject within Language Sciences, Social Sciences or Behavioural Sciences, including 15 ECTS with academic progression (corresponding to level 61-90 hp in the Swedish academic system). Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B/6.

Form of instruction

The course is entirely net-based and all communications between students and teachers take place via a learning platform. The medium of instruction is English.

Examination modes

Examination in Module 1 consists of assessment of a written observation assignment, which requires that the student attends a court proceeding.
Examination in Module 2 consists of assessment of a written hand-in assignment and peer response on other students' submissions.
Examination of Module 3 consists of assessment of an individual written essay.

Examination is conducted in English or Swedish.

The examiner can decide on deviations from the modes of examination in the syllabus for a student who has been determined eligible for pedagogical support due to a disability. Individual adjustments to the mode of examination will be made on the basis of the student's needs. The mode of examination will be adjusted in relation to the expected learning outcomes. Student in need of Individual adjustments to the mode of examination, should request this at the department no later than 10 days before the examination. The examiner makes a decision based on the request, and the decision is communicated to the student.

The grades Pass (Godkänd (G)) or Fail (Underkänd (U)) are used in the examination of Modules 1 and 2. Grades awarded in Module 3 are Pass with distinction (Väl godkänd (VG)), Pass (Godkänd (G)) or Fail (Underkänd (U)).  In order to be awarded a Pass with distinction on the entire course, a student must have achieved this grade on Module 3.
 
A student who has been awarded a Pass grade cannot be re-examined.

A student who has failed to achieve a Pass grade on an exam has the right to re-take the examination (a re-sit). The first re-sit will be arranged no later than two months after the regular exam, but no earlier than ten working days after the result of that exam has been announced. For exams held in May or June, the first re-sit may be arranged within three months of the regular exam. The date for the re-sit will be provided, at the latest, in conjunction with the regular exam. At least one more re-sit will be arranged within one year of the regular exam.
 
In cases where an exam cannot be repeated according to the rules in effect regarding re-sits, it will be replaced with another task. The scope and content of such a task should be reasonably proportionate to the missed exam.
 
An examiner may decide that a student who does not entirely meet the examination requirements, but is close to a Pass grade, be given the opportunity to take a supplementary examination to achieve a Pass grade. Such an examination is to be individually tailored to the goal(s) that the student has not met, and is to be arranged no later than two weeks after the result of the regular examination has been announced, but before the next examination session. Supplementary qualification can only raise a Fail grade to a Pass grade; award of a higher grade is not allowed. If the student so wishes, they have the right to take a re-sit instead of a supplementary examination, which will give them the opportunity to achieve a Pass with Distinction.

Other regulations

The final date for the submission/completion of assignments falls on the last day of the semester, unless otherwise stated by the teacher. All assignments need to be completed or submitted within the time frame set by the teacher in order to be considered for examination, otherwise they must be completed over again.

In the event of a decision that the course will no longer be offered, or if the syllabus has been revised, students are guaranteed at least three exams (including the regular exam) based on the previous syllabus during a time of no more than two years after the previous syllabus ceased to apply or the decision was made that the course no longer be offered.