Language, writing and democracy, 7.5 Credits

Contents

The course explores language and writing and their central roles for active participatory democracy. Theoretical approaches to language, writing and democracy as well as didactic theories, perspectives and implications for educational and work settings are covered. With contemporary means of communication as point of departure, an array of texts are analysed as to function, recipient and context. The importance of writing in developing democracies as well as an active citizenship is focussed throughout.

Expected learning outcomes

For a 'Pass' grade, the student shall demonstrate:

Knowledge and understanding
1. understanding of the concepts language, text, writing, literacy, democracy and participation, as viewed in different theoretical frameworks;
2. overview of different forms of democratic participation and the role of written language in these;
3. overview of methods of teaching and strategies of learning with a focus on writing, democracy and participation;

Competence and skills
4. ability to analyse texts from the point of view of function, recipient and context;
5. ability to apply their own writing to an authentic context for democratic participation;
6. ability to apply and evaluate theories of teaching and learning with a focus on writing, democracy and participation;
7. ability to apply writing norms and to adjust their written language to different recipents and contexts;  

Judgement and approach
8. ability to independently and critically evaluate the function of different texts in a democracy, and for the promotion of democracy;
9. ability to critically discuss written texts as tools for democratic participation, in authentic settings;
10. ability to discuss and evaluate the implications of theories of language, writing and democracy for participatory writing instruction in educational or work settings.

Required Knowledge

English B/6
1)    Degree in Education which includes language(s) or 2) Bachelor's degree which includes 60 ECTS credits or more in a language subject, or equivalent.

Form of instruction

Instruction consists of lectures and seminars. Group work may be required.
Instruction is fully online. Students will need a computer with internet access to follow this course. See "Technical Requirements for Online Courses" at https://www.umu.se/student/sprakstudier/dokument/
The language of instruction is English.

Examination modes

The course is assessed through a written assignment (4 credits) and a portfolio (3.5 credits). Assignments and portfolio may be written in English or Swedish.

Grades awarded for the portfolio witll be 'Pass' (Godkänd) or 'Fail' (Underkänd). Grades awarded for the written assignment will be 'Pass with distinction' (Väl godkänd), 'Pass' (Godkänd), or 'Fail' (Underkänd).

Students awarded a 'Pass with distinction' grade for the written assignment will be awarded this grade for the whole course.  

Examination format may be adapted for students granted special educational services due to a disability. Such adaptations must conform to the expected learning outcomes. The course coordinator shall make a decision concerning adapted examination format upon application by the student, after consulting the course examiner. The decision shall be forwarded to the student.

Students who fail an exam on the first occasion will be able to sit the exam again at a later date. Students who have received a pass grade cannot resit for a higher grade.

The first resit shall be scheduled no later than 2 months after the original exam, and no sooner than 10 workdays after the result of the original exam has been published. For exams during May or June, the first resit shall be scheduled no later than 3 months after the original exam.

The date for the resit shall be published no later than on the day of the original exam.

At least one additional resit shall be scheduled within a year after the original exam.

The examiner may decide that a student who does not reach a Pass grade on an assignment can do a revision for a Pass grade, as an alternative to a full resit. Such revision must be made within 10 days of the result being published.

A student who has failed to reach a Pass grade after two attempts has the right to having another examiner appointed for the following resit, unless overriding reasons apply. Requests for another examiner shall be directed to the Faculty Programme Director at the Dean's Office, Faculty of Arts.

Other regulations

If the syllabus is revised or the course cancelled, the student is guaranteed at least 3 sits (including the original exam) according to the earlier syllabus during a period of at most 2 years from the revision or the cancellation.