LFU:online

Knowledge about the linguistic research on academic language
Ability to critically handle and reflect different research methods
Ability to analyze language use on the basis of research work
Ability to write a paper

The concept of academic language has been much discussed since the early 2000s. It is approached from different perspectives in disciplines such as educational sciences, linguistics, language teaching, or sociolinguistics. In a widespread view, academic language is considered to be the form of language used in educational contexts to convey and represent knowledge. It thus fulfills an epistemic, a communicative, but also a social function. In a broader perspective, academic language is seen as the means by which one can acquire orientational knowledge in various societal domains and thus gain opportunities for participation.

In the seminar, we will first trace the perspectives and reference concepts for the delimitation of academic language. By critically reading and discussing empirical studies we will then pursue the question of how academic language can be operationalized and examined in language use. In the course of the seminar, you will develop your own research question on the topic, design and conduct an analysis, and document this in a written term paper.

Presentation, preparatory reading and discussions, 1-2 (short) presentation(s)

Oral and written: preparatory reading, active participation in class, 1-2 (short) presentation(s); term paper

To be announced in the course.

Cf. curriculum