Research methodology in linguistics and literature, including the end-of-cycle project

Linguistics

This course offers an introduction into research methods used in Modern Western (general) linguistics. After presenting a brief historical overview of the discipline, it homes in on the various steps in empirical investigation in linguistics. A strong focus will lie on corpus linguistics, including hands-on sessions on how to retrieve data from a corpus, how to analyse them, how to quantify the coded datapoints, and how to apply some descriptive and inferential statistics in the software package R. In addition, the course will introduce qualitative linguistics (discourse studies), experimental linguistics, linguistic surveying, language documentation and linguistic typology.

This is a French-friendly course. This means that I will teach in English, but at the same time accommodate French-speaking students. Specifically, I will provide my course materials in English, but provide instructions for assignments and exams in both English and French. I will never mark down for language issues in either language.

Literature

Are there multiple ways to study literature? Can the same work be subjected to essentially different analyses? What are the research questions and heuristic conventions-often unspoken-that underpin scholarly work in the field of literary studies?

This module aims to introduce the main methods of literary analysis, including close reading, the sociology of authors, qualitative data analysis, reader-response criticism, and distant reading. Within the latter topic, we will provide a practical introduction to several digital stylometric tools (notably Voyant Tools and DARIAH-Topics Explorer). 

Academic language A

This learning unit familiarises students with the linguistic resources, conventions and authentic academic texts needed to plan and write academic texts in a foreign language.

Particular emphasis will be placed on developing students' command of academic register, their ability to use syntactic structures appropriately and to structure and organise academic texts coherently. The learning unit will also cover strategies for effectively integrating sources and preparing bibliographies in accordance with academic standards.

For Arabic, see the course specifications for LLOR BAC3 Encyclopédie de la philologie arabe.

Academic language B

This learning unit familiarises students with the linguistic resources, conventions and authentic academic texts needed to plan and write academic texts in a foreign language.

Particular emphasis will be placed on developing students' command of academic register, their ability to use syntactic structures appropriately and to structure and organise academic texts coherently. The learning unit will also cover strategies for effectively integrating sources and preparing bibliographies in accordance with academic standards.

For Arabic, see the course specifications for LLOR0006-2 Encyclopédie de la philologie arabe.

Linguistics

A solid understanding of the various subdisciplines of linguistics within a historical context and of the steps involved in empirical investigation in linguistics; hands-on experience in corpus linguistics

Literature

• To understand the main functions of the digital tools covered in class. 
• To demonstrate critical thinking about the suitability of research methods for specific research questions. 
• To show a comprehensive understanding of the theoretical frameworks covered in class (including the required readings). 
• To be aware of the main statistical complexities involved in quantitative research. 

Academic language A

This learning unit aims to familiarise students with the conventions of academic writing in a foreign language.

It will also enable students to apply, in the foreign language they are studying, the theoretical and practical knowledge and skills acquired through the discipline-specific learning units (research methods in linguistics and in literary studies) of the module.

For Arabic, see the course specifications for LLOR BAC3 Encyclopédie de la philologie arabe.

Academic language B

This learning unit aims to familiarise students with the conventions of academic writing in a foreign language.

It will also enable students to apply, in the foreign language they are studying, the theoretical and practical knowledge and skills acquired through the discipline-specific learning units (research methods in linguistics and in literary studies) of the module.

For Arabic, see the course specifications for LLOR0006-2 Encyclopédie de la philologie arabe.

Linguistics

Background in general linguistics, basic understanding of the architecture of grammar (non-language-specific); reading and listening comprehension skills in English

Literature

The ability to read academic English will be an asset. 

Academic language A

Receptive and productive language skills at B2 level.

For Arabic, see the course specifications for LLOR BAC3 Encyclopédie de la philologie arabe.

Academic language B

Receptive and productive language skills at B2 level.

For Arabic, see the course specifications for LLOR0006-2 Encyclopédie de la philologie arabe.

Linguistics

2 hours a week. Classes will combine lectures and hands-on exercises. Attendance is obligatory.

Literature

A mix of teacher-led lectures, discussions, and flipped classroom activities. 

Academic language A

Through hands-on activities and engagement with relevant literature, students will develop their ability to identify the characteristic features of academic register in the foreign language they are studying and to apply these features in their own written work. They will also complete several take-home or in-class assignments designed to prepare them for the final assessment of the learning unit.

The final assessment requires students to produce, in the foreign language they have studied, a piece of academic writing on a linguistic or literary topic (it will be conducted in person and the use of generative AI tools will not be permitted).

For Arabic, see the course specifications for LLOR BAC3 Encyclopédie de la philologie arabe.

Academic language B

Through hands-on activities and engagement with relevant literature, students will develop their ability to identify the characteristic features of academic register in the foreign language they are studying and to apply these features in their own written work. They will also complete several take-home or in-class assignments designed to prepare them for the final assessment of the learning unit.

The final assessment requires students to produce, in the foreign language they have studied, a piece of academic writing on a linguistic or literary topic (it will be conducted in person and the use of generative AI tools will not be permitted).

For Arabic, see the course specifications for LLOR0006-2 Encyclopédie de la philologie arabe.

Linguistics

Face-to-face course

Literature

Face-to-face course


Further information:

In-person instruction.

Academic language A

Face-to-face course

Academic language B

Face-to-face course

Linguistics

Platform(s) used for course materials:
- eCampus


Further information:

All course material will be made available on eCampus.

Literature

Platform(s) used for course materials:
- eCampus


Further information:

The required readings will be available on eCampus in due time. 

Academic language A

Platform(s) used for course materials:
- eCampus


Further information:

Course materials will be provided throughout the term.

Academic language B

Platform(s) used for course materials:
- eCampus


Further information:

Course materials will be provided throughout the term.

Linguistics

Exam(s) in session

Any session

- In-person

written exam ( multiple-choice questionnaire, open-ended questions )

Continuous assessment


Further information:

A series of (take-home or in-class) assignments, which account for 20% of the overall course grade, and a written exam, which accounts for 80% of the overall course grade.

Literature

Exam(s) in session

Any session

- In-person

written exam

Continuous assessment


Further information:

- 40% of the grade: written assignments completed during the four-month term, which will be graded. Most of these assignments - which should be fairly short - will be written in class. Please notice that class attendance is mandatory; in the event of a duly justified absence, alternative assignments will be proposed during the so-called 'session d'examens'.

- 60% of the grade : in-person written exam. 

Grading criteria: see the key learning outcomes. 

In the event of a second call exam (august), the grade for the intermediate papers will be transferred. 

Academic language A

Exam(s) in session

Any session

- In-person

written exam

- Remote

written exam

Written work / report

Continuous assessment

Out-of-session test(s)


Further information:

Continuous assessment and written exam.

This learning unit forms an integral part of the module ("Unité d'Enseignement" or UE") Methodologie de la recherche en linguistique et en literature, y compris travail de fin de cycle and accounts for 20% of the overall grade.

The mark for this learning unit will be calculated as follows:

• 40%: written assignments in the foreign language studied, completed in class or at home and subject to formal assessment.
• 60%: an in-person written exam in the foreign language studied.

Academic language B

Exam(s) in session

Any session

- In-person

written exam

- Remote

written exam

Written work / report

Continuous assessment

Out-of-session test(s)


Further information:

Continuous assessment and written exam.

This learning unit forms an integral part of the module ("Unité d'Enseignement" or UE") Methodologie de la recherche en linguistique et en literature, y compris travail de fin de cycle and accounts for 20% of the overall grade.

The mark for this learning unit will be calculated as follows:

• 40%: written assignments in the foreign language studied, completed in class or at home and subject to formal assessment.
• 60%: an in-person written exam in the foreign language studied.

Literature

Students will not be allowed to use mobile electronic devices during class sessions (laptops, tables, cellphones...). 

In this course, reading and writing are regarded not only as means of knowledge production but also as valuable skills that learners are expected to develop. The use of generative artificial intelligence is therefore explicitly prohibited. 

Academic language A

For Arabic, see the course specifications for LLOR0006-2 Encyclopédie de la philologie arabe.

Academic language B

For Arabic, see the course specifications for LLOR0006-2 Encyclopédie de la philologie arabe.

Linguistics

An VAN LINDEN

Département de Langues et littératures modernes

Place Cockerill, 3-5

B-4000 Liège

Tel. 04 366 53 60

E-mail: an.vanlinden@uliege.be

Literature

Álvaro CEBALLOS VIRO 
Département de Langues et Littératures Françaises et Romanes 
Place Cockerill, 3/5 (A2), 6/19 - 4000 Liège 
Tél: 04 366 53 89 
E-mail : A.CeballosViro@uliege.be 

Academic language A

Frédéric Bauden (Arabic)

F.Bauden@uliege.be

Fien De Latte

Fien.DeLatte@uliege.be

Raymond Echitchi

sechitchi@uliege.be

Robert Möller

R.Moller@uliege.be

Elies Smeyers

Elies.Smeyers@uliege.be

Academic language B

Frédéric Bauden (Arabic)

F.Bauden@uliege.be

Fien De Latte

Fien.DeLatte@uliege.be

Raymond Echitchi

sechitchi@uliege.be

Robert Möller

R.Moller@uliege.be

Elies Smeyers

Elies.Smeyers@uliege.be