Learning outcomes

The student acquires the skills necessary to carry out scientific work independently in the target language, namely:

- Research skills in general linguistics, applied linguistics or sociolinguistics.

- Autonomy and critical approach in the scientific implementation of a (small scaled) project.

- Critical reading of scientific texts.

- Oral and writing skills in Dutch for the scientific presentation (both written and oral) of research results (CEFR* level C1).

 

* https://rm.coe.int/16802fc3a8 or https://erk-nederlands.taalunie.org

Goals

Building on the skills acquired during the previous years of study, the final BA paper in Dutch Linguistics enables the student to develop individual research skills based on a contemporary (socio)linguistic topic, through progressive, formative and autonomous learning. This allows him/her to perfect his/her academic skills through :

- the selection of a research topic and the precise formulation of one or more research questions;

- bibliographical research in relation to the research topic agreed upon by the student and his/her supervisor;

- the analysis and synthesis of scientific literature in relation to a research topic;

- the establishment of a research methodology and types of analyses in line with the research questions on the one hand and the scientific literature on the other;

- data collection, analyses, organisation and interpretation of the results;

- the correct use of bibliographic references in the text and the composition of a bibliography;

- reporting in Dutch by writing a scientific paper and presenting the research results in an oral presentation based on a powerpoint or poster.

At the language level, with a prerequisite of CEFR C1 in receptive skills and B2 in productive skills (acquired LNRL B201), reach at the end of the course a C2 level in receptive skills and C1 in productive skills* (cf. LNRL B301).

For the preparation and supervision of the student see the section on "pedagogy".

 

*https://rm.coe.int/16802fc3a8 or https://erk-nederlands.taalunie.org

Content

With the approval of his/her supervisor, the student chooses a topic which he/she develops and deepens in a personal and original way.

The student establishes a timetable for the synthesis of the scientific literature, the definition and implementation of the methodology (data collection, analysis and processing), and the different stages of the writing process.

The body of the BA paper, excluding appendices, tables/figures (if any) and bibliography, is approximately 8,000- 10,000 words. It is accompanied by an oral presentation based on a powerpoint or poster.

The work starts at the latest in the first semester of Block 3 and is completed according to the provisions in the second semester before the beginning of the first examination session (May-June).

Assessment method

The BA paper is assessed on the basis of the achievement of its objectives (as defined above). Thus, in the evaluation, the following aspects will be taken into account

- Scientific content (introduction and contextualisation; scientific framework; relevance and clarity of research questions; methodology and data collection; data processing, analyses and discussion; clarity and coherence of conclusion) and the student's personal and critical contribution to the research (= 3/6 of the final mark);

- The quality and relevance of the written wording, including the structure of the TFC (overall structure; structure of chapters, sub-chapters and paragraphs, clarity in the presentation of reported data) and the bibliographic references and conventions according to standard practice (= 2/6 of the final mark);

- The oral presentation and its support are also part of the evaluation (= 1/6 of the final mark). The expected level of written competence in the target language is C1 according to the CEFR*, applied to an academic register.

No use of AI generated contents or texts will be accepted at whatever stage of the BA paper, unless explicitly indicated by the supervisor.

* https://rm.coe.int/16802fc3a8 or https://erk-nederlands.taalunie.org

Sources, references and any support material

To be determined according to the research topic.

Language of instruction

Français