Cursussyllabus

This course offers an introduction to multilingualism, literature and interculturalism in Brussels through a series of individual interconnected assignments. Together, these assignments represent a small-scale research project.

Coursework

Regular class attendance is expected; for schedule, see below. Class materials will be posted on the Canvas course page in corresponding modules. From the first class, all subsequent modules (class materials) can only be unlocked if all materials uploaded to the previous/prerequisite modules were consulted.

As part of this course, enrolled students are expected to independently set up a small-scale research project on one of the following topics:

1. Multilingualism and the justice system
2. Multilingualism and the medical sector
3. Multilingualism and education
4. Multilingualism in the workplace
5. Multilingual landscaping
6. Multilingualism and music
7. Multilingualism and the library

More specifically, students are asked to carry out a research project related to the selected topic in a series of assignments (three).

1. Research proposal: 20%. Due date 1st session: 22 Dec. Due date 2nd session: 17 Aug.
2. Recorded video presentation: 40%. Due date 1st session: 1 Apr. Due date 2nd session: 17 Aug.
3. Written assignment (research paper): 40%, Due date 1st session: 1 Jun. Due date 2nd session: 17 Aug.

To collect the data for their project, students are allowed to use qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods approaches. Regarding data collection instruments, you may conduct interviews, administer surveys, do both or combine a third method of data collection (for example personal data collection) with interviews/surveys.   

• For qualitative studies using structured or semi-structured interviews, the minimum number of individual eligible entries (interviews) is five.
• For quantitative studies using surveys, you must have a data set of a minimum of 20 individual valid responses.
• For projects combining interviews and surveys in a mixed-methods approach, we insist on a minimum of 3 interviews and 10 surveys.

Working languages

You can choose to submit your assignments in one of six languages: English, Dutch, French, Italian, German, Spanish. All assignments must be in the same language (e.g., if your proposal is in French, so must your presentation and paper be). You may prepare and conduct your survey/interviews in a language other than English, Dutch, French, German, Italian or Spanish, but you must provide a translation of both the questionnaire and your respondents’ answers quoted in the video presentation and paper. 

Evaluation

You must successfully submit all three assignments to qualify for course credit. Each assignment has a set of formal requirements and failing to meet one will result in a 0/20, with a subsequent ban from submitting all other assignments in the first exam session. Failure to submit the previous assignment will preclude you from submitting the other assignment(s). For example, if you don’t submit the research proposal, you can’t submit the presentation and the paper. If you submit the proposal but not the presentation, you won’t be allowed to submit the paper.

A formal requirement that applies to all assignments is the respect of each individual deadline. As course coordinator, Prof. Ann Peeters may consider granting an extension on a particular deadline if your circumstances fall under one of these categories and if you can provide valid proof of such. 

If in the first exam session (June) your weighted grade for the three coursework components is below 10/20, you will not pass the course. This means you will need to resubmit all assignments in the second exam session (August). To be eligible for the second exam session, you must (re-)register for one of the seven topics listed above. Further instructions will follow in due course.