Language and Society: Issues in Systemic Functional Linguistics 3305-JS-SEM-MGR
This MA seminar is designed to prepare students for writing their master’s dissertation, with a particular focus on contemporary directions in Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL). The course introduces participants to key concepts and frameworks within modern SFL, including its theoretical foundations and applications across various domains of linguistic inquiry.
The seminar covers a broad range of topics such as sociolinguistics, pragmatics, functional grammar, and discourse analysis — all approached from the perspective of SFL. Students engage with core literature in the field as well as supplementary readings tailored to their individual areas of interest, selected in preparation for their dissertation work.
The first year is divided into two semesters. The first semester provides a theoretical foundation and familiarises students with current issues in SFL before they choose a specific dissertation topic. As this semester concludes with a written test, it is also suitable for Erasmus and exchange students. The second semester is devoted to the preparation of a detailed dissertation proposal, including the formulation of research questions, literature review, and methodological considerations.
The second year of the seminar is fully dedicated to the development of students' individual MA dissertation projects. During this stage, students work closely with the instructor, receiving guidance and feedback as they conduct research, analyse data, and write their dissertation.
Prerequisites (description)
Course coordinators
Type of course
Mode
Term 2025: Classroom Remote learning | General: Remote learning Classroom |
Learning outcomes
KNOWLEDGE
After completing the course, the student:
• understands the subject matter and methodological approaches specific to Iberian studies, and is able to develop and apply them creatively in a professional context, including the use of specialized terminology in Iberian linguistics (K_W01);
• understands how Iberian studies relate to other disciplines in the humanities and social sciences (K_W02);
• has knowledge of key concepts and principles regarding intellectual property and copyright law, and recognizes the importance of managing intellectual property resources (K_W03);
• has knowledge of academic and cultural phenomena in both Poland and Spanish-speaking countries, with particular insight into how new linguistic research and trends are connected to broader humanistic discourses (K_W04);
• understands terminology, theories, and methodologies relevant to linguistics within Iberian studies (K_W05);
• is familiar with contemporary research centers and schools of thought in selected areas of linguistics, including those within the Spanish/Portuguese-speaking world (K_W06).
SKILLS
After completing the course, the student is able to:
• apply research skills, including critical analysis of cultural products and social phenomena in Spanish/Portuguese-speaking countries, synthesis of diverse ideas and perspectives, selection of methods, development of research tools, and presentation of results — all contributing to the original resolution of complex problems in Iberian linguistics (K_U01);
• independently acquire knowledge in linguistics, expand research skills, and take initiative in developing their abilities and managing their professional path as a teacher or researcher in Iberian linguistics (K_U02);
• use their language skills to understand and produce both spoken and written texts using specialized linguistic terminology (K_U03);
• construct well-reasoned arguments drawing on the views of other scholars, and formulate their own conclusions (K_U06).
SOCIAL COMPETENCES
After completing the course, the student is prepared to:
• collaborate effectively in group settings, taking on various roles as needed (K_K01);
• resolve dilemmas related to the ethical and practical use of their professional skills (K_K02);
• critically assess their own knowledge and abilities, and understands the importance of continuous self-improvement and professional development (K_K03);
• actively engage with Iberian culture through various forms and media, and work effectively as part of a team in different roles (K_K04).
Assessment criteria
First Year
• Semester 1: Assessment test
• Semester 2: Master's thesis outline
Second Year
• Semester 1: Drafting of the introduction and literature review chapters
• Semester 2: Completion and submission of the Master’s thesis
In accordance with Resolution No. 98 of the University Council for Education (dated December 8, 2023), the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in coursework and thesis preparation is permitted only with the instructor’s approval and must align with the objectives of the course. The purpose, scope, and method of using AI must be clearly defined and explicitly acknowledged in the submitted work, including a clear indication of where AI tools were used. Students are fully responsible for the content of their work, including compliance with copyright laws, accuracy and reliability of sources, avoidance of bias, and adherence to academic integrity standards.
Bibliography
CORE BIBLIOGRAPHY
• Halliday, M. A. K., & Matthiessen, C. (2014). Halliday’s Introduction to Functional Grammar (4th ed.). Oxon: Routledge.
• Martin, J. R., & Rose, D. (2007). Working with Discourse: Meaning Beyond the Clause (2nd ed.). London: Bloomsbury.
• Martin, J. R., & Rose, D. (2008). Genre Relations: Mapping Culture. London: Equinox.
• Thompson, G., Bowcher, W. L., Fontaine, L. & Schönthal, D. (2019). The Cambridge Handbook of Systemic Functional Linguistics. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
IN/ON SPANISH
• Ghio, E. & Fernández, M.D. (2005). Manual de Lingüística Sistémico-Funcional: El enfoque de M.A.K. Halliday y Ruqaiya Hasan: Aplicaciones a la lengua española. Santa Fe: UNL.
• Ghio, E., Navarro, F. & Lukin, A. (2017). Obras esenciales de M.A.K. Halliday. Santa Fe: Ediciones UNL.
• Ignatieva, N. & Rodríguez Vergara, D. (2016). Lingüística Sistémico Funcional en México: Aplicaciones e implicaciones. México: UNAM.
• Lavid, J., Arús, J. & Zamorano, J.R. (2010). Systemic Functional Description of Spanish. A Contrastive Study with English. London: Continuum.
• Quiroz, B. & Martin, J. R. (2021). “Perfil sistémico-funcional del grupo nominal en español: estructura, funciones discursivas básicas y organización sistémica”. Estudios Filológicos, 68: 123-151. https://doi.org/10.4067/s0071-17132021000200123
• VV. AA. (2014). Número especial I: “IX Congreso de ASFAL (Asociación de Lingüística Sistémico Funcional de América Latina)”. Onomázein: https://onomazein.letras.uc.cl/index.php/onom/issue/view/1763
• VV. AA. (2017). Número especial II: “Lingüística Sistémico-Funcional”. Onomázein: https://onomazein.letras.uc.cl/index.php/onom/issue/view/1751
• VV. AA. (2021). Sección monográfica: “Estudios de lingüística sistémico-funcional en/del español”, Revista Signos, 54(105): https://revistasignos.cl/index.php/signos/issue/view/20
IN/ON PORTUGUESE
• Silva, W. & Espíndola, E. (2013). “Afinal, o que é gênero textual na Linguística Sistêmico-Funcional?” Revista da Anpoll, 34: 259-307.
• Muniz da Silva, E. C. (2018). “Gêneros na teoria sistêmico-funcional”. D.E.L.T.A., 34(1): 305-330. https://doi.org/10.1590/0102-4450297878862629695
• Gonçalves Segundo, P. R. (2014). “Linguística Sistêmico-Funcional e Análise Crítica do Discurso: explorando convergências e explicitando especificidades”. Estudos Linguísticos (São Paulo), 43(3): 1282-1297.
• Fuzer, C. & Scotta Cabral, S. R. (2014). Introdução à gramática sistêmico-funcional em língua portuguesa. Campinas, SP: Mercado de Letras.
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: