Computational Linguistics and Language Technology

(Major subject 90)

Degree program: Bachelor of Arts Faculty of Arts

General descriptionSpecific requirementsEducational goalsCareer possibilitiesECTS CreditsProgram structurePart-time studiesMajor/minor subject combinationsExamination and assessment regulationsPost-graduate degree programsKeywordsLanguage of instruction

General description

This Bachelor’s Degree major in Computational Linguistics and Language Technology deepens insight into the fundamental problems, questions and methods of solution for the field of computational linguistics and language technology, as well as an in-depth analysis and adoption of the uses and applications of the theories. The course enables students to gain an academic understanding of the theoretical and practical foundations of computer science and information technology, and develops solid programming and software development knowledge in regards to various paradigms of computer programming and in the region of complex linguistic technological problem areas. The Bachelor’s Degree prepares students with employment skills in the areas of publishing, library work, documentation and linguistic services, and in software production firms, especially in those in which a knowledge about computer-linguistic methodologies are required.

Specific requirements

No previous knowledge of Latin is assumed for the major subject computational linguistics and language technology.

Educational goals

The major subject in the Bachelor's degree course aims at enabling students to acquire from scratch the body of knowledge in computational linguistics and language technology and practice the related skills, which can be applied directly. The course provides

• a basic introduction to the application of computational linguistics and language technology
  
• insight into the basic problems of the automatic processing of natural languages and the related methodical solutions
  
• teaches sound programming and software development skills within the scope of more complex language technology problems
  
• basic knowledge in grammar engineering
  
• basic knowledge in the development, maintenance and application of lexical resources
  
• solid knowledge of the formal (mathematical and logical) bases of computational linguistics
  
• knowledge of various modern theories of grammar and other linguistic formalisms which are essential for the electronic processing of human languages
  

Career possibilities

The Bachelor degree prepares students for professions in fields which require knowledge on the potentialities and limitations of applying computational linguistics. The students learn to evaluate, apply and maintain language technology software, e.g. for work in:

• publishing houses (newspapers, technical publications, encyclopaedia etc. in print and online versions)
  
• libraries
  
• documentation services in companies and public administration (document administration)
  
• language services (translation and terminology services) for companies and public administration
  
• software companies (language adaptation, i.e. «Localisation» of software, help systems)
  

ECTS Credits

90

Program structure

1. Basic studies
2. Advanced studies

Part-time studies

Part-time studies are possible.

Major/minor subject combinations

There are no restrictions on the choice of minor subjects, the only exception being a combination with the large minor subject computational linguistics and language technology and the small minor subject computational linguistics.

Examination and assessment regulations

The student's achievement is assessed at the end of each module.
The achievements are graded on a scale from 1 to 6, whereby 6 denotes the highest grade of achievement and 1 the lowest. Half-grades are permitted. Grades below 4 indicate an insufficient performance.
Achievements can also be assessed with 'passed' / 'failed'.

Post-graduate degree programs

Attaining a Bachelor's degree entitles the student to continue studying in the same subject without having to fulfill further conditions. Where the subject is changed, the faculty can require proof of additional competences beyond those acquired in the Bachelor's program. This is also applicable to acceptance onto specialized Master's courses.
In any event, even when the Master's course is in the same subject, the faculty can make the completion of a Master's degree dependent on the fulfillment of additional requirements. These requirements can also be fulfilled during the Master's course. The details are set out in the framework rules and the study rules.

Keywords

Information technology
Language
Linguistics
Computational linguistics

Language of instruction

English, German