Issues in Linguistic Research

Subject 175-408 (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008.Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 25.000
Level: Undergraduate
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2008:

Semester 1, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable

.

Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: A 3-hour seminar per week
Total Time Commitment: .
Prerequisites: Admission to the postgraduate diploma or fourth-year honours in linguistics and applied linguistics.
Corequisites: .
Recommended Background Knowledge: .
Non Allowed Subjects: .
Core Participation Requirements: .

Coordinator

Prof Nick Evans
Subject Overview:

This subject takes a broad and historically based view of some of the great topics that have preoccupied thinkers in linguistics, and how they interrelate, by juxtaposing the history of ideas on each of a dozen topics with relevant contemporary debates. Topics to be covered include defining properties of language; sign and system; arbitrariness versus constraints on the system; the role of typology; the role of formal modelling of language systems; linguistic relativity; synchrony versus diachrony; linguistics as a science; the linguistic system and the community of users; the boundaries of the language system; functionalism, adaptation and evolution of language systems; categories, classical and otherwise; and language, mind and brain.

Assessment: Two oral presentations, each followed by a written report of 1500 words (25% each; due during the semester), and an essay of 4000 words 50% (due at the end of the semester).
Prescribed Texts: A subject reader will be available
Recommended Texts: .
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

  • develop their skills in research;

  • develop their skills in critical thinking and analysis.
Notes: .
Related Course(s): Postgraduate Certificate in Arts (English Language)
Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (English Language Studies)
Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (Linguistics & Applied Linguistics)

Download PDF version.