Semantics

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

Total of 170 hours.

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Some prior study in Linguistics & Applied Linguistics or related disciplines is desirable, e.g. a first year LING subject, or the university breadth subject Logic: Language & Information, or relevant study in Philosophy, Anthropology, or Psychology.

Formerly available as 175-212/312. Students who have completed 175-212 or 175-312 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

This subject is an introduction to the study of meaning, looking at the main linguistic approaches to the study of meaning, techniques of semantic analysis and argumentation, and problems of accounting for some selected areas of linguistic meaning. Topics include classical approaches to meaning, prototype semantics, cognitive linguistics, and linguistic categorisation across languages.

Students who complete this subject will:

• Have an understanding of the main linguistic approaches to the study of meaning
• Confidently deploy discipline specific research and analysis in Semantics using primary and secondary sources and empirical data with a strong sense of research ethics and intellectual integrity
• Draw on and critically evaluate theoretical approaches to Semantics
• Position themselves within theoretical debates in Semantics
• Proficiently employ learning and research technologies as well as field-specific technologies
• Begin to develop an appreciation of how the study of linguistic meaning is situated in its disciplinary context with respect to other areas of linguistics (syntax, pragmatics) and other approaches to meaning (philosophical, semiotic).
• Attain advanced abilities in written and verbal argumentation in Semantics
• Consolidate their understanding of social and cultural diversity in the university and wider community

• Analysis / Essay due throughout the semester [25%]
• Analysis due throughout the semester [25%]
• Essay due at the end of the semester [50%]

This subject has the following hurdle requirements:

• Regular participation in tutorials is required with a minimum of 75% attendance.
• All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.

Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per day and in-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked.

• Understanding Semantics (S Lobner) Arnold Second Edition 2013
• Online materials will be available.

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This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

• Bachelor of Biomedicine
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Music
• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Engineering

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

• have developed their capacity to closely observe and analyse data and to engage in argumentation and critical evaluation of arguments about it.
• have developed their skills in research: defining an area of inquiry and seeking, evaluating and organising relevant information.
• have developed their skills in spoken and written communication of their own and others' ideas.