Advanced Studies in Meaning

Subject 175-435 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 4 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2009.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: A 2 hour seminar per week
Total Time Commitment: 2.5 contact hours/week , 90 additional hours/week. Total of 10 hours per week.
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Contact

Assoc Prof Lesley Stirling

lesleyfs@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview: This subject is an introduction to one or more advanced theories of linguistic meaning, taken from the related areas of semantics and pragmatics. The specific topic to be covered will depend on who is teaching the subject in a particular year. Examples of topics which might be covered include: the way in which speakers use contextual information to interpret meaning in context; the interplay between semantics and pragmatics; semantic change; lexical semantics; or formal semantic theory. In each case a range of current issues in the theory of meaning will be considered and students will acquire skills in analysis and description within this theory.
Objectives:
  • comprehend a number of the major problems of analysis and description in the theory or theories of meaning under consideration;
  • be able to demonstrate an understanding of the competing approaches which have been taken to these problems in linguistics and related disciplines such as philosophy;
  • demonstrate skills in the analysis of meaning from within this theory / theories;
  • be able to formulate meanings with precision and sensitivity;
  • understand the role of context in enriching meaning;
  • have refined their skills in definition, paraphrase and word choice.
Assessment: 3000 words of assignments 60% (due at regular intervals during the semester), a 1000-word examination 20% (at the end of semester) and a 1000-word essay or project 20% (due at the end of semester).
Prescribed Texts:
  • What is Meaning?: fundamentals of formal semantics (P Porter) Blackwell 2005
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 critical thinking and analysis;
  • develop skills in written communication.
Notes: Formerly available as 175-037/335. Students who have completed 175-037 or 175-335 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: English Language Studies
Linguistics && Applied Linguistics
Linguistics and Applied Linguistics
Linguistics and Applied Linguistics

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