Semantics

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

170 hours

Some prior study in Linguistics and Applied Linguistics or related disciplines is desirable, e.g. a first year LING subject, or the university breadth subject UNIB10002 Logic: Language and Information, or relevant study in Philosophy, Anthropology, or Psychology.

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

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, formal semantics and linguistic categorisation across languages.

On successful completion of this subject, students should:

• have an understanding of the main linguistic approaches to the study of meaning;
• be able to 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;
• be able to draw on and critically evaluate theoretical approaches to Semantics;
• be able to position themselves within theoretical debates in Semantics;
• be able to 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);
• have attained advanced abilities in written and verbal argumentation in Semantics;
• have consolidated their understanding of social and cultural diversity in the university and wider community.

• Analysis (750 words) due throughout the semester [25%]
• Analysis (750 words) due throughout the semester [25%]
• Essay (2500 words) due at the end of the semester [50%]

Hurdle requirement: Students must attend a minimum of 75% of tutorials in order to pass this subject. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.

Note: Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per working day. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked.

Understanding Semantics (S Lobner) Arnold Second Edition 2013

Additional online materials will be available

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.

Students who successfully complete this subject should:

• 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.