Semantics

Subject LING30007 (2016)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2016.

Credit Points: 12.5
Level: 3 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

Semester 1, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period 29-Feb-2016 to 29-May-2016
Assessment Period End 24-Jun-2016
Last date to Self-Enrol 11-Mar-2016
Census Date 31-Mar-2016
Last date to Withdraw without fail 06-May-2016


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 34 hours- 2 x 1 hour lectures and 1 x 1 hour tutorial per week. There will be no tutorials in the first and last weeks of semester.
Total Time Commitment:

170 hours

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge:

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.

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

Coordinator

Prof Lesley Stirling

Contact

Email: lesleyfs@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

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.

Learning Outcomes:

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.
Assessment:
  • 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.

Prescribed Texts:

Understanding Semantics (S Lobner) Arnold Second Edition 2013

Additional online materials will be available

Breadth Options:

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

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.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

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.
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: English Language - 200 Point Program
English Language Studies
Graduate Certificate in Arts - Linguistics and Applied Linguistics
Graduate Diploma in Arts - Linguistics and Applied Linguistics
Language Testing - 200 Point Program
Linguistics and Applied Linguistics
Linguistics and Applied Linguistics
TESOL - 200 Point Program
Technology in Language Learning - 200 Point Program
Related Breadth Track(s): Linguistics: Language Structure and Analysis

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