LING2008 Semantics
Later Year Course
| Offered By | School of Language Studies |
|---|---|
| Academic Career | Undergraduate |
| Course Subject | Linguistics |
| Offered in | First Semester, 2009 and First Semester, 2010 |
| Unit Value | 6 units |
| Course Description |
The course introduces students to the basic problems in the study of meaning, in all areas of language (vocabulary, grammar, discourse). Students learn how to formulate and test hypotheses about what a word, an expression or a construction means, how to state this meaning in a clear, precise and illuminating way, and how to compare meanings across languages and cultures. They also learn how the study of meaning can provide analytical tools for clear thinking and for deeper conceptual exploration of ethical and social issues, as well as for better understanding of ways of thinking reflected in different languages. |
| Learning Outcomes | Students gain a clear understanding of the theoretical issues involved in meaning analysis and a good grounding in practical skills of semantic analysis. They also acquire improved language and communication skills, such as an ability to explain and articulate complex ideas and thoughts clearly and effectively. They learn to communicate ideas to people of different cultural backgrounds and to understand ways of thinking reflected in ways of speaking across languages and cultures. |
| Indicative Assessment |
Class participation (10%), one assignment (10%), one test (15%), essay (30%), exam (35%) |
| Workload |
Three hours of lectures per week and class preparation time |
|
Assumed Knowledge and Required Skills |
No assumed knowledge or skills |
| Requisite Statement |
Introduction to the Study of Language LING1001/LING2001 or Cross-Cultural Communication LING1021/2021, or with permission of Lecturer. |
| Prescribed Texts |
Goddard, Cliff. 1998. Semantic Analysis: A practical introduction. Oxford: OUP. |
| Indicative Reading List | Wierzbicka, Anna. 2006. English : Meaning and culture. New York : OUP. |
| Majors/Specialisations | Applied Linguistics and Linguistics |
| Other Information |
This course is required for Honours in Linguistics. |
| Academic Contact | Dr Zhengdao Ye |
The information published on the Study at ANU 2009 website applies to the 2009 academic year only. All information provided on this website replaces the information contained in the Study at ANU 2008 website.
