Introduction to Semantics 3301-JF165
Topics:
1. What is semantics? (basic notions of semantics, semantics/semiotics, semantics/pragmatics distinction)
2. Logical matters (arguments and predicates, sense, denotation and reference, prototypes and stereotypes , logical relations between sentences)
3. Sense relations (synonymy, hyponymy, antonymy, homonymy, homophony, polysemy; ambiguity)
4. Intuitions about meaning, speech acts
5. Seven types of meaning
6. Communicating the meaning - coding and inferential models of communication, functions of language ( referential, emotive, conative, phatic, poetic)
7. The principle of compositionality and non-literal meaning: idioms, metaphor and metonymy
Requirements:
1. Follow-up exercises in class
2. Final test.
Type of course
Mode
Prerequisites (description)
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
Acquiring knowledge
1. The student learns linguistic terminology as well as basic concepts and principles of linguistics, with the focus on semantics (grounds for further studies in semantics, pragmatics and communication theory).
2. The student learns linguistic methodology practised in the U.S. and the U.K.
3. The student expands his/her knowledge of English semantics and develops his/her analytical skills.
4. The student expands his/her knowledge about the levels and processes of communication in English.
5. The student learns how to use research tools and research techniques of semantics.
Acquiring expertise
1. The student acquires the expertise of how to use linguistic methodology in research projects.
2. The student can critically and effectively apply his knowledge of semantics in communication, teaching and his/her own research.
Acquiring social skills
1. The student acquires the understanding of professional standards, especially the understanding of the ever changing environment in research and as well as the understanding of the importance of continuous education.
2. The student has the ability to identify, define and solve problems.
3. The student acquires social skills and understands the need to build social ties and engage in cooperation in the effort of making the world a better place.
Linguistic skills: B2+
In class discussions students acquire skills of expressing their thoughts in a clear, coherent, logical and precise manner, with the use of language which is correct grammatically, lexically and phonetically.
Assessment criteria
Requirements:
1. Guided discussion
2. Oral and written follow-up exercises in class
3. Final test.
2021/22: On-site or remote credit - depending on the epidemiological situation.
Bibliography
1. Cruse, A. 2010. Meaning in Language: An Introduction to Semantics and Pragmatics. OUP.
2. Grice, P. 1975. Logic and conversation.
3. Hurford, J.B. Heasley. 1983. Semantics. CUP.
4. Jakobson. Linguistics and poetics.
5. Leech, G. 1974. Semantics. Longman.
6. Lyons, J. 1977. Semantics. CUP.
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: