Linguistic meaning in theory and practice: Selected issues in lexicology- MA Seminar 1 3301-JFS1WA02
The aim of the seminar is to investigate the nature of human verbal communication. The seminar seeks to examine the elusive notion of meaning at different levels – words, phrases, sentences and discourse – so as to present and analyse a wide variety of semantic and pragmatic phenomena such as metaphor, metonymy, hyperbole, polysemy, idiomaticity, ambiguity (to mention just a few). Participants may also choose to discuss certain aspects of inclusive language, gender-based language use, political discourse, euphemistic language, the language of advertising, the language of the Internet, punning, (im)politeness phenomena (e.g. complimenting, offending), etc. The seminar will make available various methods and theoretical approaches, thus making it possible to study selected phenomena from different perspectives, including cross-linguistic comparisons. Students are expected to make short presentations on the issues relevant to the topics of their MA theses and share their ideas with others. Seminars will involve both group discussions and face-to-face consultations.
Course coordinators
Type of course
Mode
Learning outcomes
Knowledge: the student has in-depth familiarity with
K_W01 advanced terminology, theory and research methods corresponding to the state of the art in the discipline of linguistics, in particular, in semantics, pragmatics, sociolinguistics, and lexicology
K_W02 advanced principles of linguistic research design, in particular the principles of method and tool selection in formulating research problems and testing hypotheses in the area of semantics and pragmatics
K_W04 concepts and principles concerning the protection of intellectual property and copyright
K_W05 economic, legal, ethical and other conditions of the various professional activities related to the field of study
Abilities: the student is able to
K_U01 apply the advanced terminology, theories and methods of linguistic research to solve complex and original research problems with special consideration to semantics and pragmatics, and selected aspects of sociolinguistics and lexicology
K_U02 apply advanced principles of linguistic research design in the area of semantics, pragmatics, and sociolinguistics, and in particular is able to:
- select appropriate sources, methods and tools
- critically analyze and synthesize the current state of research in the discipline in the area of semantics, pragmatics, and sociolinguistics
- interpret and present the results obtained
using advanced information and communication techniques
K_U03 use structures, lexis and language conventions appropriate to the communicative situation (e.g. holding a public debate, giving an academic presentation, etc.) in spoken and written English at the minimum level C2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
K_U04 apply the concepts and principles of intellectual property protection and copyright law
K_U05 apply the knowledge of economic, legal, ethical and other conditions of various professional activities related to the field of study
K_U07 use modern technology to acquire knowledge and communicate through a variety of communication channels and techniques
K_U09 design their own development path and guide others in so doing
Social competences: the student is ready to
K_K01 critically appraise their knowledge and content obtained from various sources
K_K02 recognize the importance of knowledge in solving cognitive and practical problems; consult experts when required
Assessment criteria
Methods
- discussion of source texts and scholarly studies
- seminar discussion
- student presentations
Assessment criteria
- preparation of presentations (verification of learning outcomes: knowledge, abilities, and social competences)
- completion of thesis chapters (verification of learning outcomes: knowledge, abilities, and social competences)
The assessment is based on the student’s presentations and progress in writing the MA thesis. Submission of the first chapter is required to pass the second semester, while submission of the second chapter is required to pass the third semester. The completed thesis must be submitted by the end of May in the fourth semester.
Use of AI tools:
Students are permitted to use AI tools for purposes such as checking grammar and spelling, improving readability, and receiving suggestions on style and tone, as well as for preliminary research support. However, the use of AI to generate original content, produce critical analyses or interpretations is not allowed.
Bibliography
The selection of literature is determined by the participants’ research interests and the topics of their MA theses.