Linguistic meaning in theory and practice: Selected issues in lexicology- MA Seminar 3 3301-JFS3WA02
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). The participants may also choose to discuss certain aspects of politically-correct 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. The 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. The assessment is based on the student’s class participation, presentations and progress in working on his/her MA thesis.
Type of course
Mode
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
Knowledge: the graduate will be able to
K_W01 Identify and characterize on an advanced level the place and status of general linguistics with respect to semantics, pragmatics, lexicology and sociolinguistics within the humanities
K_W02 Describe on an advanced level the current trends in general linguistic research, and in semantics, pragmatics, lexicology and sociolinguistics in particular, within English studies
K_W04 Characterize on an advanced level the principles of research design in linguistics, with special focus on the application of methods and tools in formulating research problems and testing hypotheses in general linguistics, and in semantic, pragmatic, lexicological and sociolinguistic studies in particular
K_W05 Identify the notions and principles pertinent to intellectual property and copyright
K_W06 Characterise economic, legal and other factors relevant for various kinds of professional activities related to the study programme
Abilities: the graduate is able to
K_U01 Apply advanced terminology and notions pertinent to the discipline of general linguistics with special consideration to semantics, pragmatics, lexicology and sociolinguistics
K_U02 Apply advanced research methodology within linguistics and English studies, respecting ethical norms and copyright law
K_U03 Apply knowledge obtained during the course of studies to account for and solve a problem, thereby completing a research task related to the discipline linguistics with special consideration of general linguistics, semantics, pragmatics, lexicology and sociolinguistics
K_U04 Analyze linguistic, semantic, pragmatic, lexicological and sociolinguistic phenomena and draw generalizations on their basis in the context of societal, historical and economic factors on an advanced level
K_U05 Discern alternative methodological paradigms within the area of general linguistics, semantics, pragmatics and sociolinguistics
K_U06 Find information in various sources and critically assess its usefulness for research related to the topic of the MA project
K_U07 Use modern technology in the process of learning and communicating with academic teachers, colleagues, representatives of various institutions and fellow participants in classes and projects, applying various channels and techniques of communication
K_U09 Present knowledge in a coherent, precise and linguistically correct manner in English on level C2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, ensuring an appropriate register and form
K_U011 Design one’s own development
Social competences: the graduate is ready to
K_K02 Apply knowledge and skills obtained during the course of studies to undertake lifelong learning, as well as personal and professional development
K_K03 Take responsibility for performing one’s professional duties, with due respect for the work of others, obey and develop the ethical norms in professional and academic settings related to the disciplines included on the curriculum of English studies
K_K04 Assess critically one’s own knowledge and skills related to the studies
Assessment criteria
During the course, students are required to give two/three presentations related to their MA thesis topics. At the end of the course, students are required to submit one complete chapter of their MA thesis. If these requirements are not fulfilled, students may not be given credits for this course.
Practical placement
N/A
Bibliography
The reading list will be based on the thesis subjects and research interests of the students.
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: