175-016 Semantics

Formerly available as 175-212/312. Students who have completed 175-212 or 175-312 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

Completion of 175-105 Introduction to Language or 175-106 The Linguistics of English or departmental approval.

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, and linguistic categorisation across languages.

• 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.

Two 750-word assignments 20% each (due at regular intervals during the semester), and a 2500-word essay 60% (due at the end of the semester).

• S Löbner, Understanding Semantics. Arnold 2002.