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Semantics (LING30007)

Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 1
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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, formal semantics and linguistic categorisation across languages.

Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should:



  • have an understanding of the main linguistic approaches to the study of meaning;
  • be able to confidently deploy discipline specific research and analysis in Semantics using primary and secondary sources and empirical data with a strong sense of research ethics and intellectual integrity;
  • be able to draw on and critically evaluate theoretical approaches to Semantics;
  • be able to position themselves within theoretical debates in Semantics;
  • be able to proficiently employ learning and research technologies as well as field-specific technologies;
  • begin to develop an appreciation of how the study of linguistic meaning is situated in its disciplinary context with respect to other areas of linguistics (syntax, pragmatics) and other approaches to meaning (philosophical, semiotic);
  • have attained advanced abilities in written and verbal argumentation in Semantics;
  • have consolidated their understanding of social and cultural diversity in the university and wider community.

Generic skills

At the completion of this subject, students should:

  • 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.

Last updated: 8 August 2023

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

None

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.

Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home

Last updated: 8 August 2023

Assessment

Due to the impact of COVID-19, assessment may differ from that published in the Handbook. Students are reminded to check the subject assessment requirements published in the subject outline on the LMS

DescriptionTimingPercentage

Analysis

  • 750 words
During the teaching period25%

Analysis

  • 750 words
During the teaching period25%

Essay

  • 2500 words
During the examination period50%
Hurdle requirement: Students must attend a minimum of 75% of tutorials in order to pass this subject. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.Throughout the semesterN/A

Additional details

Note: Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per working day. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked.

Last updated: 8 August 2023

Dates & times

  • Semester 1
    CoordinatorJonathon Lum
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hours34 hours: 2 x 1 hour lectures and 1 x 1 hour tutorial per week. There will be no tutorials in the first and last weeks of semester.
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period 2 March 2020 to 7 June 2020
    Last self-enrol date13 March 2020
    Census date30 April 2020
    Last date to withdraw without fail 5 June 2020
    Assessment period ends 3 July 2020

    Semester 1 contact information

    jonathon.lum@unimelb.edu.au

Time commitment details

170 hours

Additional delivery details

Some prior study in Linguistics and Applied Linguistics or related disciplines is desirable prior to enrolling into this subject, e.g. a first year LING subject, or the university breadth subject UNIB10002 Logic: Language and Information, or relevant study in Philosophy, Anthropology, or Psychology.

Last updated: 8 August 2023

Further information

Last updated: 8 August 2023