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Semantics (LING30007)
Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5Not available in 2024
Overview
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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
- Developed their skills in research: defining an area of inquiry and seeking, evaluating and organising relevant information
- Developed their skills in spoken and written communication of their own and others' ideas
Last updated: 19 March 2024
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Recommended background knowledge
It is generally recommended that students have already undertaken some study in descriptive or theoretical linguistics (e.g., LING10001 The Secret Life of Language or LING20006 Syntax), or in fields adjacent to semantics (e.g., philosophy or logic). Students without this background may still enrol but are encouraged to do some background reading from an introductory linguistics textbook ahead of semester. Please contact the subject coordinator for information.
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: 19 March 2024
Assessment
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
Analysis
| During the teaching period | 25% |
Analysis
| During the teaching period | 25% |
Essay
| During the examination period | 50% |
Hurdle requirement: 1. Attendance hurdle requirement: This subject has a minimum requirement of 80% attendance at tutorials, seminars, or workshops. There is an expectation that students attend lectures. | Throughout the teaching period | N/A |
Hurdle requirement: 2. Late Penalty and Assessment hurdle requirement: Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at five per cent (5%) of the possible marks available for the assessment task per day or part thereof. All pieces of assessment must be submitted to pass the subject. Each submitted assessment must be complete, constitute a genuine attempt to address the requirements of the task and will not be accepted after 10 University business days from the original assessment due date without written approval. | Throughout the semester | N/A |
Last updated: 19 March 2024
Dates & times
Not available in 2024
Time commitment details
170 hours
What do these dates mean
Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:
- Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
- And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
- Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.
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: 19 March 2024
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
Nick Riemer Introducing Semantics Cambridge University Press, 2010
Additional online materials will be available
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Informal specialisation English Language - 200 Point Program Informal specialisation TESOL - 200 Point Program Informal specialisation Language Testing - 200 Point Program Minor English Language Studies minor Major Linguistics and Applied Linguistics Breadth Track Linguistics: Language Structure and Analysis - Breadth options
This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:
- Bachelor of Biomedicine
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Design
- Bachelor of Environments
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Animation)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Film and Television)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Production)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Screenwriting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Art)
- Bachelor of Music
- Bachelor of Science
- Links to additional information
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.
Last updated: 19 March 2024