LQM21
April 2009
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s
Module Description
Title
Code
Level
Credit rating
Pre-requisites / Corequisites / Entry criteria
for freestanding modules
Type of module (Taught,
Independent study,
Supervised study, Workrelated or placement)
Aims
Semantics: word meaning
LQM21
M
20 CATS
None
Taught
The aims for this module are set into the context of the QAA
Framework for Higher Education Qualifications and they relate to
the SEEC level descriptors for M level study.
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Learning outcomes
Enable students to survey a range of semantic phenomena that
locate the linguistic study of meaning within a wider context of
the study of signs and communication in general
Give students an opportunity to examine what role words play in
the coding of meaning, and richness and subtlety of messages
conveyed linguistically
Examine and critically evaluate how word meanings vary with
context, the relations between word meanings and concepts,
paradigmatic sense relations, how words affect the meanings of
their syntagmatic neighbours
In relation to the QAA Framework for Higher Education
Qualifications and the SEEC level descriptors for M level study, by
the end of the module students should be able to:
1. Demonstrate critical understanding of a range of theoretical
positions on contextual variability of word meaning
2. Examine and critically evaluate a chosen theoretical position
that adopts a particular approach to lexical semantics (e.g.
monosemic vs. polysemic approaches, the componential
approach, etc.)
3. Apply a theoretically informed analysis to an area of English
vocabulary whilst demonstrating originality and autonomy
4. Critically evaluate and reflect on the above theoretical
application
LQM21
April 2009
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Content
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Learning and teaching
strategies
Contact Time:
Monosemy and polysemy
Homonymy
Ambiguity
Contextual variability
Sense modulation
Metaphor and metonymy
Paradigmatic and syntagmatic sense relations
Lectures, workshops and tutorials
Non-contact Time:
Directed reading
Studentcentral
LQM21
April 2009
Learning support
(Indicate 8-12 key
resources, and ensure that
all resources, including
electronic sources, are fully
referenced, and indicate the
date last accessed for all
electronic sources)
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Books:
Austin, J. L. (1962) How to do things with words. Oxford: Oxford
University Press
Cruse, A. (1994) “Prototype theory and lexical relations”, Rivista di
Linguistica 6.2, 167-188.
Cruse, A. (2000) Meaning in Language. An Introduction to
Semantics and Pragmatics. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Goddard, C. (1998) Semantic Analysis. A Practical Introduction.
Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Lyons, J. (1977) Semantics. Cambridge: Cambridge University
Press.
Lyons, J. (1995) Linguistic Semantics. Cambridge: Cambridge
University Press.
Preyer, G. &. G. Peter (eds.), (2007) Context-sensitivity and
semantic minimalism. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Ruhl, C. (1989) On Monosemy. A study of linguistic semantics.
Albany: State University of New York Press.
Saeed, J. (2008) Semantics. 3rd Edn. Oxford: Blackwell.
Wierzbicka, A. (1996) Semantics: Primes and Universals. Oxford:
Oxford University Press.
Journals:
Journal of Linguistics
Journal of Semantics
Journal of Pragmatics
Electronic Sources:
Semantics Archive
http://semanticsarchive.net/
Wordnet: a lexical database for the English language
http://wordnet.princeton.edu/
Framenet: an on-line lexical resource for English, based on frame
semantics
http://framenet.icsi.berkeley.edu/
LQM21
April 2009
Assessment task
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Assessment will be in the context of the University of Brighton
Assessment Policy and the Faculty Code of Practice in
Assessment, and students will be required to complete the following
task:
Task 1
Students submit one essay of 4,000 words which is a theoretically
informed analysis of an area of English vocabulary.
The task will be marked on a percentage basis. Module pass mark
is 50%.
Referral task:
Reworking of original task
Assessment criteria
General criteria for assessment are framed by the SEEC descriptors
(link to Learning Outcomes) for M level. Against specific criteria, credit will be awarded for:
1. Critical understanding of a range of theoretical positions on
contextual variability of word meaning (LO1)
2. Critical evaluation and examination of a chosen theoretical
position that adopts a particular approach to lexical semantics
(e.g. monosemic vs. polysemic approaches, the componential
approach, etc.) (LO2)
3. Successful, original and autonomous application of a chosen
theoretical approach to an area of English vocabulary (LO3)
4. Critical evaluation and reflection on the above theoretical
application (LO4)
All learning outcomes must be achieved in order to pass the module
at the threshold level.
Brief description of
module content and/or
aims for publicity
The module enables students to examine a particular approach to
analysing the study of meaning, namely that of the linguistic
approach to meaning in language (contrary to, for example, a
philosophical or psychological approach). More specifically, the
module focuses on lexical semantics, and looks at what role words
play in the coding of meaning, how word meanings vary with
context, the relations between word meanings and concepts,
paradigmatic sense relations, how words affect the meaning of their
syntagmatic neighbours, and so on. Through surveying aspects of
lexical semantics, students will have opportunities to analyse and
explore a range of possible varieties of meaning in language.
Area examination board
Module co-ordinator
Normal module duration
(e.g. one or two semesters)
Site where delivered
Date of first approval
Date of last revision
MA Linguistics, MA English Language, MRes Linguistics
Dr Jelena Timotijevic and Professor Raf Salkie
One semester
Falmer
April 2009
n/a
LQM21
April 2009
Date of approval of this
version
Version number
Replacement for previous
module
Route(s) for which
module is acceptable and
status in Route
(Mandatory, Compulsory or
Optional)
Course(s) for which
module is acceptable and
status in course
(Mandatory, Compulsory or
Optional)
School home
External examiner(s)
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April 2009
1
n/a
MA Linguistics – core
MA English Language – core
MRes Linguistics - optional
MA Linguistics – core
MA English Language – core
MRes Linguistics - optional
Language, Literature and Communication (Humanities from
September 2009)
Dr Vladimir Zegarac