This module will introduce the students to the study of meaning at the levels of semantics and pragmatics. The discussed topics will range from the study of word meaning to the study of sentence meaning and utterance (contextualised) meaning. The module will introduce significant notions and theories for the field of semantics and pragmatics, such as theories of concepts, Truth Conditions, the Gricean theory of conversational implicatures, Speech Act theory, and Politeness theory. The students will have the opportunity to reflect upon real data and analyse the processes of conveying and understanding meaning at the semantics/pragmatics interface.
Total Contact Hours: 20
Private Study Hours: 130
Total Study Hours: 150
Main assessment methods
• Take-home Assignment (1,500 words) – 65%
• In-Course Test (40 minutes) – 20%
• Weekly Puzzle – 15%
Reassessment methods
• Reassessment Instrument: 100% Coursework
The University is committed to ensuring that core reading materials are in accessible electronic format in line with the Kent Inclusive Practices.
The most up to date reading list for each module can be found on the university's reading list pages: https://kent.rl.talis.com/index.html.
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of concepts and terminology used to account for the way in which meaning is conveyed;
2 Demonstrate knowledge of significant theories that focus on semantic and pragmatic meaning (theories of concepts, Truth-conditional semantics, Gricean theory, Speech
Act theory);
3 Characterise core semantic and pragmatic phenomena and critically reflect upon the relationships between these two levels;
4 Develop practical linguistic research skills by analysing real data, discussing their findings, and attempting generalisations relevant to the important questions in the field.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Communicate the results of study and work accurately, with well-structured and coherent arguments in an effective and fluent manner in writing;
2 Develop their skills in critical reflection and analytical discussion of their own writing and the writing of others;
3 Develop their problem-solving skills as well as the ability to explain their thought process during problem-solving;
4 Develop their collaborative and communicative skills in both face-to-face and on-line discussion groups.
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