Key facts

UNE unit code: LING505

*You are viewing the 2024 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.

Start
  • Trimester 2 - Online
Campus
  • Armidale Campus
24/7 online support
  • Yes
Intensive schools
  • No
Supervised exam
  • No
Credit points
  • 6

Unit information

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Language is the spoken and written system by which we communicate. Studying this unit offers you a chance to delve into the meaning-making properties of language. The unit begins with an introduction to some of the foundational concepts in the study of semantics such as ‘what is a concept?’

You’ll then move on to some of the key approaches towards word and sentence meanings. You’ll discover how the mental lexicon is organised as well as how meanings vary and change over time.

In the second part of the unit you’ll consider how meaning is made in context. You will examine how a simple sentence like ‘It’s cold in here’ could serve as an observation or a request and explore how considerations such as power relations, interpersonal knowledge and politeness shape the way speakers create meaning together.

Offerings

For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.

Teaching period
Mode/location
Trimester 2Online

*Offering is subject to availability

Intensive schools

There are no intensive schools required for this unit.

Enrolment rules

Pre-requisites
candidature in a postgraduate award
Co-requisites
LING550 or LING553 or candidature in the Master of Applied Linguistics Rule (c )
Restrictions
LING205 or LING305 or LING405
Combined units

Notes

Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.

Unit coordinator(s)

Sally Dixon

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. explain and critique several theoretical and analytical approaches in contemporary linguistic semantics;
  2. effectively communicate the core findings of lexical semantics and apply them to dynamic, real-world scenarios Apply knowledge and skills to critique common misconceptions about semantic change;
  3. explain and critique the core findings of pragmatics research including the role of implicature, directness, politeness, and interactional context in meaning making;
  4. incorporate multiple perspectives in undertaking critical reflection on the role of meaning in language; and
  5. apply the knowledge developed in the unit to undertake self-directed exploration of specific areas of semantics or pragmatics.

Assessment information

Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.

TitleMust CompleteWeightOfferingsAssessment Notes
Online DiscussionsNo5%All offerings

Structured Discussions online

No. Words: 1000

Online Worksheet 1Yes20%All offerings

multiple choice, short answer, plus 1-2 paragraph analytical questions

No. Words: 1500

Online Worksheet 2Yes20%All offerings

multiple choice, short answer, plus 1-2 paragraph analytical questions

No. Words: 1500

Research essay/projectYes55%All offerings

No. Words: 2500-3000

Learning resources

Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.

Textbook information will be displayed approximately 8 weeks prior to the commencement of the teaching period. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.

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