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CSMN4021 - Pragmatics and Relevance Theory

Course content

The course acts as an introduction to work on communication within relevance theory and the Gricean tradition. The readings are drawn from recently published research papers and the two most important monographs which define the field (Sperber, D. & Wilson, D. (1986). Relevance: Communication and Cognition (2nd ed. 1995). Oxford: Blackwell; Carston, R. (2002). Thoughts and Utterances: The Pragmatics of Explicit Communication. Oxford: Blackwell.). The topics covered include issues of current research interest, with the aim that students completing the course will be able to engage fully with ongoing research.

Students will get an introduction to lexical pragmatics, which studies the processes by which the meaning that is communicated, or intended, by use of a word on a given occasion may be substantially different from the meaning assigned to it by the grammar. An example of such a process is metaphorical extension. We will also spend some time looking at the connection between humans' capacity for linguistic communication and the so-called theory of mind ability, that is, the ability to infer the thoughts and intentions of others on the basis of their behaviour. We will look at these two uniquely human capacities in an evolutionary perspective, and discuss the view held by some pragmatists that the emergence and development of language was dependent on an already existing theory of mind ability in humans. Towards the end of the term we will look more closely at the notion of intended meaning and the effect and role of context in determining what is expressed. We will also discuss how and when communication can be seen as successful and in what way pragmatic theories can account for the sharing of ideas, thoughts and information.

An overarching theme of the course is the extent to which meaning in linguistic communication is pragmatically determined.

Learning outcomes

The aim is to foster understanding of human communication through close study of one influential theoretical approach. Students should gain a good knowledge of the fundamental assumptions of broadly Gricean pragmatics and of the principles of relevance theory. In addition, they should develop a grasp of several areas of current active research: lexical pragmatics; the connections between human communication and mindreading ability; the evolutionary emergence of language and human communication ability; and the extent to which linguistic meaning underdetermines what speakers communicate.

Admission

Students at UiO must apply for courses in StudentWeb.

International applicants, if you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures for international applicants.

The examination in this course is not available for external candidates. Only students admitted to the course may sit for the examination.

Prerequisites

Formal prerequisites

Admission to the master programmes in Philosophy or Language.

Teaching

Two hours of seminar per week throughout the semester. Active participation from the students is expected.

Criteria for access to teaching resources

Only students admitted to the course may take part in instruction and tuition and sit for the examination.

Exam information

Term paper of 8 to 10 pages (2300 characters per page).

Language of examination

English

Assessment and grading

Course grades are awarded on a descending scale using alphabetic grades from A to E for passes and F for fail. Read more about the grading system .

Exam options for students with special needs

Students may apply for access to alternative exam resources or exam forms on the basis of chronic illness and/or special needs that create a marked disadvantage to other students in the exam situation. Mothers who are breastfeeding may apply for extra time to complete the exam.

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