ENG2157 - Semantics and Pragmatics
Course content
The first part of this course is an introduction to the study of semantics on both word and sentence level. The second part gives insights into theories of language use, particularly the part of pragmatics dealing with how you communicate more than you literally say or write.
Learning outcome
After completing this course you will have:
- developed an understanding of the relationship between language and meaning on word, sentence and utterance level;
- learned semantic theories about the understanding of different aspects of meaning in words, how they can be described, and how grammar and syntax contribute to meaning;
- learned pragmatic theories about how language users achieve their goals in verbal interaction with others.
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 prerequisite knowledge
The course assumes ENG1100 - English Grammar, an introduction, ENG1111 - The English Language. Awareness and Writing Skills, an introduction or similar knowledge. Admission to the course is required.
Recommended previous knowledge
The course assumes a good proficiency in written and oral English
Overlapping courses
10 credits overlap with ENG4157 - Semantics and Pragmatics.Teaching
Seminar, two hours per week for 14 weeks, 28 hours in all.
Students are required to submit two short essays at appointed times. The essays must be approved by the course teacher for the student to be allowed to take the exam.
Attendance is an obligatory class requirement (80%).Additional absences must be justified (please contact the exam coordinator).
Examination
exam consists of a 4-hour written exam.
All assignments handed in for evaluation must be accompanied by an obligatory statement concerning cheating: http://www.uio.no/studier/emner/hf/ilos/Oblig-statement-cheating.rtf.
Previous exams:
http://www.uio.no/studier/emner/hf/ilos/ENG2157/Eksamensoppgaver/Eksamensoppgaver.xml
Language of examination
English
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.
Results will be available at the StudentWeb within three weeks after the exam.
Explanations and appeals
You may request an explanation of your grades, and you may also appeal against your grades or make a complaint about formal examination errors. Read more about explanations and appeals.
Resit an examination
You can usually resit an exam, but the conditions depend on whether you had a valid reason for absence from the regular exam. Read more about resitting an exam.
Withdrawal from an examination
A student may sit this exam up to 3 times. If a student wishes to withdraw from the exam, s/he must do so in StudentWeb at least two weeks prior to the first day of the exam. Failure to do so will be counted as one of the three opportunities to sit the exam.
Once the course requirements have been fulfilled, they remain valid for the current and the next two semesters that the course is taught.
Special examination arrangements
If you have a disability or a health problem that entails significant inconvenience in an examination situation, you may be considered for special examination arrangements. Mothers who are breastfeeding may apply for extra time to complete the exam.
Evaluation
Feedback from our students is essential if we are to provide the best possible education. As a student at the University of Oslo you will be asked to participate in various types of evaluation of our courses. Every time a course is given, we ask students to participate in mid-term evaluations, and periodically we ask them to participate in periodic evaluation of the course.