ENG4157 – Semantics and Pragmatics
Course description
Schedule, syllabus and examination date
Choose semester
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 who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.
If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.
Prerequisites
Recommended previous knowledge
The course assumes a good proficiency in written and oral English. The course assumes ENG1100 – English Grammar or similar knowledge.
Overlapping courses
10 credits overlap with ENG2157 – Semantics and Pragmatics
Teaching
Seminar, two hours per week for 14 weeks, 28 hours in all.
Attendance is obligatory 11 out of 14 seminars. Additional absences must be justified by documentation to the exam coordinator.
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.
Examination
The exam consists of a three-day take home exam.
You are required to write 6 pages minimum (2400 words)/ 10 pages (4000 words) maximum. This does not include references and bibliography.
The assignment will be published in Inspera, and must be submitted in Inspera.
Use of sources and citation
You should familiarize yourself with the rules that apply to the use of sources and citations. If you violate the rules, you may be suspected of cheating/attempted cheating.
Language of examination
The examination text is given in English, and you submit your response in 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 on the StudentWeb within three weeks of the exam.
Explanations and appeals
Resit an examination
Withdrawal from an examination
It is possible to take the exam up to 3 times. If you withdraw from the exam after the deadline or during the exam, this will be counted as an examination attempt.
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
Application form, deadline and requirements for special examination arrangements.
Evaluation
The course is subject to continuous evaluation. At regular intervals we also ask students to participate in a more comprehensive evaluation.