ENG2157 – Semantics and Pragmatics

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.

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.

Seminar, two hours per week for 14 weeks, 28 hours in all.

Students are expected to attend all teaching. The quality of the teaching depends on active participation in all seminars.

Obligatory activities:

• 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. Read more here about rules concerning valid excuses and how to apply for postponements.Information about guidelines for obligatory activities.
• It is obligatory to show up for a minimum of 60% of the teaching. In this course you must attend a minimum of 8 out of 14 seminars. The requirement is absolute. Attendance at 14 out of 14 seminars is strongly encouraged. If you miss a class it is your responsibility to catch up the work you have missed.

The allowed absence limit will cover all absences, including illness. You will not be granted valid absences with documentation, even when the absence is due to something beyond your control.

In certain circumstances, i.e. serious or chronic illness, you may apply for special needs accomodations.

Once the course requirements have been fulfilled, they remain valid for the current and the next two semesters that the course is taught.

The obligatory requirements must be fulfilled in order to qualify for the exam.

There will be a 4-hour written exam at the end of the term.