This course introduces you to the field of semantics, focusing on the representation of linguistic meaning at the lexical level. This semester topics will include reference and deixis, componential analysis and prototype theory, the mental lexicon, connotation and euphemism, linguistic relativity, semantic roles and verb classes. This course serves as a Meaning and Use course for the MA and PhD course selections. The course prerequisite is LING 3340 or the equivalent.
This is a graduate-level course with three objectives for students:
* To obtain theoretical background with which to describe context-independent meaning at the word and phrase level.
* To practice analyzing the encoding of concepts in language and to learn to illuminate individual examples of lexical relations as well as patterns within a language.
* To practice reading and discussing primary source linguistic literature on semantics in order to gain insight into both theoretical aspects and practical applications of semantics as they may interact with other fields of linguistics.
Materials
There are two required texts:
One is the book Meaning in Language: An Introduction to Semantics and Pragmatics, 2nd edition, by Alan Cruse. It is available at the UTA Bookstore, or through any bookseller of your choice. (ISBN: 0-19-926306-X).
The second is a packet of readings
that will soon be available at Bird's copies, 208 S. East Street.
Based on these, here is the most current course schedule of readings and assignments.
Course Requirements
To Be Announced
Class attendance is required. You are responsible for the material presented in class lectures and for any handouts passed out in class; for your own benefit, come to class. But if you must miss a class, get notes and information from another student, do the reading, and do the assignments. Assignments are due on the day listed in the schedule, and no later, unless you make arrangements with me prior to the due date.
University Policies
Final Review Week. A period of five class days prior to the first day of final examinations in the long sessions shall be designated as Final Review Week. The purpose of this week is to allow students sufficient time to prepare for final examinations. During this week, there shall be no scheduled activities such as required field trips or performances; and no instructor shall assign any themes, research problems or exercises of similar scope that have a completion date during or following this week unless specified in the course syllabus. During Final Review Week, an instructor shall not give any examinations constituting 10% or more of the final grade, except makeup tests and laboratory examinations. In addition, no instructor shall give any portion of the final examination during Final Review Week.
Americans With Disabilities Act. The University of Texas at Arlington is on record as being committed to both the spirit and letter of federal equal opportunity legislation; reference Public Law 93112 -- The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended. With the passage of new federal legislation entitled Americans With Disabilities Act - (ADA), pursuant to section 504 of The Rehabilitation Act, there is renewed focus on providing this population with the same opportunities enjoyed by all citizens.
All members of the UTA faculty are required by law to provide "reasonable accommodation" to students with disabilities, so as not to discriminate on the basis of that disability. Student responsibility rests with informing the instructor at the beginning of the semester and in providing authorized documentation through designated administrative channels; for more information, contact UTA's Office of Students with Disabilities on the lower level of University Center.
According to Department of Linguistics and TESOL policy, "unofficial" or "informal" requests for accommodations (i.e., those not recorded by the Office of Students with Disabilities) cannot be honored.
Academic Dishonesty. At The University of Texas at Arlington, academic dishonesty is a completely unacceptable mode of conduct and will not be tolerated in any form. Students involved in academic dishonesty will be disciplined in accordance with University regulations and procedures. Discipline may include suspension or expulsion from UTA/
According the UT System Regents' Rules and Regulations, "Scholastic dishonesty includes but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism, collusion, the submission for credit of any work or materials that are attributable in whole or in part to another person, taking an examination for another person, any act designed to give unfair advantage to a student or the attempt to commit such acts" (Part One, Chapter VI, Section 3, Subsection 3.2, Subdivision 3.22).
While the Department of Linguistics and TESOL hopes to foster a sense of community in which students can enhance their educational experience by conferring with each other about the lectures, readings, and assignments, all work submitted must be the product of each student's own effort. Students are expected to know and honor the standards of academic integrity followed by American universities; ignorance of these standards is not an excuse for committing an act of academic dishonesty (including plagiarism). If you have questions, please speak with your instructor, your academic advisor, or the department chair.
Auditors. The Department of Linguistics and TESOL has a "no audit" policy. Students attending LING classes must be officially enrolled in those courses. Exception: Students who have already fulfilled a degree requirements and would like to sit in on a comparable course to prepare for their comprehensive / diagnostic examination may do so (with the permission of the professor).
Gifts to Faculty.The Department of Linguistics and TESOL has a strict "no gift" policy: instructors may not accept gifts of any kind from students, including meals, food, or flowers. All linguistics instructors have been instructed to refuse gifts. Students can avoid placing their instructors in an awkward position by not offering them any gifts. Students wishing to honor their professors may make a contribution to the LING-TESOL Scholarship Fund; visit the department office (Hammond Hall 403) and ask for a "Gift Giving Guide."
Student Support Services. The University of Texas at Arlington supports a variety of student success programs to help you connect with the University and achieve academic success. These programs include learning assistance, developmental education, advising and mentoring, admission and transition, and federally funded programs. Students requiring assistance academically, personally, or socially should contact the Office of Student Success Programs at 817-272-6107 for information and referrals.
Enrolling in / Withdrawing from this Course. Students are responsible for making all decisions regarding their enrollment status in UTA courses. Should a student decide to withdraw from this course, s/he must either (1) drop via the internet / SAM system or (2) complete an official "add/drop" and file it in the Linguistics and TESOL department office. Any student who stops attending class and/or fails to complete assigned work will not be "automatically" dropped; under such circumstances, unless you officially withdraw, you will receive a grade of F. (Note: Students enrolled in graduate courses may not "replace" a grade; all grades are permanent.)
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