OVERVIEW

As a branch of linguistics, semantics and lexicology examine the concept of meaning in the language and the structure of the lexicon, respectively. 

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Students will learn the concept of meaning and its implications, lexicon and lexicon structure. 

LEARNING OUTCOMES (FURTHER INFO)

Students will be asked to know:  

• - theories of meaning of the word (both as a single unit and phraseological units)
• - how linguistic mechanisms affect meaning change, from a diachronic/ synchronic perspective.
• - a set of categories for the analysis of lexicon. 

TEACHING METHODS

Lecture

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Semantics and semantic theories. Structural and cognitive semantics. Synthagmatics and paradigmatics in semantic relationship. Componential Analysis: results and shortcomings of a theory. Different kinds of meaning. The non – literal meaning. Acquisition of a non- literal skill: idioms and acquisition. Lexicon and its analysis categories.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Students will be given a handout at the end of the course. 

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

MANUELA MARIANI (President)

LUDOVICA RADIF (President)

BEATRICE TRAVALCA CUPILLO

LESSONS

LESSONS START

See Timetable 

Class schedule

SEMIOTICS

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Oral exam

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The exam will focus on the content of the lectures and the way students succeed in mastering learnings and notions. 

Exam schedule

FURTHER INFORMATION

Being this a multi-module course, students who fail to pass a single exam are due to repeat the whole set of exams.