ENG4157 – 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 to the course

This course is for students admitted to the master programmes?European Languages (master's two years),?Lektorprogrammet (master - 5 ?r), masterspesialisering i engelsk spr?k?and?Profesjonsrettet master med integrert praktisk-pedagogisk utdanning (masterspesialisering i engelsk).

Students enrolled in other master`s degree programmes can, on application, be admitted to the course if this is approved by their own study programme.

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.

The course assumes a good proficiency in written and oral English. The course assumes?ENG1100 - English Grammar or similar knowledge.

Overlapping courses

Teaching

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:

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 could 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.

Examination

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

The evaluation will be based on a take home exam spanning over 3 days.

You are required to write 6 standard pages minimum / 10 standard pages maximum (a standard page consists of 2,300 characters). This does not include references and bibliography. In the evaluation, both content and language are taken into account.

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.

More about examinations at UiO

You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.

Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem) May 29, 2025 2:00:45 AM

Facts about this course

Level
Master
Credits
10
Teaching
Autumn

This course is offered irregularly

Examination
Autumn
Teaching language
English