| Unit name | Philosophy of Language |
|---|---|
| Unit code | PHIL20017 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | I/5 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Mankowitz |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
n/a |
| School/department | Department of Philosophy |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
The unit aims to present a view of linguistic communication in which the semantic properties of the words uttered conspire with the features and circumstances of the uttering to generate messages. The main message (what is said) is relatively overt and explicit, while other layers of communicated content are implicit in (implicated by) the main message. To appreciate the complicated ways in which context interacts with linguistic meaning we focus upon the techniques people employ for referring to particular objects. It is convenient to structure this field in terms of the different kinds of linguistic devices used: proper names, demonstratives, pronouns, definite descriptions. We also look at cases where people refer to kinds of thing, stuffs, and properties. Issues that raise questions about the borderline between semantics and pragmatics: (a) Grice's distinction between what is literally said and what is conversationally implied; (b) how to handle figurative uses of language such as metaphor, are also considered.
On successful completion of this unit students will be able to:
(1) demonstrate detailed knowledge and in-depth understanding of the central debates and positions in the philosophy of language,
(2) demonstrate detailed knowledge and in-depth understanding of the core literature on these debates and positions,
(3) present, critically engage with, and philosophically analyze, these debates and positions, together with the relevant core literature, in a manner appropriate to level I/5,
(4) demonstrate skills in independent philosophical research and writing appropriate to level I/5.
Lectures, small group work, individual exercises, seminars and virtual learning environment.
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
None
Tasks which do not count towards your unit mark but are required for credit (zero-weighted):
None
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
Essay 3000 words (100%) [ILOs 1-4]
When assessment does not go to plan
When required by the Board of Examiners, you will normally complete reassessments in the same formats as those outlined above. However, the Board reserves the right to modify the form or number of reassessments required. Details of reassessments are normally confirmed by the School shortly after the notification of your results at the end of the academic year.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. PHIL20017).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
