Module Catalogue 2024/25

SEL2234 : Pragmatic Theory

SEL2234 : Pragmatic Theory

  • Offered for Year: 2024/25
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Gabriel Martinez Vera
  • Owning School: English Lit, Language & Linguistics
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters

Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.

Semester 1 Credit Value: 20
ECTS Credits: 10.0
European Credit Transfer System
Pre-requisite

Modules you must have done previously to study this module

Code Title
SEL1027Introduction to the Structure of Language 1: Phonetics, Phonology & Morphology
SEL1028Introduction to Language Structure 2: Syntax, semantics and pragmatics
Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co-Requisite

Modules you need to take at the same time

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

This module concentrates on the study of meaning at the level of pragmatics, i.e., on how we create meaning from the linguistic expressions that we utter in context (e.g., in exchanges). It introduces foundational notions in pragmatics and provides tools to analyse phenomena in the field. It further discusses pragmatics and its relation to other domains of grammar and introduces different research methods to collect and annotate data.

Outline Of Syllabus

This module will cover some of the following:
1. Different theories of pragmatics
2. Research methods in pragmatics (experimental, corpus)
3. Relationship between what is said and what is meant
4. Role of context and speaker/ writer intentions
5. Construction and negotiation of utterance meaning

Learning Outcomes

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

By the end of this module, students will be able to:
- explain and evaluate key notions in pragmatic theorising;
- analyse pragmatic phenomena making use of theoretical tools;
- understand the relation between pragmatics and syntax, and pragmatics and semantics;
- apply research methods to collect data to a limited extent.

Intended Skill Outcomes

- Critical reading
- Oral and written presentation and argumentation skills
- Data analysis skills

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture221:0022:00N/A
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion150:0050:00N/A
Guided Independent StudyDirected research and reading130:0030:00N/A
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesSmall group teaching111:0011:00N/A
Guided Independent StudyProject work140:0040:00N/A
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study147:0047:00N/A
Total200:00
Jointly Taught With
Code Title
SEL8702Issues in Pragmatic Theory
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

LECTURES are used, primarily, to impart information and provide an overall coherence for the module. – SEMINARS are used to consolidate students’ understanding of the lecture and reading materials as well as for the planning and preparation of assignments. GUIDED INDEPENDENT STUDY is used for the preparation of seminar exercises as well as for the preparation and completion of assignments.

Reading Lists

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Written exercise1M251,000-word written exercise
Essay1A752,500-word essay
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The WRITTEN EXERCISE tests students’ problem-solving and analytical skills. – The ESSAY tests students’ presentation and argumentation skills.

Timetable

Past Exam Papers

General Notes

N/A

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Disclaimer

The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.

In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.

Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.