Covenant University, Canaan Land, Ota
College of Leadership Development Studies
Department of Languages and General Studies
Course Compact
Program:
English
Course Code: ENG 312
Course Title: INTRODUCTION TO SEMANTICS
Units:
Lecturer:
Session:
Semester:
Time:
Venue:
Office:
Office ext.
2
Mrs Chimuanya L. & Prof. Awonuga C
2014/2015
Alpha
Thursday (5pm-7pm)
Language Lab
A302B
2365
Brief Overview of Course
This course examines the meaning and nature of linguistic meaning and its importance in the study of
language. The various approaches to the study of meaning beginning from the earliest philosophical
speculations will be examined. It will also examine some basic concepts of Semantics and types of
meaning as they apply to the study of English Language. Semantic relations at both the lexical and
sentence levels will be discussed.
Course Objectives/Goals
At the end of the course, students should be able to:
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.
Explain Semantics as the study of meaning in language
Describe some types of meaning
Explain semantic relations that exist among words
Explore the application of Semantics to structures beyond the word
Distinguish between Semantics and other studies in language
Methods of Lecture delivery/Teaching Aids






Challenge-based Learning
Guided instructions
Interactive sessions
Tutorials
Group works/projects
ICT-based teaching aids (e.g. Multi-media projector/power points)
Course Outlines
Module A:
INTRODUCTION
Weeks 1&2:
Definition/Nature and Scope of Semantics
(i)
Semantics (the meaning of meaning) (ii) Nature & Scope of Semantics
Breakout Session: Teasing out the Preoccupation of Semantics from the Definitions and its
Relevance in their Career Pursuit.
Weeks 3&4:
Approaches to the Study of Semantics
(i)
Traditional Semantics (ii) Behavioral Semantics (iii) Structural Semantic (iv)
Generative Semantics.
Breakout Sessions: Addressing the Pitfalls in the Approaches
Module C:
SEMANTICS AND COMMUNICATION
Weeks 5&6:
(i) Semantic field (ii) Collocation (iii) Idioms
Discussion: Group 1 & 2
Module B:
Weeks 7&8:
TYPES OF MEANING
(i) Thematic meaning (ii) Conceptual meaning (iii) Associative meaning (iv)
Connotative meaning (v) Collocative meaning (vi) Affective meaning
(vii)
Reflective meaning (viii) Stylistic meaning
Discussion: Group 3&4
Assignment/CA: Mid-term test (covering approaches to semantic study; semantic concepts and types of
meaning) (20%)
Module D:
Weeks 9&10:
LEXICAL SEMANTICS/SENSE RELATIONS
Sense Relations
(i)
Synonymy (ii) Antonymy (iii) Hyponymy (iv) Homonymy (v) Polysemy.
Breakout Session: Illustrating the Relations
Module E:
SEMANTICS AT THE SENTENCE LEVEL
Weeks 11&12: Sentence meaning
(i)
Paraphrase (ii) Ambiguity (iii) Vagueness (iv) Tautology (v) Presupposition
Week 13:
(i) Entailment (ii) Analyticity
Discussion: Illustrations by Groups
Assignment/CA: A term paper to be researched and written by students. Topics are to be decided in
class (20%)
Week 14: Revision/Tutorials
Discussions: Contemporary Research in the Field of Semantics
Week 15: Revisions/Examinations
Method of Grading
Continuous Assessment 30%
Examination
70%
Ground Rules/Regulations
Students are to be seated at least 5 minutes to the time of lecture. Lecture door closes 5 minutes after
the commencement of lecture. Students are to attend lectures with relevant materials/texts. No form
of misconduct would be permitted in class. Side-talks, rude language, improper dressing, eating etc.
would attract appropriate penalties.
Topics for Assignments/Students Activities
Each lecture topic is followed by a number of exercises/activities. For instance students will be
required to:
(i)
Define Semantics and illustrate their definitions with relevant examples, drawing from
relevant every day experiences
(ii)
Discuss the nature and scope of Semantics, illustrating answers with examples from their own
experiences
(iii)
Explain the relationship between Semantics and other disciplines
(iv)
Discuss in groups the various approaches to the study of Semantics/types of meaning and
explain which of the approaches capture their experiences especially in their relationships,
contexts etc.
Term paper/assignment topics are usually determined in class based on issues arising.
Alignment with Covenant University Vision/Goals
As part of the vision of Covenant University with regard to raising a new generation of leaders in
Nigeria and beyond this course is intended to produce very high caliber personnel in communication
and language skills. The course is especially designed to equip students with necessary skills in
writing and interpreting written and oral texts meaningfully. These abilities are fundamental human
development needs for a successful adult/business life.
Contemporary Issues/Industry Relevance
There is always the need for highly qualified personnel with high level communication skills. The
study and understanding of linguistic meanings are a requisite for communication in all contexts and
at all corporate levels. The products of this course like others in the department are expected to satisfy
the needs for placement in the academia, the mass media – the corporate world and indeed all other
fields where a high degree of proficiency in English and communication skills are required.
Recommended Reading
Akmajian, A. et al (2007) Linguistics: An Introduction to Language and Communication. Cambridge
Mass & London: MIT Press
Allen, et al (1982) ‘’Lexical Semantics’’ (Online Version) http//www.lexicalsemantics.Eng.
Leech, G. (1981) Semantics. London: Penguin Books
Mwitaki, A (2004) ‘’Meaning as Use: A Functional View of Semantics and Pragmatics’’ in Swahili
forum volume II pp.127 -139
Ogbulogo, C. (2004) Concepts in Semantics. Lagos: Sam Iroanusi
Palmer, F.R. (1981) Semantics 2nd Ed. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press
Saeed, J (2003) Semantics (2nd Ed). Maldeen: M.A Blackwell
Thakur, D. (1999) Linguistics Simplified Semantics. New Delhi: Maa Durga Processing
Yule, G. (1996) The Study of Language 2nd Ed. Cambridge CUP