120011 AR Linguistics Course (interactive) 225 = MA Advanced Course 1-5 (Historical & Descriptive Linguistics) (2009S)
Is language alive, literally?
Continuous assessment of course work
Labels
Diese LVA gilt für das Masterstudium English Language and Linguistics nach UG2002, das Diplomstudium (UniStG) und das Lehramt UF Englisch (UniStG).
Registration/Deregistration
Note: The time of your registration within the registration period has no effect on the allocation of places (no first come, first served).
- Registration is open from Mo 16.02.2009 14:00 to Mo 23.02.2009 09:00
- Registration is open from We 25.02.2009 14:00 to We 04.03.2009 23:59
- Deregistration possible until Tu 31.03.2009 23:59
Details
max. 30 participants
Language: English
Lecturers
Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N
Tuesday
10.03.
12:00 - 14:00
Helene-Richter-Saal UniCampus Hof 8 3G-EG-21
Tuesday
17.03.
12:00 - 14:00
Helene-Richter-Saal UniCampus Hof 8 3G-EG-21
Tuesday
24.03.
12:00 - 14:00
Helene-Richter-Saal UniCampus Hof 8 3G-EG-21
Tuesday
31.03.
12:00 - 14:00
Helene-Richter-Saal UniCampus Hof 8 3G-EG-21
Tuesday
21.04.
12:00 - 14:00
Helene-Richter-Saal UniCampus Hof 8 3G-EG-21
Tuesday
28.04.
12:00 - 14:00
Helene-Richter-Saal UniCampus Hof 8 3G-EG-21
Tuesday
05.05.
12:00 - 14:00
Helene-Richter-Saal UniCampus Hof 8 3G-EG-21
Tuesday
12.05.
12:00 - 14:00
Helene-Richter-Saal UniCampus Hof 8 3G-EG-21
Tuesday
19.05.
12:00 - 14:00
Helene-Richter-Saal UniCampus Hof 8 3G-EG-21
Tuesday
26.05.
12:00 - 14:00
Helene-Richter-Saal UniCampus Hof 8 3G-EG-21
Tuesday
09.06.
12:00 - 14:00
Helene-Richter-Saal UniCampus Hof 8 3G-EG-21
Tuesday
16.06.
12:00 - 14:00
Helene-Richter-Saal UniCampus Hof 8 3G-EG-21
Tuesday
23.06.
12:00 - 14:00
Helene-Richter-Saal UniCampus Hof 8 3G-EG-21
Tuesday
30.06.
12:00 - 14:00
Helene-Richter-Saal UniCampus Hof 8 3G-EG-21
Information
Aims, contents and method of the course
In this course we shall look at and discuss recent proposals that languages can be conceived of as a systems that are literally alive. In some versions of this theory, linguistic constituents are thought to represent mental 'viruses' that 'infect' people when they are still little and then make them spread them by making them speak - just as common cold viruses make people spread them through making them sneeze. In another version, linguistic constituents are thought to be culture-genes (also called memes), which express in textual and other cultural artefacts, just as just as DNA-based genes express in biological phenotypes. We shall try to figure out how seriously such proposals can be taken.
Assessment and permitted materials
Students will be assessed on the basis of oral presentations, written reviews and participation in class discussions. Group work is strongly encouraged.
Minimum requirements and assessment criteria
The course is intended to (a) familiarise ourselves with a few not-quite-so obvious approaches to language (and culture), and (b) to develop ours kills in critically assessing the quality of (peudo-)scientific proposals. We shall learn what it means for a theory to be logically coherent, observationally adequate, testable, and simple. Also we shall develop an awareness of the intended effects and the unintended (and potentially harmful) side effects of common sense on our understanding of the world and of our selves.
Examination topics
At the beginning a brief survey of current theories of biological life, as well as of proposals to apply them to language and culture will be given. Also a concise 'baloney detection kit' will be provided that helps to uncover weaknesses in (pseudo-)scientific arguemnts and claims. In the secons half of the course, students will use their analytic skills on selected writings that analyse language and/or culture in quasi-biological frameworks. A rich choice of examples will be provided. They will present their analyses in class and produce brief written reviews of the proposals they have looked at.
Reading list
Blackmore, Susan. 2000. The meme machine. Oxford: University Press.
Dawkins, Richard. 2006 (1976). The selfish gene. 30th anniversary edition. Oxford: University Press.
Dennett, Daniel C. 1995. Darwin's dangerous idea. New York: Simon and Schuster.Further reading will be provided
Dawkins, Richard. 2006 (1976). The selfish gene. 30th anniversary edition. Oxford: University Press.
Dennett, Daniel C. 1995. Darwin's dangerous idea. New York: Simon and Schuster.Further reading will be provided
Association in the course directory
2033, 2043, 2044, 2045, 2046, 2047, 225, 226, 228, 236, 238, 722
Last modified: We 09.09.2020 00:22