120011 AR Linguistics Course (interactive) 225 = MA Advanced Course 1-5 (Historical & Descriptive Linguistics) (2009S)

Is language alive, literally?

5.00 ECTS (2.00 SWS), SPL 12 - Anglistik

Continuous assessment of course work

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

Nikolaus Ritt

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.

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