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

Linguistic Controversies & how to win them

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 Tu 15.09.2009 14:00 to Mo 28.09.2009 14:00
Registration is open from Fr 02.10.2009 14:00 to Th 08.10.2009 14:00
Deregistration possible until Sa 31.10.2009 23:59

Details

max. 30 participants

Language: English

Lecturers

Nikolaus Ritt

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

    
    Tuesday
    13.10.
    11:00 - 13:00
    Helene-Richter-Saal UniCampus Hof 8 3G-EG-21
    
    Tuesday
    20.10.
    11:00 - 13:00
    Helene-Richter-Saal UniCampus Hof 8 3G-EG-21
    
    Tuesday
    27.10.
    11:00 - 13:00
    Helene-Richter-Saal UniCampus Hof 8 3G-EG-21
    
    Tuesday
    03.11.
    11:00 - 13:00
    Helene-Richter-Saal UniCampus Hof 8 3G-EG-21
    
    Tuesday
    10.11.
    11:00 - 13:00
    Helene-Richter-Saal UniCampus Hof 8 3G-EG-21
    
    Tuesday
    17.11.
    11:00 - 13:00
    Helene-Richter-Saal UniCampus Hof 8 3G-EG-21
    
    Tuesday
    24.11.
    11:00 - 13:00
    Helene-Richter-Saal UniCampus Hof 8 3G-EG-21
    
    Tuesday
    01.12.
    11:00 - 13:00
    Helene-Richter-Saal UniCampus Hof 8 3G-EG-21
    
    Tuesday
    15.12.
    11:00 - 13:00
    Helene-Richter-Saal UniCampus Hof 8 3G-EG-21
    
    Tuesday
    12.01.
    11:00 - 13:00
    Helene-Richter-Saal UniCampus Hof 8 3G-EG-21
    
    Tuesday
    19.01.
    11:00 - 13:00
    Helene-Richter-Saal UniCampus Hof 8 3G-EG-21
    
    Tuesday
    26.01.
    11:00 - 13:00
    Helene-Richter-Saal UniCampus Hof 8 3G-EG-21

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

In this course we shall look at a selection of famous linguistic controversies. Topics will range from the question whether all languages and dialects are indeed equal, over the question how much of human language is genetically programmed, to the problem if language determines thought or not. Our focus will not be primarily on truth, however, but on the reasons for which linguistic arguments are won or lost, and the roles which plausibility and rhetorical persuasiveness play in such arguments.

Assessment and permitted materials

Crucially, participants will NOT be assessed on whether they win a debate or not. Instead the assessment of their performance in oral debates and written exchanges will reflect how valiantly they defended their position - even if it should turn out indefensible in the end. Apart from their performance in oral debates and writen exchanges, participants will also be assessed on the basis of their contributions to classroom and online discussions.

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

The course has a twofold aim. First it is supposed to make us aware that also in linguistic discourse there is a difference between legitimate arguments and arguments that work, and to help us learn to distinguish between the two types. Secondly, it is supposed to increase our practical skills in linguistic argumentation. We shall try to get better at making strong arguments, at detecting and attacking weak spots in the arguments of others, and at defending our views when they are attacked.

Examination topics

In the first (and shorter) part of the course a brief survey of famous linguistic contriersies will be given, and criteria for evaluating the quality of academic arguments will be introduced. Also we shall watch and discuss passages of academic debates available on the internet. In the rest of the course, participants will be sorted into pairs of two, and the members of such pairs will stage oral debates on their chosen controversies, each of them defending one of two opposing positions. After each debate, the audience will have a chance to question the discussants, and will determine the winner by vote. The oral debate will be followed by a written exhange, which will be published on the Fronter platform. Once again, the other participants will be able to post comments, and will determine the winner by online vote.

Reading list

References to relevant literature will be provided.

Association in the course directory

Diplom 343, UF 344, MA 812

Last modified: We 09.09.2020 00:22