Universität Wien

120140 SE Linguistics Seminar: Right today, wrong tomorrow (2008S)

how and why some ways of using English come to count as bad

5.00 ECTS (2.00 SWS), SPL 12 - Anglistik
Continuous assessment of course work

anrechenbar für den alten Studienplan gem. ÄquivalenzVO. Im Diplomstudium nach UniStG für Linguistik-Schwerpunkt gem. Studienplan anrechenbar. ECTS UF Englisch: 3.00

Details

Language: English

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

  • Monday 10.03. 16:00 - 18:00 Raum 2 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-EG-09
  • Monday 17.03. 16:00 - 18:00 Raum 2 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-EG-09
  • Monday 31.03. 16:00 - 18:00 Raum 2 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-EG-09
  • Monday 07.04. 16:00 - 18:00 Raum 2 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-EG-09
  • Monday 14.04. 16:00 - 18:00 Raum 2 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-EG-09
  • Monday 21.04. 16:00 - 18:00 Raum 2 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-EG-09
  • Monday 28.04. 16:00 - 18:00 Raum 2 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-EG-09
  • Monday 05.05. 16:00 - 18:00 Raum 2 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-EG-09
  • Monday 19.05. 16:00 - 18:00 Raum 2 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-EG-09
  • Monday 26.05. 16:00 - 18:00 Raum 2 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-EG-09
  • Monday 02.06. 16:00 - 18:00 Raum 2 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-EG-09
  • Monday 09.06. 16:00 - 18:00 Raum 2 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-EG-09
  • Monday 16.06. 16:00 - 18:00 Raum 2 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-EG-09
  • Monday 23.06. 16:00 - 18:00 Raum 2 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-EG-09
  • Monday 30.06. 16:00 - 18:00 Raum 2 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-EG-09

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

In this seminar we will look at aspects of English usage that are sometimes considered as 'bad' - particularly by people to whom linguistic propriety matters. Topics selected for discussion will cover a wide range and include phenomena like /h/-dropping or 'intrusive' /r/, non-standard ways of dealing with third person {s}, split infinitives, violations of the subject-verb-object order, the excessive use of -ing forms, the use of I was like instead of I said, the use of sympathetic to mean likeable, etc., etc. For all cases selected, we shall ask questions like: For how long has the usage in question been regarded as bad? By whom? Where? Why? How long will it continue to be stigmatised? And should it?

Assessment:
Participants will be assessed on the basis of oral presentations and written research papers. All presentations will take place during a seminar conference concurrently with Prof. Seidlhofer's seminar. Full participation in the conference is mandatory, so please bear this in mind when registering for the course.

Assessment and permitted materials

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

The aim of the course is to refine our understanding of linguistic norms, their socio-historical variability, as well as the purposes they serve. Additionally, the course intends to give participants the chance to carry out small linguistic research projects, and to gain experience in solving the problems that such work brings about.

Examination topics

In an introductory phase, the agenda of the seminar will be presented and discussed, and participants will develop their research questions. In the following workshop sessions we will discuss issues that arise as participants begin to tackle their projects (e.g. the search for literature, the choice of appropriate approaches and theories, or the assessment of evidence). During a seminar conference in the first half of May participants will report on the progress of their projects and attempt to make their findings relevant to one another. The final part of the seminar will be dedicated to the production of written research papers, which will be due in the first week of July.

Reading list

Association in the course directory

222, 821, 228, 238, 722, K 511, K 512, K531, K532

Last modified: Mo 07.09.2020 15:33