Universität Wien

122250 AR Advanced Course in Linguistics (2020W)

Evolutionary Thinking in English Linguistics

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

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).

Details

max. 25 participants
Language: English

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

The first meeting will take place physically in the lecture room, where we will decide how to proceed for the rest of the semester. If at all possible, exams will also take place in person.

UPDATE: In November all classes will be taught online.

  • Tuesday 06.10. 14:15 - 15:45 Raum 2 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-EG-09
  • Tuesday 13.10. 14:15 - 15:45 Raum 2 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-EG-09
  • Tuesday 20.10. 14:15 - 15:45 Raum 2 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-EG-09
  • Tuesday 27.10. 14:15 - 15:45 Raum 2 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-EG-09
  • Tuesday 03.11. 14:15 - 15:45 Raum 2 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-EG-09
  • Tuesday 10.11. 14:15 - 15:45 Raum 2 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-EG-09
  • Tuesday 17.11. 14:15 - 15:45 Raum 2 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-EG-09
  • Tuesday 24.11. 14:15 - 15:45 Raum 2 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-EG-09
  • Tuesday 01.12. 14:15 - 15:45 Raum 2 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-EG-09
  • Tuesday 15.12. 14:15 - 15:45 Raum 2 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-EG-09
  • Tuesday 12.01. 14:15 - 15:45 Raum 2 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-EG-09
  • Tuesday 19.01. 14:15 - 15:45 Raum 2 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-EG-09
  • Tuesday 26.01. 14:15 - 15:45 Raum 2 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-EG-09

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

Evolutionary theory has matured into a powerful thinking tool that throws light on phenomena that go far beyond the domain of biological life. The aim of this course is to learn how evolutionary thinking can advance our understanding of language. We raise questions such as the following: How and why has language emerged in the human species? Does the evolutionary origin of language help to understand what languages are for and why they are as they are? Are languages shaped by their speakers, or do their properties evolve for the selfish purpose of their own replication? Are the interests of speakers and languages aligned, or can they be in conflict? How does our view of languages change, if we think of them as heterogeneous populations of constituents rather than as abstract systems that have ‘ideal’ forms?

In the first phase, we familiarize ourselves with the essential aspects of evolutionary theory and establish its relevance for the domains of human culture and human languages. In the second phase, we select a variety of questions from the field of linguistics and discuss how they can be addressed from an evolutionary perspective. Finally, each participant selects a paper in classical linguistics, and discusses (first in a presentation and then in a short essay) (a) how it could to be reconceptualized in evolutionary terms, and (b) what one learns from the exercise. For each presentation, one or two participants act as discussants, whose task is to question and to challenge the points made by the presenter.

Assessment and permitted materials

Classroom participation, presentation, performance as discussant, essay.

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

(a) regular and active participation in meetings (online or in-person) (max. 2 absences). (10%)
(b) mid-term test on evolutionary theory (written or oral test, depending on circumstances) (20%)
(c) oral presentation (20%)
(d) performance as discussant (20%)
(e) written essay (30%)

Examination topics

See 'minimum requirements'.

Reading list

TBA

Association in the course directory

Studium: UF 344; MA 812 [2]; UF MA 046/507
Code/Modul: UF 4.2.3-223-225, MA M04, MA M05, UF MA 4B
Lehrinhalt: 12-0260

Last modified: Fr 06.11.2020 17:48