This course introduces students to a number of major issues in the philosophy of language. It familiarizes students with the main positions and arguments within each topic, and enables the students to deploy these arguments for themselves.

16x1hr lectures, 4x1hr seminars over 10 weeks as scheduled in MyCampus. This is one of the Honours options in Philosophy and may not run every year. The options that are running this session are available on MyCampus.

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The standard assessments for this course are: 

■ Portfolio Assessment (1500 Words) 40%

■ Essay 2000 Words 60%

If required, for instance where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, the following alternatives are available: 

■ There are no alternatives to the assessments, but flexible deadlines can be offered as reasonable adjustment (Students should follow the usual process for extensions). 

Further reasonable adjustments may be provided where necessary. Students are encouraged to consult with the course convenor.  

This course aims to:  

■ Allow students to explore a number of major issues in the Philosophy of Language; 

■ Introduce students to the main positions and arguments within each topic; 

■ Enable students to deploy these arguments in analysing the use of language in other contexts. 

By the end of this course, students will be able to: 

■ Explain classical and contemporary philosophical theories of linguistic meaning and language use.

■ Evaluate the evidence and arguments used to motivate these theories and the evidence and arguments offered against these theories.

■ Synthesize the theories and evidence with their own perspective.

■ Apply theories and concepts to real life examples.