Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2020 - LING 803 G100

Discourse and Pragmatics (3)

Class Number: 5397

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Wed, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Introduction to the analysis of discourse as the use of language in context, and the general discipline of pragmatics. Topics to be covered include coherence, reference, implicature, speech acts and information structure.

COURSE DETAILS:

In this course, we will investigate the semantic and phonological interfaces relating syntax and discourse by exploring how information structure categories such as topic, focus, contrast, and givenness are encoded in the grammars of different languages through prosody, morphology, and syntax. We will attempt to identify the discourse functions of particular prosodic realizations of referring expressions (e.g. containing different determiner and pronominal forms), syntactic constructions (e.g. topicalization, left-dislocation, and clefts), morphological particle constructions (e.g. topic, focus, modal, and evidential markers), and sentence moods (e.g. declarative and interrogative). Our ultimate goal will be to gain insight into how speakers package information at the noun-phrase level and the sentence level so as to successfully perform speech acts aimed at achieving their discourse-level (often structured) rhetorical goals. Throughout the course, we will compare different theoretical approaches and conduct small-scale corpus studies to test some of the claims and predictions made in the readings.

Grading

  • Attendance and Participation 15%
  • In-Class Assignments 20%
  • Quizzes 20%
  • Presentation(s) 20%
  • Final Project 25%
  • No Final Exam

NOTES:

Students should familiarize themselves with the Department's Standards on Class Management and Student Responsibilities at http://www.sfu.ca/linguistics/undergraduate/standards.html.
Please note that a grade of “FD” (Failed-Dishonesty) may be assigned as a penalty for academic dishonesty.
All student requests for accommodations for their religious practices must be made in writing by the end of the first week of classes or no later than one week after a student adds a course.
Students requiring accommodations as a result of a disability must contact the Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca).

Graduate Studies Notes:

Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN SUMMER 2020

Please note that all teaching at SFU in summer term 2020 will be conducted through remote methods. Enrollment in this course acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as soon as possible to ensure that they are eligible and that approved accommodations and services are implemented in a timely fashion.