219 English Lexis and Semantics

Subject Code
ENGL219
Subject Title
English Lexis and Semantics
Credit Value
3
Level
2
Pre-requisite / Co-requisite/
Exclusion
None
Objectives

This subject aims to develop students’ knowledge of English morphology and semantics. It helps students to understand the linguistic concepts and their relationships to form, meaning and context of word use. It also trains students’ skills in using language corpora and other online resources to investigate and generalize trends in modern vocabulary.
Intended Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the subject, students will be able to: Category A: Professional/academic knowledge and skills
a. understand the historical development of English vocabulary;
b. analyze and describe morphological structure and semantic meaning of English words;
c. apply concepts learnt to lexical analysis in various contexts and for different purposes;
d. utilize corpora to investigate and develop lexical knowledge.
Category B: Attributes for all-roundedness
e. display critical and creative thinking in reading;
f. develop a range of strategies for life-long learning through reading and computer research.
Subject Synopsis

1. Historical development of English vocabulary
2. Morphological study: word formation
3. Semantic study: word meaning and sense relations
4. Metaphor and figurative speech
5. Word in context
6. Neologisms and lexical change
7. Investigating vocabulary through corpora

Teaching/Learning Methodology

Interactive lectures, seminars and group discussions, supplemented by use of of WebCT and online corpus study.
Assessment Methods in Alignment with Intended Learning Outcomes
(Note 4)

Specific assessment methods/tasks
% weighting
Intended subject learning outcomes to be assessed (Please tick as appropriate)

a b c d e f 1. In-class test
40%
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2.Group presentation
20%

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3. Term paper
40%

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Total
100%

The

References: Brinton, L. J. (2000). The Structure of Modern English. Amsterdam: John Benjamins. Carter, R. (2003). Vocabulary: applied linguistic perspectives, 3rd edition, London: Routledge. Goatly, A Grimshaw, J. B. (2005). Words and Structure. Stanford, CA: Center for the Study of Language and Information. Hatch E & Brown C. (1995). Vocabulary, Semantics, and Language Education: Cambridge University Press. Howard J. (2002). Grammar and Vocabulary: A resource book for students, London and New York: Routledge. Jackson H Lakoff, G. and Johnson, M. (1980). Metaphors We Live By. Chicago: University of Chicago Press. Metcalf, A Partington, A. (1998). Patterns and Meanings: using corpora for English language research and teaching. Amsterdam; Philadelphia: J Benjamins. Sinclair, J. (2003). Reading Concordances. Harlow: Pearson/Longman. Sinclair, J. (2004). Trust the Text: Language Corpus and Discourse. London: Routledge. Stubbs, M