Universität Wien
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120011 AR Linguistics Course (interactive) 225 = MA Advanced Course 1-5 (Historical & Descriptive Linguistics) (2009S)

Is language alive, literally?

5.00 ECTS (2.00 SWS), SPL 12 - Anglistik
Prüfungsimmanente Lehrveranstaltung

Diese LVA gilt für das Masterstudium English Language and Linguistics nach UG2002, das Diplomstudium (UniStG) und das Lehramt UF Englisch (UniStG).

An/Abmeldung

Hinweis: Ihr Anmeldezeitpunkt innerhalb der Frist hat keine Auswirkungen auf die Platzvergabe (kein "first come, first served").

Details

max. 30 Teilnehmer*innen
Sprache: Englisch

Lehrende

Termine (iCal) - nächster Termin ist mit N markiert

  • Dienstag 10.03. 12:00 - 14:00 Helene-Richter-Saal UniCampus Hof 8 3G-EG-21
  • Dienstag 17.03. 12:00 - 14:00 Helene-Richter-Saal UniCampus Hof 8 3G-EG-21
  • Dienstag 24.03. 12:00 - 14:00 Helene-Richter-Saal UniCampus Hof 8 3G-EG-21
  • Dienstag 31.03. 12:00 - 14:00 Helene-Richter-Saal UniCampus Hof 8 3G-EG-21
  • Dienstag 21.04. 12:00 - 14:00 Helene-Richter-Saal UniCampus Hof 8 3G-EG-21
  • Dienstag 28.04. 12:00 - 14:00 Helene-Richter-Saal UniCampus Hof 8 3G-EG-21
  • Dienstag 05.05. 12:00 - 14:00 Helene-Richter-Saal UniCampus Hof 8 3G-EG-21
  • Dienstag 12.05. 12:00 - 14:00 Helene-Richter-Saal UniCampus Hof 8 3G-EG-21
  • Dienstag 19.05. 12:00 - 14:00 Helene-Richter-Saal UniCampus Hof 8 3G-EG-21
  • Dienstag 26.05. 12:00 - 14:00 Helene-Richter-Saal UniCampus Hof 8 3G-EG-21
  • Dienstag 09.06. 12:00 - 14:00 Helene-Richter-Saal UniCampus Hof 8 3G-EG-21
  • Dienstag 16.06. 12:00 - 14:00 Helene-Richter-Saal UniCampus Hof 8 3G-EG-21
  • Dienstag 23.06. 12:00 - 14:00 Helene-Richter-Saal UniCampus Hof 8 3G-EG-21
  • Dienstag 30.06. 12:00 - 14:00 Helene-Richter-Saal UniCampus Hof 8 3G-EG-21

Information

Ziele, Inhalte und Methode der Lehrveranstaltung

In this course we shall look at and discuss recent proposals that languages can be conceived of as a systems that are literally alive. In some versions of this theory, linguistic constituents are thought to represent mental 'viruses' that 'infect' people when they are still little and then make them spread them by making them speak - just as common cold viruses make people spread them through making them sneeze. In another version, linguistic constituents are thought to be culture-genes (also called memes), which express in textual and other cultural artefacts, just as just as DNA-based genes express in biological phenotypes. We shall try to figure out how seriously such proposals can be taken.

Art der Leistungskontrolle und erlaubte Hilfsmittel

Students will be assessed on the basis of oral presentations, written reviews and participation in class discussions. Group work is strongly encouraged.

Mindestanforderungen und Beurteilungsmaßstab

The course is intended to (a) familiarise ourselves with a few not-quite-so obvious approaches to language (and culture), and (b) to develop ours kills in critically assessing the quality of (peudo-)scientific proposals. We shall learn what it means for a theory to be logically coherent, observationally adequate, testable, and simple. Also we shall develop an awareness of the intended effects and the unintended (and potentially harmful) side effects of common sense on our understanding of the world and of our selves.

Prüfungsstoff

At the beginning a brief survey of current theories of biological life, as well as of proposals to apply them to language and culture will be given. Also a concise 'baloney detection kit' will be provided that helps to uncover weaknesses in (pseudo-)scientific arguemnts and claims. In the secons half of the course, students will use their analytic skills on selected writings that analyse language and/or culture in quasi-biological frameworks. A rich choice of examples will be provided. They will present their analyses in class and produce brief written reviews of the proposals they have looked at.

Literatur

Blackmore, Susan. 2000. The meme machine. Oxford: University Press.
Dawkins, Richard. 2006 (1976). The selfish gene. 30th anniversary edition. Oxford: University Press.
Dennett, Daniel C. 1995. Darwin's dangerous idea. New York: Simon and Schuster.

Further reading will be provided

Zuordnung im Vorlesungsverzeichnis

2033, 2043, 2044, 2045, 2046, 2047, 225, 226, 228, 236, 238, 722

Letzte Änderung: Mi 09.09.2020 00:22