The first aim of the module is to explore a range of theoretical and descriptive approaches to the relationship between words and their meanings. The second aim is to provide students with an understanding of how to investigate word behaviour.

This module explores the world of words. What is a word? What range of meanings does a word have? How are word meanings related? How can we tell them apart? How do words ‘behave’ in texts? Where do words come from and how do they change? In this module we will explore a number of different approaches to the semantics of words. We will take an investigative look at our words from various perspectives. The emphasis will be on how speakers actually use words in texts. Students will be given the opportunity to gain some hands-on experience using electronic resources (e.g. resources such as the Sketch Engine and AntConc and various language corpora).

Knowledge and understanding:

• Define key concepts in lexicology
• Identify the various semantic functions of words from a range of perspectives
• Understand how words are used in texts
• Compare and contrast results of lexical patterning from different texts
• Summarize and paraphrase relevant literature
• Explain the historical development of a particular lexeme

Traditional intellectual skills:

• Think critically
• Compare and contrast theoretical explanations
• Summarise reading material
• Interpret results
• Refer to the larger body of research available in the literature

Discipline/module specific:

• Analyse a text by exploring the contribution made by the speaker’s lexical choice
• Explore words and their use through methodologies associated with corpus linguistics and text linguistics

Timetabled sessions include 2 lectures and 1 seminar per week. During seminars, you may be required to make presentations, lead discussion, and/or analyse data. Lectures are supplemented with visual support such as PowerPoint slides and handouts. These are made available to students via Learning Central. Handouts which outline the key lecture material will be made available on Learning Central one day in advance of each lecture. Audio and video content may be used in this module where appropriate to illustrate important concepts. Transcripts are provided where the audio or visual texts are analysed in detail or are a core element of the lecture/seminar.

Knowledge and understanding:

• Define key concepts in lexicology
• Identify the various semantic functions of words from a range of perspectives
• Understand how words are used in texts
• Compare and contrast results of lexical patterning from different texts
• Summarize and paraphrase relevant literature
• Explain the historical development of a particular lexeme

Traditional intellectual skills:

• Think critically
• Compare and contrast theoretical explanations
• Summarise reading material
• Interpret results
• Refer to the larger body of research available in the literature

Discipline/module specific:

• Analyse a text by exploring the contribution made by the speaker’s lexical choice
• Explore words and their use through methodologies associated with corpus linguistics and text linguistics

This module is assessed by coursework (50%) and exam (50%).

This module is assessed by coursework and exam. The coursework involves a written piece of work of no more than 1600 words which demonstrates the student's ability to explain the historical development and morphological composition of a particular lexeme, identify the various semantic functions of words from a range of perspectives, and explore words and their use through basic methodologies associated with corpus linguistics. It also requires students to summarise and refer to the larger body of research available in the literature and to demonstrate an understanding of how words are used in texts. The coursework is both formative and summative since the assessment is returned in advance of the examination. Detailed feedback is provided for the coursework.

The examination is a 1.5 hour formal exam which will assess the student's ability to define key concepts in lexicology, to analyse a text by exploring the contribution made by the speaker’s lexical choice and to use methodologies associated with corpus linguistics to explore lexical sense relations.

The module is assessed according to the Assessment Criteria set out in the English Language Undergraduate Student Handbook. Otherwise, there are no academic or competence standards which limit the availability of adjustments or alternative assessments for students with disabilities.

The module will include most of the following topics:

•           Defining words and categories of words

•           Word histories, including etymology and meaning shifts

•           The relationship between words and meaning (sense relations, lexical semantics)

•           Multiple and extended lexical meanings (polysemy, metaphor, connotation, semantic prosody)

•           Lexical patterns: in texts and in different corpora

•           Words and the mind, the lexicon and how the brain processes words

•           The relationship between words and text, what do words contribute to a text's meaning?

•           Complex lexical expressions (idioms, formulaic language, phraseology and terminology)

Main textbook: Jackson, H. & Zé Amvela, E. (2000) Words, Meaning and Vocabulary: An Introduction to Modern English Lexicography. London: Cassell.

You will also be expected to read books and journal articles both in printed copy and online.

You should contact the module leader as early as possible if you will require readings in an alternative format.