Cognitive and Theoretical Aspects of Language

This course addresses language from the point of view of contemporary linguistic theory and cognitive science. Central issues of the cognitive make-up of language are addressed based on data from Modern English, with a focus on how successful the approaches discussed are at explaining the basic facts and properties of natural languages.

Candidates who have passed this course
- have a basic understanding of current theories of language and their relation to recent cognitive models, based mainly but not exclusively on data from English.
- have insight into how different approaches seek to explain the basic facts and properties of natural languages.
- have insight into selected contemporary issues and debates in linguistic theory and cognitive science.
- are familiar with methods of analysis and argumentation in linguistics and cognitive science.
- are able to find and use relevant data to illlustrate and debate theoretical assumptions and models.

Lectures/seminars. Students are required to use it’s learning regularly. Approved obligatory assignment is valid for 2 semesters.

Assessment: Home exam approx. 4000 words/10-12 pages.