Language studies

Interest in linguistic styles

The working title of the course is:

FROM SEMIOTICS TO STYLISTICS

2+2 (3+3) ECTS

10+10 contact hours

40+40 analytical tasks

20+20 individual instruction

30+30 for reading assignments and preparation for classes and the final test

K_W09, The graduate has in-depth knowledge of research-related terminology and methodology applied in a given field.

K_U02, The graduate is able to read and comprehend advanced texts in the language/ languages of a given cultural area.

K_U10, The graduate is able to critically analyze and interpret various texts, use specialist terminology and justify the selected methodology.

K_U13, The graduate displays advanced argumentation skills and is able to refer to scholars’ opinions as well as to draw conclusions and prepare synthetic summaries.

K_U14, The graduate is able to conduct a preliminary search of library holdings, use databases and the Internet, prepare a list of references, add notes with due care as to the copyright, format documents using a word processor and make a presentation.

K_U21, The graduate is able to formulate critical opinions about cultural artefacts on the basis of academic knowledge and experience. The graduate is able to present their critical opinions in various forms and media.

K_K02, The graduate is able to work and assume various roles in a team.

Tutorial, Mini-lectures, problem-solving, discussions, analytic tasks, work-sheets, brain storming: ‘the list of all answers’ (Q&A)

K_W09, K_U02, K_U10, K_U13, K_K02,

On-line teaching sessions will be carried out with the support of the following distance learning tools: MICROSOFT TEAMS (is the basic tool for interactive sessions), USOS will provide the students with extra instructions, mini-lectures, comments and feedback, by means of e-mails and attachments sent to particular groups. MOODLE MAY be employed OCASSIONALLY for collecting assignments (essays and worksheets) and examination tests (but ONLY if the Microsoft Teams platform turns out to be insufficient). All distance learning sessions will be carried out according to the following format: (1) TEACHER-CENTERED INPUT (20-30 minutes) by means of the teacher’s introductory mini-lecture on a particular area in question (2) STUDENT-CENTERED PROBLEM-SOLVING ACTIVITIES (30-40 minutes) regarding particular tasks (information search, negotiation of solutions, preferably pair-work and team-work (peer-teaching) (3) FEEDBACK AND INTERACTION via such techniques and Q&A (questions and answer sessions) based on collective lists of questions, individual questions and discussions. The above methods are amendable according to any changes in the ongoing situation and relevant regulations.

- wykład informacyjny (konwencjonalny)

- projektu
- seminaryjna

- metody oparte na współpracy
- metody rozwijające refleksyjne myślenie

The course under the label FROM SEMIOTICS TO STYLISTICS (SEMIOTIC & TEXTUAL EXPLORATIONS) Issues of semiosis and meaning construction and interpretation introduces a spectrum of descriptive tools elaborated in the fields of semiotics, text linguistics (covered in winter term) and cognitive linguistics (to be covered in summer term) – to be utilized in practical textual analysis and elaboration towards creative experimentation in language

Methodological issues: philosophical, psychological, anthropological leanings of the study of meaning an language and beyond

Semiotics - basic distinctions (the semiotic sign)

Introduction to Text Linguistics:

textuality criteria (cohesion, coherence, informativity, intertextuality)...

Introduction to Cognitive Linguistics and Stylistics:

• Cognitive Semantics (focus on categorization, figurative meaning and novelty)

• Categorization by schema (generic-specific) & by prototype (center-periphery)

• ICMs – Idealized Cognitive Models: Cognitive Theory of Metaphor, Metonymy

• Conceptual Integration Theory: Mental Spaces and Blends.

• Cognitive Grammar (focus on imagery)

• Acts of comparison and scanning operations, symbolic units, concept as a domain matrix

• Construal operations (dimensions of imagery/focal adjustments):

• schematicity, scope, prominence, perspective, abstraction, selection, transformation and virtuality

Grammar as image

• Skrzypczak, Waldemar. 2006. “On Text Linguistics: some terminological distinctions.” NKJO w Toruniu, Silva Rerum. Nr 6/7, 63-71.

• Skrzypczak, Waldemar. 2006. “Alternate Construals, Duals and Selective Projections.” Worlds in the Making Constructivism and Postmodern Knowledge, red. Edyta Lorek-Jezińska, Teresa Siek-Piskozub i Katarzyna Więckowska. Toruń: Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Mikołaja Kopernika, 67-85

• Skrzypczak, Waldemar. 2007. “Cognitive Stylistics: Towards Dimensions of Uniqueness and Novelty in Textual Imagery.” Multiculturalism, at the Start of 21st Century, red. Krystyna Kujawińska-Courtney i Maria A. Łukowska. Łódź: Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Łódzkiego, 371-383.

Skrzypczak, Waldemar. 2008. „Metaphor as a dynamic asymmetry.” Philologica Wratislaviensa: From Grammar to Discourse. Metaphor and Cognition, red. Zdzisław Wąsik and Tomasz Komendziński. Frankfut am Main: Peter Lang, 53-62.

Active involvement (20%)

Preparation for classes (20%)

Analytic tasks, essays and work-sheets (20%)

Final test (40%)

Very good – 91-100% (5.0)

Good plus – 86-90% (4+)

Good – 76-85% (4.0)

Satisfactory plus – 70-75% (3+)

Satisfactory – 60-69% (3.0)

Fail – 0-59% (2)

The students will be assessed on the basis of attendance (on-line presence during distance-learning sessions or real-space contact sessions if the situation permits), on the basis of their aptitude resulting from regarding active engagement in the activities, on the basis of assignments sent on time according to ongoing instructions at particular stages of the course (worksheets and mini-essays), the final test or project, and/or the examination test if relevant.

K_W09, K_U02, K_U10, K_U13, K_K02,

N/A