Duration
30h Th
Number of credits
Lecturer
Language(s) of instruction
English language
Organisation and examination
Teaching in the first semester, review in January
Schedule
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Learning unit contents
This course concentrates on the semantic domain of modality and how it is expressed in English. It first introduces the semantic domain studied (dynamic, deontic and epistemic modality), and then homes in on a number of formal types of expressions, like modal auxiliaries, modal adjectives (e.g. it is crucial/appropriate), verbo-nominal expressions (e.g. there is no need/I have no doubt) and comparative adverbs (e.g. you'd better ...).
Attention will be paid to the way in which the study of non-verbal expression types contributes to a better understanding of the modal domain. In the process, we will discuss a number of analytical problems, like how to distinguish between lexical and grammatical uses of non-verbal modal expressions, and how to conceive of their syntactic and scopal structures.
Learning outcomes of the learning unit
Introduction into the methods of corpus linguistics; analysis of corpus data; deeper insights into the domain of qualifications of States of Affairs, and modality in particular.
Prerequisite knowledge and skills
Very good knowledge of English; English Language 1 & 2; English linguistics 1 & 2
Planned learning activities and teaching methods
The course involves interactive seminars in which students will discuss corpus data, read scientific articles, and eventually carry out a corpus study themselves.
Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning)
Face-to-face seminars
Recommended or required readings
All teaching materials will be made available on eCampus.
Assessment methods and criteria
Students will have to carry out a corpus study on a topic related to the expression of modality in English. They will have to report on their findings in both an oral presentation and a research essay based on the presentation, which also integrates feedback from teacher and peers. Expected length: 5,000-8,000 words, including references. More precisely, grades will be given as follows:
- oral presentation: 5/20
- written essay/research report: 15/20
Work placement(s)
Organizational remarks
Contacts
Teacher in charge of the course :
An Van linden
Département de Langues et littératures modernes
Place Cockerill, 3-5
B-4000 Liège
Tel. 04 366 53 60
E-mail: an.vanlinden@uliege.be