Duration
30h Th
Number of credits
Lecturer
Language(s) of instruction
French language
Organisation and examination
Teaching in the second semester
Schedule
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Learning unit contents
The course will focus on the work of Émile Benveniste. We will read a selection of his works, as well as papers that extend or criticize his thought.
Émile Benveniste (1902-1976) is one of the great figures of 20th century linguistics. Continuing Saussure's ideas, he constantly recalls the fundamentals while proposing new directions of research. Benveniste's linguistic work is of utmost thoroughness, although it is rooted in reality (the world, social interactions, institutions) and not purely abstract.
We will mainly focus on two aspects of his work:
- the foundations of structuralist linguistics and the definition of language (especially the question of the distinction between language and animal communication);
- the initial proposals concerning the so-called "linguistique de l'énonciation" (notably concerning the question of the nature of personal pronouns), in a way, a linguistics of discourse, left aside by Saussure.
Learning outcomes of the learning unit
Students will develop the following skills
- understand a linguistic text;
- present a linguistic reasoning;
- present their personal views on a linguistic issue.
Prerequisite knowledge and skills
General knowledge of theoretical linguistic notions is required.
Planned learning activities and teaching methods
Lessons and student presentation (if the health situation allows it)
Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)
Face-to-face course
Additional information:
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Recommended or required readings
- Benveniste, É. 1966. Problèmes de linguistique générale, 1. Gallimard.
- Benveniste, É. 1974. Problèmes de linguistique générale, 2. Gallimard.
Exam(s) in session
Any session
- In-person
oral exam
- Remote
oral exam
Written work / report
Additional information:
Reading report on a specific question. The report will be discussed during the oral examination.
Work placement(s)
Organisational remarks and main changes to the course
Teaching in Q2, Tue, from 2PM to 4PM. Please contact the professor if you experience any problem with the schedule.
Contacts
Nicolas Mazziotta, chargé de cours: nicolas.mazziotta@uliege.be