Introduction to general linguistics and semiology and first year seminar

Introduction to general linguistics and semiology

Linguistics is the discipline that studies human languages and language, their structure and evolution. Semiology is concerned about the other systems of meaning (film, painting, fashion, traffic laws, etc.), and asks the question: where does the meaning come from ? When we talk about general linguistics or semiology, we mean that these disciplines are considered for the major cross-cutting principles that they have been able to show.

This course aims to provide historical, conceptual and methodological bases which are useful for following a university course where the study of language or languages and other sign systems constitutes a significant or central part. The course should therefore be taken depending on the various skills which students will develop in their respective study paths: linguistic description (current use or aesthetic use of language), foreign language learning, language pedagogy, linguistic diagnosis, philosophy of language or the history of ideas of the 20th century.

The course consists of the following items:

• Introduction: linguistic issues in today's world
• History of linguistic ideas
• Ferdinand de Saussure and structural linguistic
• Phonetics and phonology
• Morphology
• Syntax
• Semantics and pragmatics
• Enunciation
• Elements of general semiotics

First year seminar

Introduction to general linguistics and semiology

By the end of the course, students should be able to:

• recognise the main historical stages in the evolution of linguistic thought;
• define and manipulate the main concepts of linguistic analysis;
• use the main methods of linguistic analysis to formally identify the units of a simple statement and their relationship to meaning;
• provide specific examples of general linguistic phenomena;
• identify common points and differences between the operation of a linguistic system and that of other sign systems.

First year seminar

Introduction to general linguistics and semiology

Good oral and written command of French.

Introduction to general linguistics and semiology

Lectures, with discussion between teacher and students. At the start of each session, students can ask questions about the preceding session.

The course does not anticipate practical work sessions, but some parts of the sessions will include the analysis of case study analysis by students and commented upon by the teacher.

The course is based on a written syllabus, from which students are invited to ask questions.

First year seminar

Introduction to general linguistics and semiology

Face-to-face course


Further information:

Face-to-face.

First year seminar

Face-to-face course

Introduction to general linguistics and semiology

Platform(s) used for course materials:
- eCampus
- MyULiège


Further information:

Platform(s) used for course materials:
- eCampus
- MyULiège


Further information:

A coursebook is provided to the students.
It is available at the beginning of the academic year, both in PDF and print.

The PDF file will be posted on MyULiege.

The print versions are available at the "ULiege Opéra" desk, located on the ground floor of "Galerie Opéra" (place de la République française), at the price of 5,35 euros.

First year seminar

Platform(s) used for course materials:
- eCampus

Introduction to general linguistics and semiology

Exam(s) in session

Any session

- In-person

written exam ( open-ended questions )


Further information:

Written exam, during the January session ; duration : max. 3h. Two types of knowledge and skills will be assessed:

• encyclopaedic knowledge of the history of linguistic thought and concepts of linguistic/semiological analysis;
• linguistic and semiological analysis skills.

• the relevance and accuracy of the answer ;
• the care in formulation ;
• synthesis capacity and articulation of ideas ;
• the spelling of names and concepts presented in class.

First year seminar

Continuous assessment

Introduction to general linguistics and semiology

The course will take place only during the 1st term, on Fridays, from 5 to 7 PM, salle GOTHOT-MERSCH
Start : Friday 19/09/2025, 5PM.

 Lectures, with discussion between teacher and students. At the start of each session, students can ask questions about the preceding session.

The course does not anticipate practical work sessions, but some parts of the sessions will include the analysis of case study analysis by students and commented upon by the teacher.

The course is based on a written syllabus, from which students are invited to ask questions.

First year seminar

Introduction to general linguistics and semiology

Teachers

Julien PERREZ, full professor

Département de Langues et Littératures modernes | Service de linguistique synchronique du néerlandais
Place Cockerill, 3-5 | 4000 Liège | Bureau: A2/5/17
Julien.Perrez@uliege.be | +32 (0)4.3665837 | +32 (0)496.518058
Twitter: @JulienPerrez | Academia.edu: JulienPerrez | Researchgate: Julien Perrez

François PROVENZANO, professor

Département de Langues et littératures françaises et romanes
Service de Sciences du langage et rhétorique
Place Cockerill, 3-5, bât. A2, 4000 Liège.
Tél. 04 366 56 45
Mail : Francois.Provenzano@uliege.be
Surgery hours: By appointment, Wednesday 9.30-11 AM, Office A2/4/4

Secretary
Ariane Nusgens : 04 366 56 50 

First year seminar

Introduction to general linguistics and semiology

There is no MOOC associated with this course.

Introduction to general linguistics and semiology

Official Syllabus 2025-2026
Updated version // Academic year 2025-2026