ENG2168 – Words: English lexicology
Schedule, syllabus and examination date
Course content
The course consists of four parts: word formation (morphology), the history of English words, the meaning of words, and lexicography, i.e. the principles of dictionary creation. In the first part of the course we study English morphology, that is the structure of words. A word is typically made up of a root, to which may be added various affixes (prefixes and suffixes) to create new words. The focus of the second part of the course is the origin of words in English. English is an unusual language in the sense that it has a particularly large number of loanwords from other languages, which is due to historical events. We therefore look at where English words come from and how native English words and word elements have merged in the history of English. In the third part of the course we consider the meaning of words, and the meaning relations words enter into, for example synonymy, hyponymy, collocations. The part about lexicography will be spread out over the term. In connection with all the other topics, we look at dictionaries and the way that lexicographers have to take morphology, history and meaning into consideration when constructing dictionary entries.
Learning outcome
After completing the course, you will be able to
- explain the structure of English words
- account for the history of the English vocabulary
- reflect on the meaning of words and their meaning relations to other words
- describe how dictionaries are constructed and use them efficiently
Admission to the course
Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.
If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.
Formal prerequisite knowledge
The course requires ENG1100 – English Grammar or similar knowledge.
Teaching
Seminar, two hours per week for 14 weeks, 28 hours in total.
Students are expected to attend all teaching. The quality of the teaching depends on active participation in all seminars.
Obligatory activities:
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There are two obligatory assignments. One is a small group project which is presented to the rest of the class and one is a written assignment which is similar to the exam in format. Read more here about rules concerning valid excuses and how to apply for postponements. Information about guidelines for obligatory activities.
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It is obligatory to show up for a minimum of 60% of the teaching. In this course you have to attend 8 of 14 seminars. The requirement is absolute.
The allowed absence limit will cover all absences, including illness. You will not be granted valid absences with documentation, even when the absence is due to something beyond your control.
If the course has in-person teaching, and you are signed up for an in-person seminar group, you are to attend the teaching in the location found in the schedule.
If the course has digital teaching, and you are signed up for a digital seminar group, you must attend via Zoom with your camera on.
In certain circumstances, i.e. serious or chronic illness, you could apply for special needs accomodations.
Examination
The course requirements must be fulfilled in order to take the exam.
The final grade is set on the basis of a take-home exam spanning over 3 days.
Both language and content will be part of the assessment.
Language of examination
The examination text is given in English, and you submit your response in English.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.
Resit an examination
More about examinations at UiO
- Use of sources and citations
- Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
- Withdrawal from an exam
- Illness at exams / postponed exams
- Explanation of grades and appeals
- Resitting an exam
- Cheating/attempted cheating
You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.