Ateneo - UPO

The fundamental principles of Cognitive Linguistics and their application to linguistic analysis from both synchronic and diachronic perspectives.

1) Croft, W. and D. A. Cruse (2010). Linguistica cognitiva (edited by S. Luraghi). Roma: Carocci (chapters 6 and 7 excluded). 2) Luraghi, S. and L. Gaeta (2003, eds.). Introduzione alla linguistica cognitiva. Roma: Carocci (only chapters 7 and 8). 3) Any other content that will be uploaded on the platform DIR.

The aim of the course at a basic level is to enable students to acquire the following knowledge, skills, and abilities: - Basic knowledge of the fundamental principles and notions of Cognitive Linguistics. - Basic knowledge of the main cognitive mechanisms influencing language, especially at the semantic and lexical levels, with particular reference to conceptual metaphor and theories of embodied cognition. - Ability to apply the cognitive approach to the analysis of some linguistic phenomena, in both synchronic and diachronic perspectives. - Ability to explain the topics studied with sufficient clarity and using appropriate specialized terminology. The aim of the course at an advanced level is to enable students to acquire the following knowledge, skills, and abilities: - In-depth knowledge of the principles and notions of Cognitive Linguistics. - In-depth knowledge of the main cognitive mechanisms influencing language, especially at the semantic and lexical levels, with particular reference to conceptual metaphor and theories of embodied cognition. - Ability to apply the cognitive approach to the analysis of some linguistic phenomena, in both synchronic and diachronic perspectives, with autonomy and by framing the strengths and limitations of this approach. - Ability to communicate even complex concepts of the discipline in an articulate manner and with full mastery of specialized terminology.

At least a basic knowledge of General linguistics.

Lectures; practical activities based on online resources to explore the semantic and conceptual dimensions of language.

Students with physical disabilities, Learning Disabilities or Special Education Needs can request specific services and tools via reference office consulting the University webpage: https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/services-students-physical-or-learning-disabilities. Students with disabilities, learning disabilities or special education needs, once they have contacted the University Staff, can refer to the tutor in charge of the course to define the examination modalities, concerning academic aspects.

The final exam is an oral assessment lasting approximately 30 minutes. Students will be asked questions covering topics from lectures and the core bibliography. This aims to check their understanding of the course objectives and expected learning outcomes. At least one question will focus on describing a specific case where the cognitive approach is applied to study past linguistic situations or analyze linguistic changes. The final grade will be based on: mastery of fundamental concepts (50%); ability to apply acquired knowledge to describe or analyze concrete linguistic phenomena (35%); use of scientific terminology when presenting arguments (15%). The exam will be passed with a minimum score of 18/30. A cum laude distinction will be awarded for demonstrating a very in-depth understanding of all topics discussed during the exam, along with full mastery of the discipline’s terminology.

This course will explore the foundational principles of Cognitive Linguistics. After a brief historical overview, the curriculum will delve into key concepts, including frames and prototypes, and examine the essential elements that underpin the processes of categorization and conceptualization of experience. The cognitive approach’s contribution (and limits) to lexical semantics will be illustrated and discussed, with particular attention to embodied cognition. A significant portion of the course will focus on metaphor as a fundamental mechanism for conceptualizing reality and its role in language. Through specific case studies, the course will further demonstrate how core assumptions of Cognitive Linguistics can be effectively applied to investigating past linguistic situations and analyzing linguistic change. Additionally, valuable resources for exploring the semantic and cognitive dimension of language, such as FrameNet, MetaNet, and linguistic corpora, will be presented and utilized during lectures.

To achieve the knowledge, skills, and abilities corresponding to a basic level, students are asked to demonstrate the following: - Knowledge and understanding: Acquired a basic understanding of the topics covered in the course and the exam bibliography. - Applying knowledge and understanding: Developed the ability to apply the fundamental notions of Cognitive Linguistics to the analysis of linguistic phenomena (at least those presented in lectures or the reference bibliography), from both a synchronic and diachronic perspective. - Communication skills: Able to present arguments using specialized terminology with a good level of linguistic proficiency. To achieve the knowledge, skills, and abilities corresponding to an advanced level, students are asked to demonstrate the following: - Knowledge and understanding: Acquired an in-depth understanding of the topics covered in the course and the exam bibliography. - Applying knowledge and understanding: Developed the ability to autonomously apply the fundamental notions of Cognitive Linguistics to the analysis of linguistic phenomena, from both a synchronic and diachronic perspective. - Communication skills: Able to present arguments with full mastery of specialized terminology.