GEM1031 The
Study of Names
Term 1, 2014/15
Module chair: Peter Tan (email PeterTan@nus.edu.sg; phone +65 6516 6038)
General description
This module explores the phenomenon of ‘proper’ names from a linguistic perspective initially and will consider the notion of properhood. However, no background in linguistics will be assumed. The module will subsequently move on into other accounts and approaches, among which might include those which are historical (onomastic), literary, sociological and political in emphasis. Attention will be paid to both anthroponyms (personal names) and toponyms (place names). There will be scope for students to develop the module in the direction of their interests in the mini project.
After having completed the module, students should appreciate the importance of naming as a multi-disciplinary field of learning and be able to evaluate some of the theories of naming. The plan is not fixed in stone and can be adjusted as we proceed.
Time-table and
contents
|
Session |
Date |
|
|
1 |
15-viii-2014 |
Introduction; who needs to know about names? The linguistic tradition (Part 1) |
|
2 |
22-viii-2014 |
The linguistic tradition (Part 2) |
|
3 |
29-viii-2014 |
The philosophical tradition (Part 1) [NO CLASS: I’m away on conference] |
|
4 |
5-ix-2014 |
The philosophical tradition (Part 2) |
|
5 |
12-ix-2014 |
Personal names (Part 1) |
|
6 |
19-ix-2014 |
Personal names (Part 2) |
|
|
|
Break week (20.ix.2014–28.ix.2014) |
|
7 |
3-x-2014 |
Test. Personal names (Part 3) |
|
8 |
10-x-2014 |
Place names and street names (Part 1) |
|
9 |
17-x-2014 |
Project presentations. |
|
10 |
24-x-2014 |
Place names and street names (Part 2) |
|
11 |
31-x-2014 |
Names and the linguistic landscape |
|
12 |
7-xi-2014 |
Names in literature |
|
13 |
14-xi-2014 |
Essay presentations. Summary |
Assessment
The continuous assessment component will make up 60% of the final mark and will comprise:
· class participation (10 marks: this will not be publicised) – this will incorporate the presentation of the group project and the individual essay (see below)
· one class test (15 marks): short responses to a series of questions will be required
· one group project (20 marks): the group project will mainly pertain to pre-analysis activity, which might include one or more of the following:
o the task of isolating a research question or focus
o the task of collecting data on names (personal names, river names, commercial brand names, etc.)
o interviewing people or administering questionnaires (in the case of name givers: reasons for their choices; in the case of others: attitudes towards names)
o classifying names (providing a taxonomy) on some basis.
This should be something that can be presented in 15 minutes, and a written report to reflect the oral presentation and should not exceed 5 A4 pages.
· one individual essay (15 marks) allows the opportunity to analyse, theorise or provide a commentary on any aspect of the name data, specifically one or some of these:
o what do the data tell us about the namers?
o do the names illustrate a pattern of change?
o how closely are names linked to identity?
o do names support characterisation in drama, novels, films or television (sitcoms, dramas, comedies)?
o how do specific names function in a context or community?
The essay should be kept to 1,000 words, and be succinct, well focussed and clearly presented. Please attach the cover sheet on the next page to your essay. It can be linked to the project (the pre-analysis activity), or it can be independent of it. Please also prepare a 3-minute mini-presentation of your conclusions.
The final examination, which will be in open book format,
will therefore contribute 40% to the final mark awarded.
COVER SHEET
FOR THE ESSAY
Given Name (eg Monica, Chien Yee, Iskandar):
Surname (eg Lim, White):
Patronymic (eg s/o Ramachandran, bte Yusof):
Date submitted:
Final mark:
Word count:
Title of essay:
DEADLINE: 2.00pm, FRIDAY, 14th NOVEMBER 2014
Instructions
1. Please submit ONE copy of your essay.
2. Attach this cover sheet and staple to the front of your essay.
3. Drop it in letter box 59 on the 6th level of AS5 by 2pm, Friday, 14th November 2014
DECLARATION OF OWN WORK: STUDENT TO COMPLETE
This sheet must be filled in (each box ticked to show that the condition has been met), signed and dated, and included with your essay.
I confirm that all
this work is my own except where indicated, and that I have:
o clearly referenced and listed all sources as appropriate
o referred and put in inverted commas all quoted text of more than three words (from books, web, etc.)
o given the sources of all pictures, data etc. that are not my own
o not made any use of the essay(s) of any other student(s) either past or present
o not incorporated any text acquired from external agencies (including online facilities) other than extracts from attributed sources
o acknowledged in appropriate places any help that I have received from others (eg fellow students, technicians, statisticians, external sources)
I understand that any
false claim for this work will be penalised.
Signature:
Date: