PHILOSOPHY OF LANGUAGE II

Academic year
2025/2026 Syllabus of previous years
Official course title
FILOSOFIA DEL LINGUAGGIO II
Course code
FT0080 (AF:512933 AR:326370)
Teaching language
Italian
Modality
On campus classes
ECTS credits
6 out of 12 of PHILOSOPHY OF LANGUAGE
Degree level
Bachelor's Degree Programme
Academic Discipline
M-FIL/05
Period
4th Term
Course year
2
The course presents a focus on the analysis of language that intersects methods and objectives of rhetoric and argumentation logic, according to three dimensions: history, theory, and practice. The theoretical analysis (which includes the reading of classical texts in the philosophy of language) identifies, in parallel, tools for possible applications of the different methods. The course is structured in such a way as to devote attention to the different expressive uses of language, comparing different dimensions of the philosophy of language (semantics and pragmatics). A part is devoted to analysis and experimentation exercises.
The course is intended for those enrolled in a three-year degree programme in Literature and History (for those enrolled in Philosophy it belongs to the characterising activities).
The students, on successful completion of this module, will be able to:

1. identify theorical and historical-critical dimensions
2. critically engage with philosophical arguments organizing them
3. distinguish and compare different analyses of language
4. present coherent and justified arguments orally and in writing
- In order to identify a specific bibliography to supplement the preliminary knowledge useful for the course, introductory and in-depth readings will be indicated in the moodle space.
- Bibliographic tools will also be recommended to refine one's knowledge at the intersection of the disciplines involved following the monographic perspective of the programme.
- In the moodle space of the course, which should be consulted, further study materials will also be provided, with a focus on the individual disciplines involved in the discussion of the monographic topic. In particular, useful tools will be provided to refine one's philosophical knowledge and to master the methodology as a tool for investigation and research.

Students may contact the lecturer (cecilia.rofena@unive.it) before the start of the course to discuss the structure and preparation required for the examination.
Course title:
‘Language and rhetoric’

- Argument
- Metaphor
- Expression
As introductions to the course topics:

- P. Frascolla, "Introduzione alla logica. Dalla teoria dell'argomentazione alla logica formale", il Mulino
- F. Piazza, "Linguaggio, persuasione, verità. La retorica nel Novecento", Carocci
- M. Sbisà, "Detto e non detto. Le forme della comunicazione implicita", Laterza

During the course, various texts -- indicated in the moodle space -- will be analysed and will be updated with respect to the topics of the individual lectures, so it is advisable to always consult the materials available online.
- As anthology see: P. Casalegno, P. Frascolla, A. Iacona, E. Paganini, M. Santambrogio, "Filosofia del linguaggio", Raffaello Cortina Editore

P.S.:
These contents (topics and texts) may be updated with subsequent changes and variations: the final Syllabus, with the scheduled texts, will be available before the start of the lectures and the moodle space will contain all the updated information.
Method of final evaluation: written examination based on texts considered during the course.
Written examination based on questions relating to the scheduled texts.
The examination consists of a written task consisting of three questions: the answers must be articulated and argued, according to a clear illustration of the explanation needed to provide, in a correct and coherent manner, the necessary justification together with the best organisation of the knowledge considered relevant. The task takes four hours.
Instructions for writing the paper (optional) will be published in the moodle space, together with the editorial rules to be followed. The paper must be agreed with the lecturer, together with the reference bibliography, which may also include texts in the examination programme.
written
Grade:

1. for students attending the course

- class participation: 20%
- seminar presentation: 40%
- final examination: 40%

2. for those not attending the course

- paper: 40%
- final exam: 60%
Method of instruction: the main teaching methods of the course are the lecture and the lecture-discussion. Every student will be encouraged to participate in the discussion of the materials planning individual or small group seminars, in which new texts will be presented and discussed in relation to the course readings.
A simulated final written examination will be held in the moodle space, in which you will be able to participate in order to assess your writing skills and clarity of analysis in preparation for the final examination.
Instructions for writing the paper (optional) will be published in the moodle space, together with the editorial rules to be followed for those who will not be attending the seminars during the course. The paper must be agreed with the lecturer, together with the reference bibliography, which may also include texts in the examination programme.
- For those who attend the course, other texts (analysed in class) are planned and will be indicated in the moodle space, together with further bibliographical references.
- For those who choose not to attend the course, an interview with the lecturer (cecilia.rofena@unive.it) is recommended at the beginning of the course and no later than one month before the chosen exam call; it is also advisable to use the moodle space for the introductory materials that will be made available to accompany the exam preparation with the analysis and commentary of the texts in the syllabus.
- For problems with disabilities or specific learning disorders, students may contact the Disability and DSA office: disabilita@unive.it


Ca' Foscari abides by Italian Law (Law 17/1999; Law 170/2010) regarding support services and accommodation available to students with disabilities. This includes students with mobility, visual, hearing and other disabilities (Law 17/1999), and specific learning impairments (Law 170/2010). If you have a disability or impairment that requires accommodations (i.e., alternate testing, readers, note takers or interpreters) please contact the Disability and Accessibility Offices in Student Services: disabilita@unive.it.

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Human capital, health, education" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development

This programme is provisional and there could still be changes in its contents.
Last update of the programme: 31/03/2025