Admission requirements
Successful completion of Semantics 1
Description
There are systematic patterns in how sentences in natural language convey various meanings. Formal Semantics is a theoretical framework that enables us to empirically investigate principles governing such systematic patterns, employing tools made available by linguistics, logic and cognitive science.
This course is the second course of the two-semester introduction to formal semantics. Topics of the second semester include:
Types,
Functional application as meaning composition,
Quantification,
Generalized Quantifiers,
Presupposition Projection,
Intensionality, and
Interrogative clauses.
Course objectives
To acquire the basic skills to analyze the meanings of structurally complex sentences in terms of its sub-sentential meaning composition.
To be able to read and critically review current literature in formal semantics.
To be able to apply the knowledge of formal semantics to independent research projects.
Timetable
Mode of instruction
Lecture
Course Load
Total course load 5EC x 28 hours = 140 hours
Lectures: 26 hours
Study of compulsory literature and assignments: 62 hours
Preparation for the exam: 52 hours
Assessment method
Assessment
The final mark for the course is established by the weighted average of the following components:
- Written examination with open questions (75%)
- Class Participation and successful submission of assignments (25%)
Resit
Resit of the written examination will take place.
Exam review
The model solutions of the exam will be uploaded on Blackboard together with the publication of the exam results at the latest.
Blackboard
Blackboard will be used for:
Various class announcements
Uploading class handouts, slides and other materials
Submitting assignments
Reading list
Required textbook: Altschuler, Daniel, Terence Parsons and Roger Schwarzschild. to appear. A Course in Semantics. The MIT Press. (The textbook is scheduled to be published in September 2019. In case it is not ready by the time the semester starts, we will use the PDF manuscript provided by the authors.)
Other supplementary materials will be provided as a reader.
Registration
Enrolment through uSis is mandatory.
General information about uSis is available on this website
Contact
For questions about the content of the course, please contact the teacher: Dr. H. de Vries
Education Administration Office van Wijkplaats
E-mail address Education Administration Office van Wijkplaats: osz-oa-wijkplaats@hum.leidenuniv.nl