Prospectus

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Elective: Meaning between algebra and culture

Course
2010-2011

Admission requirements

Description

In this course, we open three windows on the study of meaning. First, we will introduce the notion of field semantics: how can structural semantic notions be studied fruitfully in the description of languages, what variety may be expected and how can semantic judgements be elicited? Secondly, the program and the perspectives of the Natural Semantic Meta-language is introduced and analyzed. NSM is an ordinary-language based, but universalistic program to account for differences and convergences in the semantic structures of natural languages. Thirdly, The algebraic approach to semantics will be discussed by reference to generalized quantifiers, type theory and model-theoretic semantics. Again, the approach is universalistic, but aims at identifying mathematical structures.
These perspectives are presented in the first block. In the second block, students are invited to discuss semantic phenomena in their favourite languages on the basis of one or more of these approaches, or to compare or apply the approaches with respect to some phenomena. It is supposed to be fun and deep. For credits, students will write a paper on their topic(s).

Course objectives

Timetable

monday 11-13

Mode of instruction

Seminar

Assessment method

Blackboard

Reading list

to be announced

Registration

Exchange and Study Abroad students, please see the Study in Leiden website for information on how to apply

After application students can register for courses en exams through uSis

Contact information Crit Cremers: c.l.j.m.cremers@hum.leidenuniv.nl / 5491 / 1166 104a

Programme coördinator and student advisor

Remarks