Admission requirements
None
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 first course of the two-semester introduction to formal semantics. Topics of the first semester include:
Classification of meanings,
Lexical semantics,
Sentence meanings as truth-conditions,
Principle of compositionality, and
Propositional and predicate logic.
We will use the following textbook, which the students have to have at hand at the beginning of the semester:
Zimmermann, Thomas Ede & Wolfgang Sternefeld. 2013. Introduction to Semantics: An Essential Guide to the Composition of Meaning. Mouton de Gruyter.
Course objectives
To learn the basic notions of formal semantics
To acquire the basic skills to analyze the meanings of simple declarative sentences
To be able to read and write propositional and predicate logical formulae.
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
Compulsory textbook:
- Zimmermann, Thomas Ede & Wolfgang Sternefeld. 2013. Introduction to Semantics: An Essential Guide to the Composition of Meaning. Mouton de Gruyter.
Other supplementary materials will be provided on Blackboard.
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: E. Bylinina
Education Administration Office van Wijkplaats
E-mailaddress Education Administration Office van Wijkplaats: osz-oa-wijkplaats@hum.leidenuniv.nl
Coordinator of Studies: Else van Dijk