Prospectus

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Semantics 1

Course
2018-2019

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

Linguistics bachelor

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:

  1. Written examination with open questions (75%)
  2. 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