LG476-7-SP-CO:
Semantics and Philosophy of Language
PLEASE NOTE: This module is inactive. Visit the Module Directory to view modules and variants offered during the current academic year.
2023/24
Language and Linguistics
Colchester Campus
Spring
Postgraduate: Level 7
Inactive
Monday 15 January 2024
Friday 22 March 2024
15
15 April 2021
Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
This module provides an introduction to semantics; namely, how meaning is built up compositionally from individual words to form a sentence. We will first discuss different kinds of meaning and how speakers judge the truth value of utterances. The course then covers different tools implemented from formal logic that are useful in modelling the meaning of utterances. After laying out the formal basis, we survey various topics that have been of particular interest in theoretical semantics, including definite descriptions, modality, lexical and viewpoint aspect, thematic roles, and event structure.
The module aims to give students an overview to the field of formal semantics, consisting of exposure to various topics of interest to semanticists as well as providing students with an introductory understanding of the formal tools implemented to model meaning, in particular with lambda calculus.
On successful completion of this module, students should
a) Have a foundational understanding of the kinds of issues that arise in understanding the nature of meaning in natural language.
b) Understand how to use basic formal tools to describe the meanings of words and sentences
c) Approach seminal work in theoretical semantics
The above list is indicative of the essential reading for the course.
The library makes provision for all reading list items, with digital provision where possible, and these resources are shared between students.
Further reading can be obtained from this module's
reading list.
Assessment items, weightings and deadlines
| Coursework / exam |
Description |
Deadline |
Coursework weighting |
Additional coursework information
N/A
Exam format definitions
- Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
- In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary,
for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.
Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.
Overall assessment
Reassessment
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Dr Kyle Jerro, email: k.jerro@essex.ac.uk.
Dr Kyle Jerro
4.125, k.jerro@essex.ac.uk
No
No
No
Dr Ian Cunnings
University of Reading
Associate Professor in Psycholinguistics
Available via Moodle
Of 20 hours, 20 (100%) hours available to students:
0 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s).
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