Undergraduate Course: Semantic Theory (LASC10110)
Course Outline
| School | School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences |
College | College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 10 (Year 3 Undergraduate) |
Availability | Available to all students |
| SCQF Credits | 20 |
ECTS Credits | 10 |
| Summary | In this course, you will become familiar with logical tools used in the analysis of meaning in natural language, and apply them to a range of major topics in semantics. |
| Course description |
This course will introduce you to the logical foundations of semantic theory. Topics to be covered include:
- Using predicate logic and set theory to analyse sentence meanings;*
- Lambda calculus as a model of semantic composition;
- Possible worlds and intensionality;
- Issues in the analysis of a range of empirical phenomena in natural language semantics, typically including quantification, anaphora, modality, and sentence embedding.
- Issues in the interface between syntax and semantics in relation to the above phenomena.
At the end of the course, you will be prepared to identify research questions in formal semantics, and conduct independent research in this area.
*No previous knowledge of logic and set theory is required to take this course.
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Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
|
Co-requisites | |
| Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | None |
Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | None |
| High Demand Course? |
Yes |
Course Delivery Information
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| Academic year 2024/25, Available to all students (SV1)
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Quota: 0 |
| Course Start |
Semester 1 |
Timetable |
Timetable |
| Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) |
Total Hours:
200
(
Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 4,
Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours
196 )
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| Assessment (Further Info) |
Written Exam
0 %,
Coursework
100 %,
Practical Exam
0 %
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| Additional Information (Assessment) |
Coursework: 100%
Midterm take-home assignment 40%
Short research report 60% (2,000 words)
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| Feedback |
Weekly formative assignments with model answers
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| No Exam Information |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Use logical formalisms to construct arguments
- Apply logical tools to the analysis of sentence meaning
- Identify and analyse a range of empirical phenomena in natural language meaning
- Read and critically engage with the research literature in formal semantics
- Demonstrate an awareness of the interrelationships between semantics, syntax, and pragmatics.
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Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
By taking the course, students will develop skills in:
- logical analysis
- structured argumentation
- empirical analysis of meaning
- critical engagement with research literature
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| Keywords | Not entered |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr Kajsa Djarv
Tel:
Email: kdjarv@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary | Ms Susan Hermiston
Tel: (0131 6)50 3440
Email: Susan.Hermiston@ed.ac.uk |
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