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5410:
Semantics I
General Information
Course Description:
This course is an introduction to the study of linguistic meaning. It
is aimed at beginning graduate and advanced undergraduate students in
Linguistics and neighboring fields (e.g., Philosophy, Psychology,
Computer Science). It provides them with a firm grasp of some of the
most widely adopted theoretical assumptions and methodological tools
in contemporary semantic analysis. The goal is to attain "semantic
literacy," i.e., the ability to read and critically evaluate the
primary research literature, as well to formulate and tackle novel
research questions and ideas.
Prerequisites: The course does not have specific
prerequisites, but some familiarity with linguistics or the philosophy
of language is definitely a plus. Students whow have no such
background whatsoever but would still like to take the course must
obtain prior permission of the instructor.
Teaching method: Lectures, discussions, in-class
exercises, homeworks.
Evaluation:
Homework assignments (in most weeks, about 8 total): 50%;
presentation: 20%; term paper: 20%; participation: 10%.
Homeworks will typically be assigned on Thursday
and due the following Tuesday. Submission through HuskyCT will usually
be the preferred option. Alternatively, you can submit them by Email
in PDF, or bring them on paper. In any case, you must submit them by
the beginning of class on the due date. (We will usually discuss them
in class.) Late homeworks will not be accepted unless prior permission
has been granted or in case of a documented medical emergency. You
are encouraged to collaborate on the homeworks (but must submit their
answers individually).
For a presentations, you should start thinking
early about topics that you are interested in and that touch on
something we talk about in the class. We will then try to find a paper
on that topic, and you present that paper in class. Details will be
discussed when the time comes. You should come to me with ideas by
late October.
The term paper should be a short (5-10 pages)
exploration of a topic of your choice. It may be an interesting data
point in a language you know, or some theoretical or philosophical
problem related to the course. YOu should discuss your ideas with me
before Thanksgiving.
Textbook:
Elizabeth Coppock and Lucas Champollion, Invitation
to Formal Semantics.
This book has been in the works for some years and will probably be
published at some point. But for now it's a free online source. The
most recent version (as of the beginning of our semester) is from
August 20, 2021. That's the one we will be using.
We will also consult other works, for instance for details on special
topics or philosophical background. All such readings will be provided
in electronic form on HuskyCT.
Covid-19
I'm thrilled to be back in the classroom, after more than a year of
online meetings and teaching. But as you know, safety measures are
still in force. Here is a page of
things to be aware of. As of this writing (beginning of the
semester), we are all required to be wearing masks indoors. I don't
know how this will affect our interactions in the classroom; I just
hope we'll make the best of it.
If you have any questions or concerns about these matters, please
bring them up with me. Also, if you have to miss class for any reason,
let me know right away. I'll do my best to accommodate everyone's
circumstances.
Notice to students with disabilities:
In compliance with Section 504 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act and the
Americans with Disabilities Act, UConn is committed to providing equal
access to all programming. Students with disabilities seeking
accommodations are encouraged to contact the Center for Students with
Disabilities (CSD). CSD is located in Wilbur Cross Building, Room
224. Additionally, I am available to discuss disability-related needs
during my office hours or by appointment.
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