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Ling 6410:
Semantics Seminar: Conditionals
General Information
Course Description:
In this seminar we study topics in the meaning and use of modal and
conditional expressions. Starting out from a survey of classic and
recent work in formal semantics and pragmatics, we then explore such
topics as interactions with other grammatical categories (e.g., tense
and aspect); linguistic interfaces (syntax, pragmatics); relevant work
in Philosophy, Psychology and Artificial Intelligence on notions like
context dependence, causality, probability, belief revision, and
decision making.
There is a wide range of potential topics, and what ends up being
discussed will depend on students' interests and backgrounds. The
course should be of interest to graduate and advanced undergraduate
students in Linguistics, Philosophy, and Psychology. This is an area
with a lot of potential for interdisciplinary synergy. Students will
come away with a clear idea of the range of issues and perspectives
involved, and ideally with a well-informed research project of their
own.
Prerequisites: Permission of the instructor.
Teaching method: Lectures, presentations,
discussions. Students will be asked to lead class discussions once or
twice during the semester (depending on the enrollment and pace of the
course) and to give a short presentation of their final project (see
below) towards the end.
Evaluation:
Attendance, participation, student-led discussions, small written
assignments, final take-home project. Collaboration are encouraged,
but must be arranged and discussed with me in advance.
- Students who lead the discussion should prepare a handout or
slides and submit them to me on the day of the discussion. These
materials will enter the evaluation.
- Written assignments will be required at irregular intervals,
about every other week on average. Typically they will be critical
discussions of the literature or statements of opinion on some issue
or data set. They should not exceed 500 words (about one page,
single-spaced, with normal formatting and font size).
- The final project will be due during our assigned slot in exam
week. The topic must be discussed with me at least two weeks before
the due date. The topic, scope, and the size of the deliverable will
be adjusted to students' level of preparedness (grad vs.~undergrad
etc.) and interests. There is much flexibility: It may be a
literature overview, an analysis of a linguistic data set or a
philosphical problem, a psycholinguistic experiment design, a corpus
study, or yet some other thing I haven't thought of. Students are
strongly encouraged to come up with ideas of their own.
Readings: Will be provided.
Etiquette: No use of email or social media in the
classroom, please.
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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