Semantics - LAN00095M
Module summary
The goal of this module is to serve as an introduction to, and overview of, the study of meaning in natural language. It will focus on discussing several core issues in semantics and pragmatics, as well as some of the approaches taken to studying them.
Module will run
Occurrence | Teaching period |
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A | Semester 1 2025-26 |
Module aims
This module will train you to be familiar with formal notations and key terminology in both semantics and pragmatics. By the end of the module, you will have acquired a good sense of what the two fields are about and possess a broad foundation that can be built on in the future for those of you who choose to pursue further study in any aspect of meaning in their MA.
Module learning outcomes
By the end of the module students will be able to do the following:
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Apply semantic tests for entailment, implication and presupposition
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Translate sentences of English into logic
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Understand some key issues in semantics research
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Understand the notations commonly used in semantics research papers
Module content
We aim to cover the following topics in this module:
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Inference, including entailment, presupposition and implicature
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Logic, including predicate logic and the basics of lambda notation
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Set theory
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Issues of reference and quantification
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Gricean Pragmatics
Indicative assessment
Task | % of module mark |
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Essay/coursework | 100 |
Special assessment rules
None
Indicative reassessment
Task | % of module mark |
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Essay/coursework | 100 |
Module feedback
Every week, you will do exercises and receive in-class oral feedback
For submitted assessments, you will receive individual written feedback within 25 working days of your submission.
Indicative reading
TBA