This course builds on the student's knowledge of semantic phenomena, introducing formal approaches and the semantic metalanguage. Students will be provided with a small set of formal tools for the analysis of linguistic meaning. Students will learn to use these tools to probe into the nature of meaning in natural language and into different types of semantic phenomena. Specific topics that will be dealt with include predication, argumenthood, entailment, presupposition, definiteness and quantification.
Total Contact Hours: 20
Private Study Hours: 130
Total Study Hours: 150
Main assessment methods
• Assignment 1 (1,200 words) – 45%
• Assignment 2 (1,300 words) – 55%
Reassessment methods
• Reassessment Instrument: 100% Coursework
The University is committed to ensuring that core reading materials are in accessible electronic format in line with the Kent Inclusive Practices. The most up to date reading list for each module can be found on the university's reading list pages: https://kent.rl.talis.com/index.html
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Demonstrate a systematic and critical understanding of the fundamentals of empirical and formal inquiry in formal semantics;
2 Demonstrate a systematic advanced-level understanding of some of the mathematical methods that underpin the investigation of linguistic meaning in formal semantics,
such as set theory and functions;
3 Deploy accurately established modes of analysis and investigation pursuant to the advanced study of meaning, including cross-disciplinary investigations (e.g. exploring
connections to philosophy, literature and psychology);
4 Demonstrate sophisticated lines of argumentation, make informed judgements, provide analyses of data, and decide between competing analyses of data;
5 Demonstrate nuanced appreciation of the complexities, problems and limitations associated with the subject.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Demonstrate their capacity for critical thought and their ability to express these thoughts accurately;
2 Demonstrate their critical thinking skills and be able to assess the extent to which their own hypotheses are validated by new data and problems given to them;
3 Demonstrate their written fluency at an advanced level;
4 Demonstrate their communicative skills and be able to engage with both specialist and non-specialist audiences;
5 Demonstrate their time management skills.
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