This course offers an introduction to semantics, which is the component
of grammar that relates symbolic structures to what speakers take to be
things in the real world. As a prerequisite, participants are expected
to have basic knowledge of syntax. We will learn how the meaning of a
sentence is computed from the meaning of its parts. Particular attention
will be given to making sure students understand such basic conceptual
distinctions as truth values and truth conditions, sense and reference,
sets and functions. Time permitting, we will also talk about how the
meaning of a sentence is enriched when it is used in
conversations. Required readings and/or problem sets are assigned almost
every week. We will use excerpts from the following textbook: Heim,
Irene & Angelika Kratzer (1998) "Semantics in Generative Grammar",
Blackwell. It is recommended, but not necessary, that you buy the book,
as reading materials will be made available online to class
participants. In addition, there will be handouts accompanying the
lectures. To complete this course successfully, it is imperative that
you attend the lectures fully awake, study the handouts, read the
assigned pages, and do the problem sets. Students are allowed to
co-operate on the problem sets but are expected to write up the
solutions on their own. There will be one midterm and one final exam.
The weighting of grades will be determined later in the semester.
- Kursverantwortliche/r: Tue Trinh
Semester: WiSe 2021/22