Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2022 - PHIL 467W E100

Seminar II (4)

Semantics & Pragmatics

Class Number: 7738

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 7 – Dec 6, 2022: Wed, 4:30–8:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    Two 300-division PHIL courses.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

May be repeated for credit. Writing.

COURSE DETAILS:


Selected Topics: Philosophy of Language: Semantics & Pragmatics

[Note: this course is to be taught concurrently with PHIL 806.]

The first half of this class will serve as an advanced introduction to Philosophy of Language, through the lens of the semantics-pragmatics distinction (roughly, the distinction between the meanings of word or sentences and their uses in context). In this section, we will be reading from a number of classic sources, including Frege, Austin, and Grice, in addition to studying more contemporary approaches, such as semantic minimalism and Relevance Theory. In the other half of the class, we will seek to apply these theoretical reflections to concrete issues: in particular, we will attempt to determine to what extent the semantics-pragmatics distinction can help shed light on issues such as lying, misleading, insinuation, bullshit, propaganda, hate speech, etc.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

This course may be applied towards the Writing Requirement (and the upper division Writing Requirement for Philosophy majors).

Grading

  • Weekly Discussion questions (submitted prior to class) and in-class participation 15%
  • Final term paper, with revisions 80%
  • Provision of peer feedback on term paper drafts 5%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

All materials will be made available by the instructor.

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

Thinking of a Philosophy Major or Minor? The Concentration in Law and Philosophy? The Certificate in Ethics? The Philosophy and Methodology of Science Certificate?
Contact the PHIL Advisor at philmgr@sfu.ca   More details on our website: SFU Philosophy

New elective grade policy : P/CR/NC, pilot project in place from Spring 2021 to Summer 2023. List of exclusions for the new policy. Specifically for Philosophy: 

  • Students can use a P or CR to satisfy any requirement for a major, joint major, honours, or minor in Philosophy (with the exception of Honours tutorials).
  • Students can use a P or CR to satisfy any prerequisite requirement for any PHIL course.
  • Students can use a P (but not a CR) to satisfy any requirement for the Ethics Certificate, or the Philosophy and Methodology of Science Certificate.
  • Philosophy Majors and Honours students can use a P (but not a CR) to satisfy any WQB requirement.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the university community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the university. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the university. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html