Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2024 - LING 324 B100

Semantics (3)

Class Number: 1931

Delivery Method: Blended

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 8 – Apr 12, 2024: Fri, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    LING 282W.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Basic formal aspects of meaning (e.g. compositional semantics, truth conditional semantics and quantification in natural language) and how they are distinguished from pragmatic aspects of meaning. Quantitative.

COURSE DETAILS:

People use sentences to mean things: to convey information about themselves and about states of affairs in the world. This class introduces the study of how meaning is encoded and expressed in natural language. We will examine basic concepts in the study of meaning, including reference, denotation, word meaning, truth-conditions, inference relations, logical connectives, predication, quantification, modality, evidentiality, tense, and aspect. We will also discuss pragmatic aspects of meaning, including conversational implicatures, speech acts, and deixis. The theoretical concepts introduced in this course will be employed in the analysis of empirical data drawn not only from English but also from other languages. 

MODE OF INSTRUCTION/DELIVERY:   

This course will be blended in person and asynchronous. Exercises and quizzes will be available asynchronously in Canvas for a minimum of two hours per week based on course readings, on-line videos and podcasts. There will be a one-hour in-person class each week dedicated to review and in-depth discussion of class materials.  

Grading

  • Weekly Pre-quizzes (individual) 24%
  • Weekly Group Assignments 36%
  • Group Presentations 20%
  • Podcast Discussions 16%
  • Participation and Engagement 4%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Kroeger, Paul. 2022. Analyzing meaning: An Introduction to Semantics and Pragmatics. Third edition. (Textbooks in Language Sciences 5). Berlin: Language Science Press. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6855854 

RECOMMENDED READING:

None.

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:

Students should familiarize themselves with the Department's Standards on Class Management and Student Responsibilities.

Please note that a grade of “FD” (Failed-Dishonesty) may be assigned as a penalty for academic dishonesty.

All student requests for accommodations for their religious practices must be made in writing by the end of the first week of classes or no later than one week after a student adds a course.

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