UNIVERSITY OF KENT
MODULE SPECIFICATION TEMPLATE
SECTION 1: MODULE SPECIFICATIONS
1.
Title of the module
Topics in Semantics
2.
School which will be responsible for management of the module
SECL/ELL
3.
Start date of the module
Autumn 2014
4.
The number of students expected to take the module
20
5.
Modules to be withdrawn on the introduction of this proposed module and consultation
with other relevant Schools and Faculties regarding the withdrawal
LL523 Semantics
6.
Level of the module (e.g. Certificate [C], Intermediate [I], Honours [H] or Postgraduate
[M])
[H] Honours
7.
The number of credits and ECTS value which the module represents
15 (7.5 ECTS)
8.
Which term(s) the module is to be taught in (or other teaching pattern)
Autumn or Spring
9.
Prerequisite and co-requisite modules
Prerequisite Semantics and Pragmatics (or LL516)
10. The programme(s) of study to which the module contributes
This module will be an option for all students on the BA English Language &
Linguistics degree, and will be available as a wild module to students in the
faculties of Humanities and Social Sciences and to students on the Erasmus
exchange programme
11. The intended subject specific learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will:
1.
gain a systematic and critical understanding of the fundamentals of empirical
and formal inquiry in formal semantics
2. gain 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. be able to 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. be able to develop sophisticated lines of argumentation, make informed
judgements, provide analyses of data, and decide between competing
analyses of data
5. gain nuanced appreciation of the complexities, problems and limitations
associated with the subject.
12. The intended generic learning outcomes
UNIVERSITY OF KENT
On successful completion of the module students will:
1. further develop their capacity for critical thought and their ability to express
these thoughts accurately
2. consolidate 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. improve and consolidate their written and spoken fluency at an advanced level
4. develop their communicative skills and be able to engage with both specialist
and non-specialist audiences
5. develop their time management skills
13. A synopsis of the curriculum
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.
14. Indicative Reading List
Chierchia, G., and S. McConnell-Ginet (2000) Meaning and Grammar. An
Introduction to Semantics, MIT Press.
Gamut, L.T.F. Logic, Language and Meaning, Chicago University Press (two
volumes).
Heim, I. and A. Kratzer (1998) Semantics in Generative Grammar, Blackwell.
Kearns, K. (2011) Semantics, Palgrave.
Partee, B. et al. (1990) Mathematical Methods in Linguistics, Kluwer.
Saeed, J. (2003) Semantics. Oxford: Blackwell.
15. Learning and Teaching Methods, including the nature and number of contact hours and
the total study hours which will be expected of students, and how these relate to
achievement of the intended learning outcomes
This module will be taught in two sessions: a one-hour lecture and a one-hour
seminar. The lecture will introduce basic concepts, issues, definitions, etc.
(learning outcomes 11.1-4). Through classroom discussion, pair work and
exercises, the seminars will provide for practical work on given data sets, problems
and exercises that are related to the topics introduced in the lecture (learning
outcomes 11,4-5, 12.1-5).
Total contact hours: 20
Total study hours: 150
16. Assessment methods and how these relate to testing achievement of the intended
learning outcomes
This module is assessed through coursework and seminar participation. There will
be a total of 2 take-home assignments throughout the term:
Seminar participation:
15%
Assignment 1 (1200 words):
40%
Assignment 2 (1300 words):
45%
UNIVERSITY OF KENT
Each of the assignments will consist of a problem set related to the formalism
underpinning formal semantics, empirical semantic issues of relevance to the
course, and/or the hypotheses and theoretical apparatus developed in the lecture.
The assignments will assess students’ knowledge and understanding of the
material (learning outcomes 11.1-3, 11.5). The mark for seminar participation will
reflect students’ ability to engage clearly and effectively in oral discussion and
argument (learning outcomes 11.4, 12.1-5).
17. Implications for learning resources, including staff, library, IT and space
Large seminar rooms with computer facilities and large whiteboard space are
essential.
18. The School recognises and has embedded the expectations of current disability equality
legislation, and supports students with a declared disability or special educational need
in its teaching. Within this module we will make reasonable adjustments wherever
necessary, including additional or substitute materials, teaching modes or assessment
methods for students who have declared and discussed their learning support needs.
Arrangements for students with declared disabilities will be made on an individual basis,
in consultation with the University’s disability/dyslexia support service, and specialist
support will be provided where needed.
19. Campus(es) where module will be delivered 1
Canterbury
SECTION 2: MODULE IS PART OF A PROGRAMME OF STUDY IN A UNIVERSITY
SCHOOL
Statement by the School Director of Learning and Teaching/School Director of
Graduate Studies (as appropriate): "I confirm I have been consulted on the above module
proposal and have given advice on the correct procedures and required content of module
proposals"
................................................................
..............................................
Director of Learning and Teaching/Director of Graduate
Studies (delete as applicable)
Date
…………………………………………………
Print Name
Statement by the Head of School: "I confirm that the School has approved the introduction
of the module and, where the module is proposed by School staff, will be responsible for its
resourcing"
1
.................................................................
..............................................
Head of School
Date
Required for information purposes only. Changes of campus will not require re-approval of the
module specification.
UNIVERSITY OF KENT
…………………………………………………….
Print Name
SECTION 3: MODULE IS PART OF A PROGRAMME IN A PARTNER COLLEGE OR
VALIDATED INSTITUTION
(Where the module is proposed by a Partner College/Validated Institution)
Statement by the Nominated Officer of the College/Validated Institution (delete as
applicable): "I confirm that the College/Validated Institution (delete as applicable) has
approved the introduction of the module and will be responsible for its resourcing"
.................................................................
Nominated Responsible Officer
College/Validated Institution
of
..............................................
Partner
………………………………………………….
Print Name
…………………………………………………..
Post
………………………………………….
Partner College/Validated Institution
Module Specification Template
Last updated November 2011
Date