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
3.
Start date of the module September 2012
4.
The cohort of students (onwards) to which the module will be applicable 2012/2013
5.
The number of students expected to take the module 10
6.
Modules to be withdrawn on the introduction of this proposed module and consultation
with other relevant Schools and Faculties regarding the withdrawal None
7.
Level of the module (e.g. Certificate [C], Intermediate [I], Honours [H] or Postgraduate
[M]) [M] Postgraduate
8.
The number of credits which the module represents 30
Note: undergraduate full-time students take modules amounting to 120 credits per year
and postgraduate full-time students take modules amounting to 180 credits per year for a
Masters award
9.
Which term(s) the module is to be taught in (or other teaching pattern) Autumn or
Spring
10. Prerequisite and co-requisite modules The pre-requisites or co-requisites for this
module are Semantics and Topics in Syntax
11. The programme(s) of study to which the module contributes This module will be an
option for all students on the MA in Linguistics degree
12. The intended subject specific learning outcomes and, as appropriate, their relationship to
programme learning outcomes
a) Students will learn the fundamentals of semantic theory and of empirical
inquiry in this discipline (A1, A5, C15, C17)
b) Students will investigate a number of semantic phenomena in natural language,
including quantifier scope, the semantics of syntactic movement, pronoun
resolution, and the basics of intensional semantics (A1, A5, C17)
c) Students will develop independent lines of argumentation and critically
evaluate proposals and analyses of data given to them (B8, B10, B12)
d) Students will pursue independent, original research, based on the semantic
theory developed in class (B8, B9, B10, B12, C15, C16, C17,)
13. The intended generic learning outcomes and, as appropriate, their relationship to
programme learning outcomes
e) Communicate the results of study and work accurately, with well- structured
and coherent arguments in an effective and fluent manner both in speech and
in writing (B8, B10, D19, D20).
f)
Seminars enable students to take part in discussions, making clear and
relevant contributions in a way that suits the situation, as well as listening and
responding appropriately to others. Reading and responding to reading
enables students to extract necessary information and to summarise
coherently from the information obtained from different sources. Producing
written work enables students to present clear and relevant information in a
suitable format, organised coherently (B8, B12, D20, D23, D24).
New module specification approved by Faculty 30 April 2012
UNIVERSITY OF KENT
14. A synopsis of the curriculum
This course is an in-depth exploration of a small set of topics in formal semantics,
including quantifier scope, the semantics of syntactic movement, pronoun
resolution, and the basics of intensional semantics. Students will conduct a small
piece of independent, original, formal semantics research at the end of the term.
15. 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
Partee, B. et al. (1990) Mathematical Methods in Linguistics, Kluwer
Portner, P. (2009) Modality, Oxford University Press
16. 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, consisting of a 1-hour lecture and a 2hour seminar. The lecture will address key semantic theories and concepts
(learning outcomes a-d), while the seminars will provide for practical investigations
of the topics introduced in the lectures (learning outcomes a-f).
Total study hours: 300.
17. Assessment methods and how these relate to testing achievement of the intended
learning outcomes
This course will be assessed on the basis of coursework and a short piece of
independent, original research submitted at the end of the term.
Students will submit 3 assignments throughout the term. They will have one week
to work on each assignment. Each assignment will be approx. 1,000 words. At the
end of the term, students will submit a longer, approx. 1,500-word piece on an
issue of their choosing (with previous approval by the module organizer):
Each of assignments 1, 2 and 3:
20%
Piece of independent research:
40%
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 a-c) as well as their ability to think critically about the
theoretical apparatus provided in the lectures, by assessing its efficacy through
practical implementations (learning outcomes e-f). The piece of independent
research will test for their knowledge and understand of the theories presented in
class as well as their originality and independence in applying this theoretical
apparatus to a new issue/data set of their choosing (learning outcomes a-f).
18. Implications for learning resources, including staff, library, IT and space
Seminar rooms with computer facilities and large whiteboards are necessary.
19. 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,
New module specification approved by Faculty 30 April 2012
UNIVERSITY OF KENT
in consultation with the University’s disability/dyslexia support service, and specialist
support will be provided where needed.
20. Campus(es) where module will be delivered 1 Canterbury
If the module is part of a programme in a Partner College or Validated Institution,
please complete the following:
21. Partner College/Validated Institution
22. University School (for cognate programmes) or Faculty (for non-cognate programmes)
responsible for the programme
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"
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Director of Learning and Teaching/Director of Graduate
Studies (delete as applicable)
Date
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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"
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Head of School
Date
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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)
1
Required for information purposes only. Changes of campus will not require re-approval of the
module specification.
New module specification approved by Faculty 30 April 2012
UNIVERSITY OF KENT
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
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Partner
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Print Name
…………………………………………………..
Post
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Partner College/Validated Institution
Module Specification Template
Last updated November 2011
New module specification approved by Faculty 30 April 2012
Date