UNIVERSITY OF KENT MODULE SPECIFICATION TEMPLATE SECTION 1: MODULE SPECIFICATIONS 1. Title of the module Semantics 2. School which will be responsible for the 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 10-20 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 Modules to be withdrawn on the introduction of this proposed module and consultation with other relevant Schools and Faculties regarding the withdrawal None 7.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 8. The number of credits which the module represents 30 credits 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 Term 10. Prerequisite and co-requisite modules Principles of Language (M level – no code yet) 11. The programme(s) of study to which the module contributes MA Linguistics 12. The intended subject specific learning outcomes and, as appropriate, their relationship to programme learning outcomes a) Students will acquire the formal tools (set theory, logic, the λ-calculus) that underpin in fundamental ways all work within formal semantic theory, and will learn how these formal tools are used to investigate the nature of linguistic meaning (A1, B10, C15, C17) b) Students will learn the fundamentals of semantic theory and of empirical inquiry in this discipline (A1, A5, C15, C17) c) Students will investigate a number of semantic phenomena in natural language, including quantification, presupposition, predication, argumenthood and relativization (A1, A5, C17) New module specification approved by Faculty 07 March 2012 UNIVERSITY OF KENT d) Students will develop independent lines of argumentation and critically evaluate proposals and analyses of data (B8, B10, B12) 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). 14. A synopsis of the curriculum This course is an introduction to formal semantics. It provides students with the formal background that is required in order to become a practitioner in the discipline, as well as with an introduction to semantic theorizing and some of the phenomena of interest to the semanticist. Students will learn how to form hypotheses about linguistic meaning and how to assess them critically and empirically. 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 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. Students will submit 4 assignments throughout the term. They will have one week to work on each assignment. Each assignment will be approx. 1,000 words: Each of assignments 1 and 2: 20% Each of assignments 3 and 4: 30% 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 d-f). New module specification approved by Faculty 07 March 2012 UNIVERSITY OF KENT 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, in consultation with the University’s disability/dyslexia support service, and specialist support will be provided where needed. 20. Campus(es) where the module will be delivered 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: N/A 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" ................................................................ .............................................. 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" ................................................................. .............................................. Head of School Date ……………………………………………………. Print Name New module specification approved by Faculty 07 March 2012 UNIVERSITY OF KENT 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" N/A ................................................................. Nominated Responsible Officer College/Validated Institution of .............................................. Partner …………………………………………………. Print Name ………………………………………………….. Post …………………………………………. Partner College/Validated Institution New module specification approved by Faculty 07 March 2012 Date