This is the second module on natural language semantics offered at the Department of Cognitive Studies. We will cover advanced topics in semantics that weren’t covered in Semantics I, and we will revisit topics from Semantics I under a new light. We will focus on the following broad topics.
- Quantification
- Anaphora, in particular dynamic semantics
- Intensional semantics: propositional attitudes, modals, conditionals
- Meaning beyond declaratives: questions and imperatives
Assessment will involve a small number of homework assignments (2 or 3), discussion of primary reading in class, and a term paper.
Note that Semantics I is a prerequisite for this course. If you have not taken Semantics I but would like to take this course, you must contact the instructor as soon as possible to see if this is a possibility.