|
|
Linguistics 525
Semantics and Pragmatics
Descriptions of meaning
This course will serve as an introduction
to semantics and pragmatics, the subfields
of linguistics studying, respectively, how meaning
is related to linguistic form and how it is conveyed.
Topic covered include
denotation and sense; possible worlds; compositional semantics;
truth conditions and logic; predicates
and arguments; quantifiers; scope; modality; definites and indefinites;
aspectual classes; implicature; Grice's Maxims.
The focus is on
surveying some of the topics where
the analysis of meaning has given us some
insight into linguistic structure,
such as scope and modality;
developing tools for the description
of semantic relationships and contrasts;
and understanding the distinction
between literal and conveyed meaning,
as well as some of the problems
involved in making that distinction.
The course textbook will be
Semantics, Second Edition, by Kate Kearns, available
in the campus bookstore.
There will be exercises for most
of the chapters covered.
to formal descriptions of grammar,
Prequisites: Ling 420 or Ling 501 or equivalent (see me for equivalence).
Grading will be based on exercises, a midterm and a final.
Breakdown in the syllabus.
|
TuTh | 12:30-1:30 |
 |
| Tu | 3:30-4:30 |
|
| Th | 9:30-10:30 |
|
|
TuTh | 2:00-3:15 | SH 221 |
|
Mailing address:
Department of Linguistics and Oriental Languages
San Diego State University
5500 Campanile Drive
San Diego, CA 92182-7727
Telephone: (619) 594-0252
Office location: SHW, room 238
Office hours: Tu 3:30-4:30, Th 9:30-10:45, TuTh 12:30-1:45
|
