Course aims:

Definition, description and explanation of key concepts, theories, methods specific to the study of English;
Using concepts specific to the field in order to explain the fundamental linguistic phenomena specific to the field;
Application of principles, basic rules for understanding a written / oral or to express in writing/ orally in an appropriate manner, respectively, taking into account all elements involved (linguistic, socio-linguistic, pragmatic, semantic, and stylistic).

Course Entry Requirements:

-

Course contents:

C1. Introduction. Meaning and semantics C2. Sentences, utterances, and propositions C3. Reference and sense C4. Reference and sense C5. Reference and sense C6. Logical semantics C7. Word meaning C8. Word meaning C9. Interpersonal and non-literal meaning C10. Interpersonal and non-literal meaning C11. Interpersonal and non-literal meaning C12. Tense and aspect C13. Tense and aspect C14. Tense and aspect

Teaching methods:

Elicitation, Cooperative learning, Discussion and survey, Team-based learning, Active learning systems, Active listening.

Learning outcomes:

having developed some understanding of the role of logic and discourse representation as a tool in describing and analysing natural language semantics; having been introduced to, and reflected upon, a number of key topics in semantics; having developed critical reading skills and ability to initiate own research.

Learning outcomes verification and assessment criteria:

Combined oral and written examination to verify the quality and correctness of information assimilated. (50%+50%).

Recommended reading:

Jens Allwood, Lars Andersen and Osten Dahl,, Logic in Linguistics, CUP, Cambridge, 1977,
Lyons, J., Linguistic Semantics: An Introduction, CUP, Cambridge, 1995,
Aitchison, J., Words in the Mind: An Introduction to the Mental Lexicon, Wiley-Blackwell, Oxford/Cambridge, 2012,
Kate Kearns, Semantics, Macmillan, London, 2000,