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:

1. Introduction. Meaning and semantics; 2. Sentences, utterances, and propositions; 3. Reference and sense; 4. Logical semantics; 5. Word meaning; 6. Interpersonal and non-literal meaning; 7. Tense and aspect;

Teaching methods:

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

Learning outcomes:

Developing 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,
Ronnie Cann, , . Formal Semantics: an Introduction, ., CUP, Cambridge, 1993,
Ronnie Cann, Ruth Kempson, Eleni Gregoromichelaki, , . Semantics: An Introduction to Meaning in Language, ., CUP, Cambridge, 2009,
Kate Kearns, , . Semantics,, Macmillan, London, 2000,
Henriette de Swart, , . Introduction to Natural Language Semantics, ., CSLI, 1998,