Advanced Semantic Theory
Module Code: PLIN0020 (formerly PLIN3004/PLING218)
About
In this module we discuss advanced topics in semantics. In 2018-19 we will focus on quantification and plurality. All the course materials (lecture notes, references, etc.) will be uploaded here. Please see the Moodle site (https://moodle-1819.ucl.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=9026) for information about the assessment.
Schedule and Lecture Notes
Part I: Quantification
- Review: Compositional Semantics, Generealized Quantifier Theory I
- Generalized Quantifier Theory II
- Conservativity
- Monotonicity and Negative Polarity
- Quantifier Scope
Part II: Plurality
Supplementary Readings
There's a number of introductory textbooks to formal semantics:- Irene Heim & Angelika Kratzer (1998) Semantics in Generative Grammar. Blackwell.
- Henriëtte de Swart (1998) Introduction to Natural Language Semantics. University of Chicago Press.
- Kate Kearns (2011) Semantics. Palgrave.
- Thomas Ede Zimmermann & Wolfgang Sternefeld (2013) Introduction to Semantics: An Essential Guide to the Composition of Meaning. De Gruyter.
- Pauline Jacobson (2014) Compositional Semantics. Oxford University Press.
- Yoad Winter (2016) Elements of Formal Sematnics. University of Edinburgh Press.
- Elizabeth Coppock & Lucas Champollion (ms.) Formal Semantics Boot Camp.