This course introduces students to the basic problems in the study of meaning, in all areas of language (vocabulary, grammar, discourse). Students learn how to use the Natural Semantic Metalanguage approach; formulate and test hypotheses about what a word, an expression or a construction means; how to state this meaning in a clear, precise and illuminating way; and how to compare meanings across languages and cultures. They will also learn some of the basic ideas and techniques of Formal Semantics, for analyzing meaning-based properties and relations of words and utterance, such as entailment and contradiction, and how NSM and Formal Semantics relate to other approaches to the study of meaning, such as componential analysis.

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Grasp key issues involved in the study of semantic fields.
2. Explore the meanings of an expression in a systematic manner.
3. Solve simple problems in semantic analysis.
4. Explain the basic goals of several different approaches to semantics.
5. Undertake guided research in topics in semantics.

1. 2 x Assignments, worth 20% each, 2-3 pages of data and instructions, calling for 3-5 pages of analysis [Learning Outcomes 2,3]
2. 1 x 500 word plan and bibliography for essay, worth 10% [Learning Outcomes 4,5]
3. 1 x 2000-2500 word essay, worth 25%; [Learning Outcomes 1,2,4,5]
4. 1 x 2hr Final Exam, worth 25%; [Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4]

2.6 contact  hrs + 7.4 hours of readings, assessment items and tutorial preparation per week.

LING2008 Semantics

The textbook will be specified on Wattle, and additional readings provided there.