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

1. Review: Compositional Semantics, Generealized Quantifier Theory I
2. Generalized Quantifier Theory II
3. Conservativity
4. Monotonicity and Negative Polarity
5. Quantifier Scope

Part II: Plurality

6. Plural Predication
7. Plural nouns
8. Mass Nouns and Group Nouns
9. NO LECTURE
10. Classifier Languages

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.