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Syllabus
553: Formal Semantics I
Maribel Romero
Description of the course
This course introduces you
to the main concerns of current Formal Semantics. It teaches you
how the meaning of a complex linguistic expression can be construed
combining the meanings of the simple words that compose it. By
studying different aspects of this semantic composition, the course
provides you with tools to investigate empirical properties of
natural language and with a basic background to understand current
research on the field.
Required Background
- Ling548 or equivalent background in Set Theory and Logic is required.
- Some background in syntax is highly recommended.
If you need additional help with the technical part of this course, do not hesitate to contact me at any point.
Main Topics and Tentative Schedule
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Week of |
Topic |
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Jan 12 |
1. Review of some mathematical tools.
2. Compositionality. Names and predicates in NatLg.
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Jan 19 |
3. l-calculus.
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Jan 26 |
4. Non-verbal predicates. Modifiers. The definite article.
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Feb 2 |
5. More on modifiers. Relative clauses.
**Take Home I**
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Feb 9 |
6. Pronouns I: variable binding in natural language. |
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Feb 16 - Feb 23 |
7. Quantification I: properties of natural language Determiners. |
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Feb 23 - March 1 |
8. Quantification II: the scope of quantificational Noun Phrases.
**Take Home II**
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March 8 |
SPRING BREAK
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March 15 |
9. Pronouns II: cross-clausal and cross-sentential anaphora. Brief
introduction to Dynamic Semantics. |
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March 22 |
10. Pronouns III: E-type pronouns, pronouns of laziness.
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March 29 |
11. Tense.
**Take Home III** |
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April 5 |
12. Intensionality I: Modals. Conditionals. |
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April 12 |
13. Intensionality II: Attitude reports. |
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April 19 |
14. Presupposition.
**Take Home IV**
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April 26 Tentative |
Mini-conference: ***Project Presentation*** |
Texts
There is a textbook, which you can get at the Penn bookstore
or at "House of Our Own" (3920 Spruce St.,
215 222-1576):
- Heim, I., and A. Kratzer. 1998. Semantics in Generative
Grammar. Blackwell.
Other books that I recommend and that I may pass out
readings from are the following:
- Chierchia, G., and McConnell-Ginet, S. 1990. Meaning and
Grammar: An Introduction to Semantics. MIT Press.
- Gamut, L.T.F. 1991. Logic, Language, and Meaning. Volumes 1 and 2. University of Chicago Press. (I also ordered some copies of this one)
- Partee, B., Ter Meulen, A. , and Wall. 1990. Mathematical Methods
in Linguistics. Kluwer.
- Portner, P. and B. Partee. 2002. Formal Semantics: The Essential Readings. Blackwell.
Course Requirements and Grade
- Attendance, weekly readings
from the aforementioned books and from selected papers, regularly
assigned homework exercises, four Take Home assignments, and one
(possibly joint) class presentation.
- On a regular basis (almost
every week), you will be assigned some homework exercises.
These assignments will not get a grade. We will go over them in
class all together to make sure that everybody understood them
(be ready to be called to do them on the blackboard). This work
is for your own benefit: you are encouraged to work in teams if
you find that it helps you, and you should contact me as soon
as you get stuck. The purpose of it is to prepare you for…
- …the four Take Home assignments, which you have to
hand in on the date they are due and which you will get a grade
for.
- Towards the end of the semester, you have to give a (possibly
joint) project presentation. You are expected to
present your own piece of research (possibly an extension of some
homework assignment) or review critically some extra readings
(from the aforementioned texts, and/or from some papers that I
will assign you). You should meet with me and have a topic no
later than March 29. All presentations require a handout.
- Your grade will be based on your three best Take Homes, your
project presentation and your class participation.
Contact Information
Office hours: Mon 3pm-5pm. 3600 Market St., suite 507
romero@ling.upenn.edu
Office phone: (215) 573-5192
Questions and comments to Maribel Romero
(romero@ling.upenn.edu)
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