LING
661, Issues in Semantics
Beyond Semantics 1:
Intensionality, Implicature, and Events
Tuesdays 2-5, 1401G MMH
Alexander Williams
(alxndrw)
Course description
The aim of this course to further familiarize you with both the tools and the topics of formal semantics and pragmatics. We will review a range of fundamental research areas in which any contemporary linguist must be conversant. These will include at least intensional logic, generalized quantifier theory, conversational implicature, and verbal aspect. Either of the last two topics may be extended. The first, to also consider the theory of presupposition; the second, to also consider event-based Davidsonian semantic theories. Depending on time and interest, we might also (or instead) consider some more specific topics, such as adverbial quantification or the semantics of interrogatives.
Syllabus, with bibliography
Weekly guide and notes
January 30, February 6, 13: Intensionality (notes)
Readings: Gamut, Chapters 1, 2, 3, and 5. von Fintel 2006. Additional: Kratzer 1991, 1981
February 20, 27: Generalized Quantifier Theory (notes)
Readings: Barwise and Cooper 1981, Van der Does and Van Eijk 1995, Keenan 1996
March 6, 13, 27: Implicature (notes1, notes2, notes3)
Readings: Grice 1968/1975, Sadock 1978, Levinson 1983, Horn 1984, Sperber and Wilson 1986, Gazdar 1979 (esp. 55-62), Sauerland 2004 (L&P 27:367-391), Chierchia 2002 (esp. 1-26)
Assignment
April 3: Event-based logical forms (notes)
Readings: Parsons 1990, Chs. 1&2, 4; Landman 2000, Ch.1, Ch.3, S.4; (Davidson 1967, 1, 2)
April 10: Thematic relations (notes)
Readings: Parsons 1990, Ch. 5; Landman 2000, Ch.2; Dowty 1989 S1-4, S5; (Carlson 1984) [Dowty 1990, Baker 1998]
April 17: Event type (notes)
Readings: Dowty 1979, Ch. 2: 2.2, 2.3; Bach 1986, Mourelatos 1978, Verkuyl 1993.
April 24: Telicity (notes)
Readings: Krifka 1992, 1998; Hay-Kennedy-Levin 1999; Tenny 1992