V61.0004 Introduction to Semantics
Prof. Chris Barker
Spring 2009
sample syllabus (Fall 2007, pdf)
Focuses on the compositional semantics of sentences. Introduces set theory, propositional logic, and predicate logic as tools and goes on to investigate the empirical linguistic issues of presuppositions, quantificication, scope, and polarity. Points out parallelisms between the nominal and the verbal domains. Examines the acquisition of meaning by children learning their first language.
Last Modified: November 4, 2008