LG476-7-AU-CO:
Semantics
2025/26
Language and Linguistics
Colchester Campus
Autumn
Postgraduate: Level 7
Current
Thursday 02 October 2025
Friday 12 December 2025
15
17 March 2025
Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
MA Q16012 English Language and Linguistics,
MA Q10012 Linguistics
This module provides an introduction to semantics, the study of meaning expressed through language. Semantic analysis involves the study of how words, phrases and grammatical constructions come together in utterances to form unique but well understood messages. Each language organizes semantic meaning into different patterns. Some patterns are very common across many languages, but there are also significant differences in how particular components of meaning are expressed cross-linguistically. By studying how meaning is expressed in a variety of languages, we gain a broader understanding of semantics that can provide insight into how meaning works in any language
The aims of this module are to:
- give students an understanding of key topics in the field of semantics
- help students understand basic concepts and vocabulary to be able to engage with contemporary semantic research
- encourage students to think critically about meaning and language
By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:
1. Demonstrate familiarity with what constitutes the domain of semantics, and how it relates to other sub-fields of linguistics.
2. Have been introduced to, and reflected upon, a number of key topics in semantics.
3. Explain several ways in which languages can differ in their semantic structures.
1 Compositionality
2 Word meanings
3 Quantifiers
4 Verbs
5 Tense and aspect
6 Modality and evidentiality
7 Conditionals and coordination
8 Expressives and gestures
9 Politeness and swearing
10 In-class presentations
- One 2-hour lecturer/seminar per week
The above list is indicative of the essential reading for the course.
The library makes provision for all reading list items, with digital provision where possible, and these resources are shared between students.
Further reading can be obtained from this module's
reading list.
Assessment items, weightings and deadlines
| Coursework / exam |
Description |
Deadline |
Coursework weighting |
| Coursework |
Assessment 1 |
|
40% |
| Coursework |
Assessment 2 |
|
40% |
| Coursework |
In Class Group Presentation |
|
20% |
Exam format definitions
- Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
- In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary,
for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.
Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.
Overall assessment
Reassessment
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Yes
No
No
Dr Ian Cunnings
University of Reading
Associate Professor in Psycholinguistics
Available via Moodle
Of 2 hours, 2 (100%) hours available to students:
0 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s), module, or event type.
* Please note: due to differing publication schedules, items marked with an asterisk (*) base their information upon the previous academic year.
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