Dr. Jason Merchant

Professor

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Biography

Jason Merchant is the Lorna Puttkammer Straus Distinguished Service Professor and Vice Provost for Academic Affairs at the University of Chicago, specializing in syntax, morphology, and semantics. He completed his PhD at the University of California, Santa Cruz in 1999 and has been a faculty member at the University of Chicago since 2001. His research primarily focuses on elliptical phenomena, exploring the interfaces between syntax and semantics, and how these areas relate to variations of meaning within human languages. He has studied multiple languages and has conducted fieldwork on various language families including Germanic, Slavic, and Romance languages. Merchant has published extensively, contributing to both books and articles within the field of linguistics. His courses include topics such as the fundamentals of linguistics, syntax theories, and the intersection of legal interpretation with semantics, offering students a robust understanding of language structure and use as seen across diverse cultures. Jason has held prestigious fellowships, including the Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst and Fulbright fellowships, and has taught at numerous institutions worldwide, enhancing the global reach of his academic contributions.

Research Interests

Experience

Vice Provost Academic Affairs

2001-01-01 — Present

University of Chicago • Chicago, IL

Oversees academic programs and initiatives at the university.

Lorna Puttkammer Straus Distinguished Service Professor

2001-01-01 — Present

University of Chicago • Chicago, IL

Teaches courses in linguistics and conducts research in syntax and semantics.

Awards

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Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst Fellow

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Fulbright Fellow

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Onassis Fellow

Courses

Introduction to Linguistics (LING 20001) Syntax 1 (LING 30201) Syntax-Semantics Seminar: Syntax-Semantics Interface (LING 42200) Legal Interpretation Historical Semantics (LING 41601)

Requirements for University of Chicago

Doctorate Program
Requirements
TOEFL
Listening
Required:26
Reading
Required:26
Writing
Required:26
Speaking
Required:26
Total
Required:104
IELTS
Listening
Required:7
Reading
Required:7
Writing
Required:7
Speaking
Required:7
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree Writing sample Candidate statement
Application Checklist
  • Candidate Statement
  • Transcripts
  • Letters of Recommendation (3)
  • Writing Sample
  • Application Fee
Specialization Notes

Department of Philosophy