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University of Waterloo, 
   Department of Computer Science and Institute for Computer Research
      and
The Information Technology Research Centre of Ontario
 
present
 
Natural Language Generation and Knowledge Representation:
   A practical introduction to the Penman and Loom systems
 
Eduard H. Hovy and Thomas A. Russ*
Information Sciences Institute
University of Southern California

 Penman:  24-25 October 1994 (Monday-Tuesday)
 Loom:    26-27 October 1994 (Wednesday-Thursday)
   Davis Centre, Room 1331
   University of Waterloo
   Waterloo, Ontario, Canada


These two two-day courses will emphasize hands-on experience in the
Penman natural-language generation system and the Loom knowledge
representation system.

Participants should be familiar with Common Lisp and the basics of
natural language processing (for Penman) and knowledge representation
(for Loom).

Each course is limited to twelve participants.
 
1.  Penman, by Eduard H. Hovy: 

The Penman classes will consist of a mixture of lectures, programming,
and discussion and problem-solving sessions.  Topics to be included:
Systemic-functional linguistics; SFL in Penman; the Nigel grammar; the
upper, middle, and domain models; the inquiry/chooser interface; the
lexicon; the input notation SPL (including macros and defaults);
extending the system (grammar, lexicon, inquiries, and models);
controlling the system (simple control and more sophisticated,
stylistic, control); and the KR substrate (Loom, Sensus, or anything
else).  Considerable attention will be given to practical aspects, such
as building new SPL, debugging the system, and navigating the upper
model.

2.  Loom, by Thomas A. Russ*: 

The Loom course will begin with a cursory overview of the motivation
and history of knowledge representation languages.  The tutorial will
then proceed with an elementary introduction to the Loom language and
basic features.  (It is expected that those already familiar with Loom
would not need to attend this first session.)  Then, more-advanced
features of Loom will be covered, such as the use of production rules,
methods and temporal assertions.  One session will discuss issues
related to improving the performance of Loom-based applications.  There
will also be a discussion of commonly encountered misunderstandings
about how Loom works.

*: Subject to confirmation
 

Registration fee: Cdn$300 for one course, Cdn$500 for both.  Fees may
be waived for graduate students, ITRC and ICR affiliates, and other
qualified persons; enquire for details.


To register, or for more information, contact:

Prof Chrysanne DiMarco
Department of Computer Science	
University of Waterloo
519-888-4443; fax 519-885-1208
cdimarco@logos.uwaterloo.ca