Admission requirements
Linguistics 2A and Linguistics 2B must have been successfully completed.
For this course transitional provisions apply. If you are a student who started the BA programme in 2021-2022 or earlier and have to retake this course, please check the 'More info'-tab or contact your study advisor.
Description
This course offers a further exploration of the phrase and sentence structure of English (block III) and the sounds and metrical structure of English (block IV), taking a generative theoretical perspective.
In the first part of the course, we introduce Noam Chomsky’s generative theory, which proposes that language is structured according to a set of rules. We show how generative syntactic theory accounts for what is possible in the syntax of English (and what is not). For the structural analysis of English syntax, we adopt X-bar theory, which posits a single uniform structure for all phrases and sentences. We also discuss argument structure and semantic (theta) role assignment and Case assignment. In addition, we pay attention to how heads and phrases may be displaced by means of syntactic movement.
In the second part of the course, we focus on suprasegmental aspects of English phonology – i.e., phonological structure above the level of the segment. We focus in particular on syllable structure and foot structure, and consider their role in stress and rhythm. We also consider phonological variation between different varieties of English, and first- and second-language acquisition of English phonetics and phonology.
Course objectives
In the first part of the course, students
gain knowledge about generative syntactic theory
learn to apply X-bar theory in the analysis of English phrases and sentences
reflect on about argument structure, semantic (theta) roles and Case assignment
gain a basic understanding of the theoretical notion of movement
In the second part of the course, students
gain familiarity with generative phonological theory
learn to analyse phonological phenomena
learn about metrical structure and about the relationship between phonology and morphology
gain a basic understanding of systemic and realisational differences between British English and American English accents
gain a basic understanding of some of the relevant issues in first- and second-language acquisition of English phonetics and phonology.
Timetable
The timetables are available through My Timetable.
Mode of instruction
Lecture (1 hour per week)
Tutorial (1 hour per week)
Assessment method
Assessment
A mid-term (written) exam on syntax
A final (written) exam on phonology
Weighing
Mid-term exam: 50%; minimum grade required: 5,5
Final exam: 50%; minimum grade required: 5,5
The final mark for the course is established by determination of the weighted average combined with additional requirements. To pass the course, a minimum of a 5.5 is required for both the mid-term and the final exam.
Resit
If the mark for either of the exams is below 5.5, the exam will have to be retaken during the resit period.
Inspection and feedback
How and when an exam review will take place will be disclosed together with the publication of the exam results at the latest. If a student requests a review within 30 days after publication of the exam results, an exam review will have to be organized.
Reading list
A course programme will be made available through Brightspace before the start of the course.
Poole, Geoffrey (2011) Syntactic Theory. 2nd edition. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
Carr, Philip (2019) English Phonetics and Phonology: An Introduction. 3rd edition. Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell.
Registration
Enrolment through MyStudyMap is mandatory.
General information about course and exam enrolment is available on the website.
Registration Contract teaching and Exchange
Information for those interested in taking this course in context of Contract teaching (with taking examinations), eg. about costs, registration and conditions.
For the registration of exchange students contact Humanities International Office.
Contact
For substantive questions, contact the lecturer listed in the right information bar.
For questions about enrolment, admission, etc, contact the Education Administration Office: Arsenaal
Remarks
Not applicable.