Admission requirements
None, but strongly recommended to have successfully followed the first-year courses Phonology I and Syntax I.
Description
The course consists of two parts, the one on Phonology (full semesters) and the other one on Syntax (block one).
Phonology
This part will provide an introduction to theoretical approaches to feature specifications and models of underspecified representations. We will consider and evaluate the support from experimental psycholinguistic research for theoretical frameworks that assume partial or full underspecification in the lexicon.
Syntax
This part goes through the basics of the theory of generative syntax, from the Principles and Parameters theory to the current Minimalist Program. We examine the argumentations of various theories, and consider what constitutes as evidence for a particular theory.
Course objectives
Students who have successfully completed this course:
have acquired knowledge about the basics of phonological theory development.
understand the basics of theoretical argumentation in phonology and are able to apply this knowledge at a basic level.
are able to analyse phonological data using models of underspecification and findings from experimental research.
have learned the basics of generative syntax.
have learned the basics of argumentation.
Timetable
The timetables are available through My Timetable.
Mode of instruction
Seminar
Assessment method
Assessment
Part on Syntax (midterm week):
Assignments: (40%)
Exam with short open questions: (60%)
Part on Phonology (final exam period):
Written assignments: 40%
Final exam with short open questions and one essay question: 60%
Weighing
See above. Part one and part two both 50%.
The final mark for the course is established by determining the weighted average of part one and part two (both 50%). To pass the course, the grade for each part must be at least 5.5.
Resit
Both exams can be retaken during the resit (each again 60%).
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
Phonology
Zsiga, E. (2013). The Sounds of Language: An Introduction to Phonetics and Phonology. Malden, MA, and Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell
Krämer, M. (2012). Underlying Representations: Key Topics in Phonology. Cambridge University Press.
Readings will be assigned in advance, in class and on Brightspace.
Syntax
- An introduction to syntactic analysis and theory, by Dominque Sportiche, Hilda Koopman and Edward Stabler. Published by Blackwell, 2014.
Additional articles will be distributed.
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 Reuvensplaats
Remarks
None.