Prospectus

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Linguistics: Topics in English Historical Syntax

Course
2009-2010

Description

The syntax of English has undergone substantial changes since the Old English period. In this course we will examine and discuss a number of key topics in English historical syntax, including changes in the syntax of verbs, changes in verb complementation, and changes in word order. We will discuss the descriptive and theoretical methods used in the field of historical syntax and will examine some of the theoretical explanations that have been offered for the changes in the generative syntactic literature.

Teaching method

Two-hour seminar per week

Admission requirements

A course in (English) historical linguistics and/or a course in generative (English) syntax.

Course objectives

  • Students have gained insight into a number of important syntactic changes that have taken place in the history of English.

  • Student are familiar with the descriptive and theoretical methods used in the field of generative historical syntax.

Required reading

To be announced.

Test method

Presentation/participation (25%); final written essay (75%).

Time table

Click here for the timetable

Information

English Department, P.N. van Eyckhof 4, room 102c. Phone: 071 527 2144, or by mail: english@hum.leidenuniv.nl.

Registration

Students can register through U-twist before 15 July, After 15 July students can only register through the Departmental Office.

Blackboard

Not available.