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
The timetable will be available from June 1st on the Internet.
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.