Prospectus

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Linguistics: Topics in English Syntax

Course
2010-2011

Admission Requirements

An advanced course in generative/minimalist (English) syntax.

Description

In this course we will examine and discuss a number of topics in English syntax and the way in which they are explained in the generative framework. Topics that will be discussed include the syntax of subjects, the syntax of English noun phrases, the syntax of verb complementation and the syntax of interrogatives and imperatives. These topics will be examined in the light of recent developments in Minimalism, including split projections and phases.

Course Objectives

  • Students have gained insight into important empirical and theoretical issues regarding the syntax of a number of constructions in English.

  • Students know how to approach these issues from a generative syntactic point of view.

  • Students are able to critically evaluate existing generative syntactic analyses.

Timetable

The timetable will be available from July 1 onwards on the Department website.

Mode of Instruction

Two-hour seminar per week.

Assessment

  • Presentation/participation (25%)

  • Final written essay (75%).

Blackboard

This course is supported by Blackboard.

Reading list

To be announced.

Registration

Students can register through uSis.

Contact information

English Department, P.N. van Eyckhof 4, room 103c. Phone: 071 527 2144, or mail: english@hum.leidenuniv.nl

Remarks