Admission requirements
Good knowledge of French and introduction to linguistics (syntax, semantics, morphology)
Description
In this course, we will examine puzzles of French syntax and semantics from a formal linguistic perspective.Why does Personne n’a rien dit mean ‘Nobody said anything’, rather than ‘Nobody said nothing’? Why can we say Le vent menace de détruire la récolte, but not Le vent m’a menacé? During the course, several properties of French will be examined in detail and contrasted with properties of other languages. Topics that can be addressed include negation, infinitival complementation, modality, evidentiality, gradability, count/mass or inalienable possession. The specific program will be chosen in accordance with the interests expressed by the students.
Course objectives
The students gain insight in the structure of the French language
The students are able to understand and critically evaluate the relevant scientific literature
The students are able to develop sound linguistic argumentation
The students are able to formulate and address their own research questions
Timetable
The timetable is available on the MA English website
Mode of instruction
Lecture
Seminar
Research
Course Load
10 ec = 280h
Lectures: 2h/ week = 26h
Reading: 100h
Preparation of presentations and course assignments: 80h
Term paper: 74h
Assessment method
Presentations of reading materials: 20%
Presentation of term paper project: 10%
Participation and comments in class: 10%
Term paper: 60%
The final grade consists of weighted average of the above components
Resit: students who fail the course may resit the exam and/or course paper.
Blackboard
no
Reading list
Will be communicated later as a function of topics chosen
Registration
Enrolment through uSis is mandatory.
General information about uSis is available in [English])http://hum.leiden.edu/students/study-administration/usis-english.html) and Dutch
Students other than MA Linguistics need permission from the coordinator of studies before enrolling.
Registration Studeren à la carte and Contractonderwijs
Registration Studeren à la carte
Registration (Contractonderwijs](http://www.hum.leidenuniv.nl/onderwijs/contractonderwijs/)
Contact
Please contact Student administration van Eyckhof for questions.