Admission requirements
Linguistics 3A and 3B must have been successfully completed.
Description
This course offers a further exploration of the phrase and sentence structure of English (block III) and the sounds and metrical structure of English (block IV), taking a generative theoretical perspective.
In the first part of the course, we introduce Noam Chomsky’s generative theory, which proposes that language is structured according to a set of rules. We show how generative syntactic theory accounts for what is possible in the syntax of English (and what is not). For the structural analysis of English syntax, we adopt X-bar theory, which posits a single uniform structure for all phrases and sentences. We also discuss argument structure and semantic (theta) role assignment and Case assignment. In addition, we pay attention to how heads and phrases may be displaced by means of syntactic movement.
In the second part of the course, we focus on English syllable structure, foot structure, rhythm and word stress, variation in English accents, and Second-Language Acquisition of English Phonetics and Phonology.
Course objectives
In the first part of the course, students
gain familiarity with generative syntactic theory
learn to apply X-bar theory in the analysis of English phrases and sentences
learn about argument structure, semantic (theta) roles and Case assignment
gain a basic understanding of the theoretical notion of movement
In the second part of the course, students
gain familiarity with generative phonological theory
learn to analyse phonological phenomena
learn about metrical structure and about the relationship between phonology and morphology
gain a basic understanding of systematic and realisational differences between British English and American English accents.
Timetable
The timetables are available through My Timetable.
Mode of instruction
Lecture (1 hour per week) and tutorial (1 hour per week)
Assessment method
Assessment
A mid-term (written) exam on syntax (2-hours)
A final (written) exam on phonology (2-hours)
Weighing
Mid-term exam: 50%
Final exam: 50%
Resit
To pass the course, a minimum of a 5.5 is required for both the mid-term and the final exam. If the mark for either of the exams is 5.49 or lower, the exam will have to be retaken during the resit period.
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
A course programme will be made available through Brightspace before the start of the course.
Poole, Geoffrey (2011) Syntactic Theory. 2nd edition. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
Carr, Philip (2019) English Phonetics and Phonology: An Introduction. 3rd edition. Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell.
Registration
Enrolment through MyStudyMap is mandatory.
General information about MyStudyMap is available on the website
Registration À la carte education, Contract teaching and Exchange
Information for those interested in taking this course in context of À la carte education (without taking examinations), eg. about costs, registration and conditions.
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: Arsenaal
Remarks
Not applicable.