Enrolment options
CONTENT SUMMARY:
The course is largely an introduction to the field of syntax within the Government and Binding approach as developed by Noam Chomsky in the early 1980s and subsequent developments thereof.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
The course aims at enabling the student to :
a- gain a good understanding of the concepts of the GB-framework ;
b- learn how to do data analysis problems drawn from English and other languages using the conceptual
tools of the aforementioned framework ;
c- have an idea about the recent developments in the field ;
d- read fairly sophisticated books and articles in the field ; discuss their readings with a fairly critical
mind, and bring in their own contribution.
COURSE CONTENT:
1- Introduction: The Chomskyan perspectives on language studies;
2- The lexicon and sentence structure;
3- Phrase structure;
4- Case theory;
5- Anaphoric relations and overt NPs;
6- Non-overt categories: PRO and Control;
7- Move- a: NP-Movement, WH-Movement, and
8- An inventory of empty categories;
TEACHING METHOD:
Lectures, data analysis problems and in-class tests whenever necessary. The students will also be required to give talks on the topics handled in class. They will also be required to submit written reports on their preliminary readings.
TEXTBOOK:
The course will be primarily based on HAEGEMAN (1991); however, handouts will be frequently distributed. Besides the above reference, students are recommended to consult the other references listed below :
- HAEGEMAN, Lillian (1991) Introduction To Government And Binding Theory. Oxford, England: Basil Blackwell LTD.
- RADFORD, Andrew (1981) Transformational Syntax. Cambridge, England: CUP.
- _________________(1988) Transformational Grammar. Cambridge England: CUP.
- RIEMSDIJK, Henk van and Edwin WILLIAMS (1986) Introduction to the Theory of Grammar. London, England: The MIT Press.
EXAMINATION:
A Comprehensive end of term examination consisting of essay questions and data analysis problems.
