English 444/544: Syntax
Spring 2016
Instructor: Dr. Lynn Gordon
Textbook: An Introduction to English Sentence Structure, Andrew Radford (Cambridge University Press, 2009)
Course Description: The purpose of this class is to learn about modern syntactic theory and analysis based on examining a range of structures (of different periods, developmental stages and dialects) of English (mostly). The best way to learn a system of analysis is to do it and so we'll be doing a lot of it. We will be employing a Minimalist approach, which is the most recent theoretical descendant of generative syntax. This course has no prerequisites and does not assume that students have any prior syntactic or, more generally, linguistic training.
Learning Objectives: By the end of the semester, English 444 and 544 students will be able to
analyze moderately large data sets showing complex and unfamiliar syntactic structures, producing a clear and well-supported analysis; and
produce and support derivations of a wide range of complex structures within the Minimalist model.
In addition, English 544 students will be able to
explain the goals and overall structure of one standard theoretical model for syntax, Chomsky's Minimalist framework;
discuss topics like universal grammar, parameters, learnability, and innateness with that model;
apply analyses developed in class for a substantial range of English data to unfamiliar examples, producing and explaining formal representations, covery topics like null constituents, Binding Theory, Head Movement, and Wh- Movement;
apply the Minimalist model to analyze unfamiliar, but fairly straightforward syntactic structures; and
make and assess arguments supporting old and new analyses within the Minimalist model.
Tentative Class Schedule: We'll go as fast we can, but since our goal is to learn something that is very new to all of the students, we will see just how fast that is as we go along. The schedule therefore is subject to revision without debate.
Do at least one pass of each reading by the beginning of the period; expect to have to read each assignment at least three times: once before the discussion begins, once during the discussion and once afterward.
Be prepared to discuss the reading and the exercises in the workbook section of each chapter assigned in class.
Ask questions about the reading and the exercises as we go along.
Homework: There will be regular homework, graded credit/no credit. Feel free to talk about your homework (and anything in the class other than the final exam) with each other (and me, of course); however, you must write up your homework separately. Your homework will be accepted only at the time due or before--even if you feel your attempt is unsatisfactory, turn it in. No homework will be accepted late (unless there is a major disaster which calls you out of school; colds, the press of other classes, or the general difficulties of life do not constitute major disasters). If you do not turn in an assignment on time, your grade for that assignment will be 0. If you turn in the homework and it has major problems, you will be allowed to revise it for credit. If you turn in the homework on time without major problems, you will get full credit.
Quizzes: The quizzes will take place every few weeks--whenever I feel like a testable amount of material has been dealt with. They will typically be announced one class session in advance, but they can occur without prior notice. The quizzes take the place of a midterm exam. The quizzes are all open-note. No individual quiz will be worth, but as a group they represent about a third of your course grade
Attendance: You must make your own decisions as an adult whether or not to come to class. However, you should realize that coming to class is part of your job as a student, as is completing the homework on time and passing the quizzes and the final exam. Just coming to class will make meeting your other responsibilities in this class easier. I do not take attendance in this class, but I do reserve the right to give an attendance quiz (worth 50% of a regular quiz) without warning if the attendance in class falls too low.
Final Exam: The final exam will be take-home and due by 5 p.m. on Wednesday of Finals Week (6 May).
Grading: The class grades will be based on completion of the homework and participation in class discussion and analysis, and performance on the quizzes and final exam. 544 students will also have an extended syntax problem to complete.
Homework and class exercises
Quizzes
Extended problem
Take-home final exam
444: 20%
444: 40%
444: n/a
444: 40%
544: 15%
544: 35%
544: 10%
544: 40%
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