Syllabus

English 444/544 Syllabus

Spring 2014


Instructor: Dr. Lynn Gordon

E-mail Address: gordonl@wsu.edu

Course Description and Objectives: 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.

Textbook: An Introduction to English Sentence Structure, Andrew Radford (Cambridge University Press, 2009) (IESS)

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.

Learning Objectives: By the end of the semester, English 444 and 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 within that model;

  • apply analyses developed in class for a substantial range of English data to unfamiliar examples, producing and explaining formal representations, covering topics like null constituents, Binding Theory, Head Movement, and Wh-Movement;

  • apply the Minimalist model to analyze unfamiliar, but fairly straightforward syntactic structures; and

  • to make and assess arguments supporting old and new analyses within the Minimalist model.

In addition English 544 students will be able to

  • to analyze moderately large data sets showing complex and unfamiliar syntactic structures, producing a clear and well-supported analysis giving; and

  • to produce and support derivations of a wide range of complex structures within the Minimalist model.

Homework: There will be regular homework assignments. There will be a class session between when the homework is assigned and when it is due, so that you have the opportunity to ask questions before the homework is due. (This means, of course, that you want to at least look over the homework before the following class meeting.) I encourage you to talk about your homework (and anything else in the class) with each other (and me, of course); however, each of you should write up your homework separately.

The homework will be graded credit/no credit: If you do not turn in an assignment on the due date, your grade for that assignment will be 0. If you turn in a homework with substantial problems, you will have the opportunity to revise it for credit. While no individual homework is worth much, all the homework will teach and stretch the same skills of analysis and presentation as the quizzes and final exam test. Your homework will only be accepted on or before the time it is due, so even if you feel your attempt is unsatisfactory, turn it in. Failure to attempt the homework (besides losing you some points) will guarantee that you will not practice the skills needed for the quizzes and the final exam.

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 Quizzes: I don’t take attendance, but if I feel that attendance has dropped off generally, I will give an attendance quiz. An attendance quiz is worth half a regular quiz and will simply require you to write your name and student identification number.

Final Exam: The final exam will be take-home and due by 5 p.m. on Wednesday of Finals Week (7 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 to 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%

University Announcements

  • Disability Policy: Reasonable accommodations are available for students with a documented disability. If you have a disability and may need accommodations to fully participate in this class, please visit the Disability Resource Center (DRC). All accommodations MUST be approved through the DRC (Washington Building, Room 217). Please stop by or call 509-335-3417 to make an appointment with a disability specialist.

  • Academic Integrity: As an institution of higher education, Washington State University is committed to principles of truth and academic honesty. All members of the University community share the responsibility for maintaining and supporting these principles. When a student enrolls in Washington State University, the student assumes an obligation to pursue academic endeavors in a manner consistent with the standards of academic integrity adopted by the University. To maintain the academic integrity of the community, the University cannot tolerate acts of academic dishonesty including any forms of cheating, plagiarism, or fabrication. Washington State University reserves the right and the power to discipline or to exclude students who engage in academic dishonesty.

You are expected to know and adhere to the rules on academic honesty as outlined at http://academicintegrity.wsu.edu/students/. If you violate those rules, depending on the degree of seriousness of your breach of academic integrity, you may fail the quiz or exam or the class as a whole and you may be reported to the Office of Student Conduct for further discipline.