This course is an introduction to a particular theory of syntax now most generally referred to as the Principles and Parameters model. The aims of the course are two-fold:
The course will be assessed by an assignment handed out in the course of the term, similar to those done for the tutorials (20%), and a 2-hour exam held in June 2001 (80%).
A number of the assignments will make use of the Trees program, a computer program designed to facilitate the teaching and learning of fundamental concepts of syntax. There are now versions available both for macs and for pcs. Students will be expected to learn how to use this program for the assignments for which it is required. It is not difficult to use, but at first you should allow yourself enough time to familiarise yourself with it.
The main text for the course is a book which is
currently only available on-line, written by Dr Beatrice Santorini, Department
of Linguistics, University of Pennsylvania. Links to this text will be set
up from the timetable.
A set of printouts from this text will also be available in the class folder
in the Linguistics Common Room on the first floor of AFB. These may be photocopied,
but must be replaced immediately.
Some reference will also be made to the following text:
This is available at Thins if you want to buy it.
However, there are also two copies on reserve (this is the maximum that the library will put on reserve
for a course of this size); as you know, the Reserve section is now on the
ground floor of the Main Library. Additional copies are available on short loan.
The shelf mark for this text is P85.C47 Coo.
Not everything covered in the lectures will necessarily be in the notes and textbook; conversely these will you with information that you may not get from the lectures (and allow you to consolidate things that go by too fast). Keep up to date with the reading!
Last updated 9th January 2001