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ENG
575: COMPARATIVE SYNTAX
Linguistics
Section , Department of
English Studies , University of Cyprus
Fall Semester 2008: Tuesdays & Fridays,
13.30 - 15.00 *** Room A 112
http://www.punksinscience.org/kleanthes/courses/CS
Kleanthes
Grohmann *** Email: kleanthi AT ucy DOT ac DOT cy
Room M 104, Phone: x2106 *** Office Hours: TUE/FRI 11.00-13.00 & by appointment
DESCRIPTION
The aim of this course is to apply our knowledge of syntactic theorizing to languages other than English Ñ to compare the syntax of languages, if you like. We will start off lightly by revising our current state of syntactic theory and examining basic sets of data relevant to the components addressed (such as Case Theory or head-, DP- and wh-movement). The second part of the course will address more specific phenomena cross-linguistically in an attempt to discover linguistic systematicity and variation.
ASSESSMENT
Regular attendance is strongly advised! Besides class lectures, there will be:
1. 20%: some homework exercises, partially taken from the textbook
1. 30%: one in-class presentation reporting on a topic of your choice
3. 50%: one course paper investigating a phenomenon of your choice
4. ±x%: presence, and preferably participation, in class throughout
The exercises are mostly based on those from the textbook, some of which weÕll also go through in class. This will be during the first half of the course, when we use the book (the same as in last semesterÕs MASOE). Later, we might tackle some more interesting onesÉ
More importantly, however Ñ and this time for real (those of you who were there, compare with last semesterÕs elective!): I want you to start thinking early on about a possible little research project for you to investigate throughout the semester. You should present it in class to share your ideas and motivation, and then write it up on the basis of everyoneÕs feedback. (Of course, you can write about a completely different topic, too.)
NB: You should discuss your prject idea with me first to get it approved Ñ by October 10.
Your presentation should not be too long. The idea is to fit them all in a Student Workshop (as per syllabus, more information coming soon). The length of your paper depends on what you do, something we will discuss in class. There will be an easy option (summary/review/exercise) and a more interesting option (your own research).
READING
In the past I used to say: I canÕt stress enough how important it will be that you read at home! However, experience has shown that students donÕt read anything beyond the absolute necessary, if they read at all. But if youÕre taking your status Ñ and unique opportunity Ñ of a university student seriously, I put some books for short-term loan at the library. (These can be found on overleaf, jointly with readings for my other course.) If anyone is interested in scientific epistemology (history and philosophy of science), a very interesting book is Cedric BoeckxÕs Linguistic Minimalism (OUP, 2006, P158.28.B64 2006).
NB: Make sure you make good use of my office hours: If you donÕt come, I canÕt help you!
The book weÕll be using, at least at the beginning, is the one weÕve had for MASOE last semester. Your own copy will be useful, but not crucial (Moufflon might have some left):
Andrew Carnie. 2007. Syntax. Oxford: Blackwell.
There are also some short supplementary texts (downloadable from this website):
Andrew McIntyre. 2000. 'English Morphology'. Manuscript, University of Leipzig.
Andrew McIntyre. 2003. 'Fundamentals of English Syntax'. Manuscript, University of Leipzig.
You may also find it interesting to browse through this encyclopedia in the library:
Keith Brown and Anne Anderson (eds.). 2006. Encyclopedia of Language and Linguistics. Amsterdam: Elsevier. [second edition, P29.E5 2006 - v.1-14]
PLAGIARISM
Plagiarism is a serious offence! (See the factsheet handed out in the first class for a summary of what plagiarism is, and why it is so bad.) If I detect cheating or plagiarism in any way, I will report you to the Board of the Department of English Studies Ñ as a consequence, you automatically fail this course and face more severe punishment which can even lead to expulsion from university. So, be honest and work honest. [DOWNLOAD HERE]
SYLLABUS