Last Update: November 25, 2008
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ENG
235: MORPHOLOGY AND SYNTAX OF ENGLISH
Linguistics
Section , Department of
English Studies , University of Cyprus
Fall Semester 2008: Tuesdays & Fridays,
15.00 - 16.30 *** Room A 108
http://www.punksinscience.org/kleanthes/courses/MASOE
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
In this course we will work our way to an understanding, and hopefully appreciation, of the Minimalist Program, the current mainstream theoretical approach towards a generative syntax of language based on the work of Noam Chomsky over the past 15 years. We will do so by putting minimalism in context with its predecessor within the general Principles-and-Parameters approach to language, the so-called Government-and-Binding Theory. The course will thus address fundamental concepts of the lexicon, morphology, morpho-syntax, and narrow syntax, including a discussion of the interpretive interfaces and the architecture of the grammar. [NB: This is quite different from the undergraduate prospectus.]
ASSESSMENT
Regular attendance is strongly advised! Besides class lectures, there will be:
1. 40%: regular homework exercises all taken from the textbook
1. 20%: regular mid-term exam based on exercises from the textbook
3. 40%: one final exam based on material from the entire semester
4. ±x%: presence and preferably participation in class
The exams will be held in class and cover material from the textbook, which you can also have on you for the exam Ń theyŐre open-book exams. (I also plan to make available slides for the course segments on the course webpage, though you really need to come to classÉ)
In light of recent copyright infringement issues in Cyprus, you may only use a commercial copy of the book Ń for legal reasons, then, photocopied materials are not permitted at the exams.
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 Ń 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]
READING
In the past I used to say: I canŐt stress enough how important it will be that you read at home! However, experience has shown that students donŐt read anything beyond the absolute necessary, if they read at all. But if youŐre taking your status Ń and unique opportunity Ń 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 BoeckxŐs Linguistic Minimalism (OUP, 2006, P158.28.B64 2006).
Classes will be crucial and equally crucial will be that you understand everything we do. I will not always cover all the material; we will find our pace in a few classes. The exercises provided in the textbook are also relevant. Feel free to give them a shot and discuss your solutions with me, or raise questions in class.
NB: Make sure you make good use of my office hours: If you donŐt come, I canŐt help you!
Classes will be crucial and equally crucial will be that you understand everything we do. I will not always cover all the material; we will find our pace in a few classes. On the syllabus you will find your reading assignments. I will assign relevant exercises from our textbook as we go along.
There is one required textbook of which every student must have his/her own copy! (Moufflon Bookshop promised me they'll have enough copies by the end of the week.)
Norbert Hornstein, Jairo Nunes, and Kleanthes K. Grohmann. 2005.
Understanding Minimalism. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
There are also some short supplementary texts (handed out today; 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]
SYLLABUS [updated: NOV 25]
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE ABOVE COURSE OUTLINE [unrevised PDF]