LG614-7-SP-CO:
Syntactic Theory II
PLEASE NOTE: This module is inactive. Visit the Module Directory to view modules and variants offered during the current academic year.
2023/24
Language and Linguistics
Colchester Campus
Spring
Postgraduate: Level 7
Inactive
Monday 15 January 2024
Friday 22 March 2024
15
28 March 2019
Requisites for this module
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This module offers an introduction to Dynamic Syntax (DS) – a grammar formalism which aims to reflect the real-time parsing/production process.
There is a broad consensus that humans process linguistic input in real time. However, the dynamics of this process have traditionally not been reflected in most formal accounts of linguistic knowledge. Dynamic Syntax seeks to address this gap by providing a model of the way in which hearers incrementally build semantic representation (and interpretation) from information provided by words in context.
The first part of this model will constitute an introduction to the basic tools and mechanisms employed by the DS framework. We will look at the Logic of Finite Trees and how trees grow, as well as the mechanisms used to represent underspecification. The second part of the course will be dedicated to exploring a range of cross-linguistic phenomena through the adoption of the tools provided by the framework. Topics will include clitic placement in Romance and Greek, auxiliary placement in Bantu languages, cleft constructions in Japanese and inversion constructions.
• To introduce students to more advanced tools of syntactic analysis
• To provide students with an understanding of syntactic variation in the world’s languages
• To equip students with the skills of syntactic analysis using data from a range of languages
• To develop students’ skills of syntactic argumentation
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
• Engage with key issues and concepts in grammatical analysis
• Understand the goal of enquiry in syntax from a cross-linguistic perspective
• Explore syntactic variation (and its limits) found in the world’s languages
• Analyse syntactic data from a range of languages
• Use data to support argumentation
No additional information available.
10 classes by 2 hour seminars.
100% coursework. One written assignment.
This module does not appear to have a published bibliography for this year.
Assessment items, weightings and deadlines
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Exam format definitions
- Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
- In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary,
for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.
Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.
Overall assessment
Reassessment
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Prof Hannah Gibson, email: h.gibson@essex.ac.uk.
Dr Hannah Gibson
Dr Hannah Gibson, 4.317, h.gibson@essex.ac.uk
No
No
No
No external examiner information available for this module.
Available via Moodle
Of 20 hours, 20 (100%) hours available to students:
0 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s).
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