Language and its Structure: Syntax

Course goals

(i) provide specialized knowledge and insight in (formal) syntactic theory; (ii) train students in syntactic research methodologies.

Content

This course provides an introduction into the theory of syntax; it aims at providing insights into syntactic thinking, analysis, theorizing, and methodology. The theoretical perspective is that of mainstream generative formal grammar, and in particular the Minimalist Program (Chomsky 1995 ff.).
The descriptive focus will be on major generalizations concerning core syntactic domains such as agreement, case, movement, and information structure. A prominent role will be attributed to features, and their position at the core of syntactic theory, and interfaces with sound and meaning representations. The architecture of grammar will also be prominently discussed.
The course will provide an overview of the general principles and methodologies used to analyze these domains, concentrating on unresolved issues and problematic aspects. Students will be called to participate actively in the course by providing insights from their own native language, as well as other languages.
While all issues will be discussed against a contemporary theoretical background, i.e. mainly within the Minimalist Program, the evolution of the various central concepts from Phrase Structure Rules, through Government and Binding will also be highlighted.
Tutorials will be organized for students who have never studied any syntax before.