Advanced comparative syntactic or semantic typology

Aims

Aims

This module focuses on the theoretical issues surrounding the notion of parametric variation. It focuses on the definition of:

• parameters
• the format for parameters
• micro vs. macro parameters
• parameters and semantic variation
• parametric variation and language acquisition
• the limits of variation

Prerequisites

Prerequisites

Comparative syntax and syntactic typology (L67M)

Programme

Programme

Contact hours

This course lasts for one term. There will be a weekly two-hour lecture.

Teaching programme

By the end of this module, students will be able to:

• Understand key notions of parametric variation
• Distinguish syntactic from semantic variation
• Understand the status of parameters in the theory of grammar
• Analyse comparative and typological data in the terms of the theory of parameters

Teaching materials

To be posted on the VLE during the module weeks.

Assessment

Assessment 

• 5,000 word essay