This module aims to support independent research in formal generative syntax and semantics by encouraging discussion with staff and peers engaged in related research.
By the end of this module, students will typically be able to:
Note that a Research Extension module can be taken alongside this module, for students who wish to write a dissertation.
This module will be capped at 35.
Students must have successfully completed both of the following:
Students are also strongly encouraged to take L43H Formal Syntactic Theory in Autumn term.
One two-hour seminar per week.
The module will run seminar-style, with a focus on grammatical phenomena which have received analyses in terms of both syntax and semantics. Students will read papers which have been made available in advance, and will be called upon to make presentations of parts of the papers. Part of each seminar meeting will be given over to summarisation of the key points and main implications of the analyses. One goal of the seminar is to illustrate the potential balances and trade-offs between syntactic and semantic analyses. Students will choose their topic for the final essay in latter part of Spring term.
There are no assigned pre-readings for the module. Any of the further references suggested in Adger (2003) for syntax and Heim & Kratzer (1998) for semantics are potentially relevant. Specific module readings will be chosen on the basis of the preparation and interests of the students.
All modules provide an opportunity to work on general oral/written communication skills (in class and in assessments) and general self management (organising your studies), alongside the specific skills in language or linguistics that the module teaches.
In addition, this module will allow you to particularly develop skills in:
Follow this link to hear how past students use transferable skills from their degree in their current jobs.
About this module
- Module name
Advanced topics in syntax and semantics- Course code
L03H (LAN00003H)- Teacher
George Tsoulas- Term(s) taught
Spring-Summer- Credits
20