This module pushes forward and integrates your knowledge of syntax and semantics by examining the way semantics and syntax interact and constrain one another’s operations.
With respect to pre-requisites the following modules are equivalent.
Second year modules
Intermediate Syntax, Aspects of a Theory of Syntax
Module will run
Occurrence
Teaching period
A
Semester 1 2024-25
Module aims
The aims of this module are:
To familiarise you with the current state of minimalist theory concerning Universal Grammar and grammatical variation.
To address issues regarding the architecture of the grammar from the point of view of parametric variation..
To consider a range of phenomena in terms of variation in syntactic processes and properties
To develop your ability to deal with higher complexity data and issues and develop a theoretically informed understanding of the questions and challenges that they raise.
To develop specific research and study skills linked to abstract theoretical work (i.e. discover the connectedness of seemingly disparate ideas)
To give you an opportunity to experience work at the forefront of current understanding
Module learning outcomes
Select and apply appropriate syntactic and semantic diagnostics to a wide range of constructions
Synthesise different aspects of your knowledge about structural properties and the way they vary
Identify key patterns in data sets and express their distribution in terms of key syntactic concepts of Universal Grammar, Parameter setting and parametric hierarchies.
Formulate and explicitly state intricate generalisations about relevant phenomena.
By the end of the module you should be able to do the following:
Show familiarity with current proposals in generative syntax
Fit your descriptive knowledge within a larger theoretical framework
Formulate theoretical arguments and follow them through.
Show significant knowledge of the interplay between Universality and variation in a restricted framework
Indicative assessment
Task
% of module mark
Essay/coursework
65
Essay/coursework
35
Special assessment rules
None
Indicative reassessment
Task
% of module mark
Essay/coursework
65
Essay/coursework
35
Module feedback
One-to-one feedback after presentation/discussion.
For submitted assessments, you will receive individual written feedback within the university mandated time limit.
Indicative reading
Roberts, I. (2019). Parameter hierarchies and universal grammar. Oxford University Press.