Universals and Variation in Syntactic Systems - LAN00101M
Module summary
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.
Related modules
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Semester 1 2025-26 |
Module aims
The aims of this module are:
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To familiarise you with the current state of minimalist theory concerning Universal Grammar and grammatical variation.
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To address issues regarding the architecture of the grammar from the point of view of issues relating to parametric variation..
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To consider a range of phenomena in terms of variation in syntactic processes and properties
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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.
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To develop specific research and study skills linked to abstract theoretical work (i.e. discover the connectedness of seemingly disparate ideas)
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To give you an opportunity to experience work at the forefront of current understanding
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To provide you with the relevant tools for advanced analysis of crosslinguistic data
Module learning outcomes
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Select and apply appropriate syntactic and semantic diagnostics to a wide range of constructions
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Synthesise different aspects of your knowledge about structural properties and the way they vary
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Identify key patterns in data sets and express their distribution in terms of key syntactic concepts of Universal Grammar, PArameter setting and parametric hierarchies.
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Formulate and explicitly state intricate generalisations about relevant phenomena.
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Systematically apply the tools you’ve learnt to understand the nature of derivations.
By the end of the module, you should be able to do the following:
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Show familiarity with current proposals in generative syntax
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Fit your descriptive knowledge within a larger theoretical framework
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Formulate theoretical arguments and follow them through.
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Show significant knowledge of the interplay between Universality and variation in a restricted framework
Module content
| Week | Topic |
|---|---|
| 1 | The Minimalist View of Syntax and Language Design |
| 2 | Universal Grammar |
| 3 | Parameters |
| 4 | Word Order |
| 5 | Null Subjects |
| 6 | Incorporation |
| 7 | Verb Movement |
| 8 | Case and Alignment Nom-Acc |
| 9 | Case and Alignment ERG - ABS |
| 10 | Wh Movement |
| 11 | Conclusions |
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100 |
Special assessment rules
None
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100 |
Module feedback
One-to-one feedback after presentation/discussion.
For submitted assessments, you will receive individual written feedback within 25 working days of your submission.
Indicative reading
Roberts, I. (2019). Parameter hierarchies and universal grammar. Oxford University Press.