This course covers advanced topics in syntactic theory. We will examine syntactic similarities and differences among a wide range of languages, including Irish, Chamorro, Japanese, German, and English. Topics include: word order, movement, binding, relativization, subordination, nonconfigurationality.

(i) Introduce a formally explicit theory of natural language syntax;
(ii) Put you in a position to do syntactic analysis on your own through extensive hands-on practice;
(iii) Familiarize you with the syntactic literature.

Carnie, Andrew. 2007. Syntax: A Generative Introduction (2nd Edition). Blackwell.

Exams (50%). There will be two exams, a mid-term and a final, each worth 25% of your grade. Exam dates are not set, but I will always give you at least two weeks notice before an exam. No make-up exams will be given. If you absolutely cannot make it to an exam, youmust let me know in advance.

Homework Assignments (25%). Homework assignments will teach you how to do syntax more than anything else. They are the best preparation for the exams. In general, assignments will be posted online on Wednesdays, and will be due the following Wednesday at the beginning of class. No late assignments will be accepted. You may work together, as long as you: (i) write up the assignment you turn in on your own; and (ii) write the name of the person you worked with at the top of the page below yours.

Squib (15%). You will write one very short, very focused paper (called a squib), which you will present in class during the last two weeks of classes. I will gladly help you choose a topic. Note that squibs need not provide a full analysis of a phenomenon. A good squib might: point out an empirical phenomenon that is a problem for a theory; point out an empirical phenomenon that offers independent evidence for a theory; extend an existing analysis of some phenomenon to new data; make some new empirical observations and explain their significance.

Attendance (6%) and Participation (4%). You may miss up to two lectures without penalty and without excuses. These two absences should be enough to cover most illnesses, family emergencies, and days of religious observance. If your absences do not exceed two, you get the full six points for the attendance portion of your grade. If you miss more than two classes, your grade will be reduced by two points for each excess absence, up to a maximum of six points. If you feel you merit an exception to this rule, then you should talk to me about it at the end of the semester. I will look at your attendance record and ask you to explain your absences.

http://dstmte.net/teaching/ling498y

Email is the best way to contact me:
meredith.landman@gmail.com

Be aware of university regulations on academic honesty. Ask me when in doubt. The following are considered to be cheating: copying or sharing all or part of a homework assignment; copying answers from books; copying or sharing information during an exam.