In this introduction to syntactic theory we examine the (mostly unconscious) knowledge that each native speaker has of the structure of his or her language. We work towards a model of such knowledge by analyzing several syntactic structures of English and other languages, focusing on such aspects of syntax as noun phrase structure, finite and non-finite clauses, and question formation. We adopt and refine a formal model of the grammar of languages following the tradition of
Generative Grammar, a fruitful line of research that has been the mainstay of much (though not all) work in syntax since the 1950s. The course focuses on enabling students to acquire the methodology and the tools employed by researchers in linguistic theory. Requirements for the course will involve weekly homework assignments plus a midterm and a final.
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
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