Introduction to Generative Syntax

LECTURER: THERESA BIBERAUER
August 12-23, 16.00-17.30, Room 3.101

This is an introductory course, which aims to give students a solid understanding of the ingredients that have been key in the development of “mainstream” (Chomskyan) generative syntax. The objective is to enable students to appreciate aspects that have been prioritised and some ways in which perspectives on them have changed so that they are able to (more) confidently approach generative work from different eras and, to at least some extent, evaluate the progress that has been made in developing a theory that facilitates new understanding of the nature of natural-language grammar, the acquisition of specific grammars, and how they may vary across time and space. Week 1 focuses on core concepts (phrase structure, clausal domains, movement, binding, null elements) and Week 2 on “applications” of these concepts to typological, acquisition and diachronic questions.