140339 VO Grammatical Description: Comparative Studies of Language Structures (2017S)

Content: This course aims at giving the student a comprehensive introduction to basic concepts used in the description of syntax. We will explore a variety of issues and a large amount of data from African, Germanic and Sinitic languages to observe the common principles and points of variation in syntactic structure within and across languages. Through the course, students will be introduced to the basic concepts and problems that have shaped the field of syntax and will learn the mechanics of how to capture these issues and deepen their understanding of the nature of human language.
Learning goals:
o To understand what comprises syntax, how it fits within the broader scope of linguistics and how to investigate it
o To develop a toolkit for studying syntax
o To hone analytical skills by formulating precise and explicit descriptive statements as well as making and evaluating arguments for/against specific analyses
Methods: Lectures, research project, student presentations, group discussions