160111 VU Theory of Grammar (2025W)

This continuous assessment course, which consists of two parts (lecture and exercise), provides an in-depth introduction to linguistic theory, which deals with uncovering the nature of mental grammar, which represents the knowledge of the speakers of a language (their so-called language competence). The course is based on Noam Chomsky's Minimalist Program and the Principles and Parameters Framework and serves as basic preparation for advanced courses in the areas of grammar theory and psycholinguistics. Some important topics that are covered are: basic syntactic operations, lexical and functional categories, tree hierarchy and C-command, binding theory, theta theory, case theory, question formation, verb second and logical form.
Students must: (a) attend both parts of the course (i.e. lecture and exercise); (b) come to class prepared (i.e. having worked through the assigned reading and homework); and (c) participate actively in the exercise classes by solving problems assigned and asking and answering (each other's) questions.