Universität Wien

160167 PS Introductory Seminar on Typology and Comparative Theory of Grammar (2024W)

6.00 ECTS (2.00 SWS), SPL 16 - Musikwissenschaft und Sprachwissenschaft
Continuous assessment of course work
Moodle
We 08.01. 09:30-11:00 Seminarraum 2 Sensengasse 3a 1.OG

Registration/Deregistration

Note: The time of your registration within the registration period has no effect on the allocation of places (no first come, first served).

Details

max. 40 participants
Language: German, English

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

  • Wednesday 09.10. 09:30 - 11:00 Seminarraum 2 Sensengasse 3a 1.OG
  • Wednesday 16.10. 09:30 - 11:00 Seminarraum 2 Sensengasse 3a 1.OG
  • Wednesday 23.10. 09:30 - 11:00 Seminarraum 2 Sensengasse 3a 1.OG
  • Wednesday 30.10. 09:30 - 11:00 Seminarraum 2 Sensengasse 3a 1.OG
  • Wednesday 06.11. 09:30 - 11:00 Seminarraum 2 Sensengasse 3a 1.OG
  • Wednesday 13.11. 09:30 - 11:00 Seminarraum 2 Sensengasse 3a 1.OG
  • Wednesday 20.11. 09:30 - 11:00 Seminarraum 2 Sensengasse 3a 1.OG
  • Wednesday 27.11. 09:30 - 11:00 Seminarraum 2 Sensengasse 3a 1.OG
  • Wednesday 04.12. 09:30 - 11:00 Seminarraum 2 Sensengasse 3a 1.OG
  • Wednesday 11.12. 09:30 - 11:00 Seminarraum 2 Sensengasse 3a 1.OG
  • Wednesday 15.01. 09:30 - 11:00 Seminarraum 2 Sensengasse 3a 1.OG
  • Wednesday 22.01. 09:30 - 11:00 Seminarraum 2 Sensengasse 3a 1.OG
  • Wednesday 29.01. 09:30 - 11:00 Seminarraum 2 Sensengasse 3a 1.OG

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

Natural languages share a number of intriguing similarities while also exhibiting fascinating differences. And while languages can be classified on the basis of different criteria (such as phonological, morphological and syntactic), this course will focus on syntactic typology, in particular what Baker (2009) refers to as “Formal Generative Typology” (FGT), which has grown out of the ‘Principles and Parameters’ research paradigm,* and which seeks to answer questions such as the following: What properties of natural human languages are universal? What properties of natural human languages vary from one human language to another? Which aspects of variation are systematic and grammatical in nature, and which aspects of variation are random and/or idiosyncratic? What do the answers to all three preceding questions reveal about natural language as a product of the human mind?
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*Therefore, please note that in order to be able to follow the content of the course, you need to already have successfully completed a theory of grammar course comparable to the one offered in the BA curriculum 'Sprachwissenschaft'.

Assessment and permitted materials

Students are expected to do the readings before coming to class, come to class, participate actively by asking and answering questions, make a presentation with a handout, and take a written exam on the last session of the course.
Part A: 50% Attendance, presentation, active participation.
Part B: 50% Written exam.
In order to get a passing grade, more than half of possible points must be achieved both in part A and part B (A > 50% und B > 50%).

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

Understanding of the central theoretical questions, and of the most important analyses.
Students are expected to do the readings before coming to class, come to class, participate actively by asking and answering questions, make a presentation with a handout, and take a written exam on the last session of the course.
Part A: 50% Attendance, presentation, active participation.
Part B: 50% Written exam.
In order to get a passing grade, more than half of possible points must be achieved both in part A and part B (A > 50% und B > 50%).

Examination topics

All the topics discussed during the course, and/or practical exercises based on these topics.

Reading list

To be announced on the course page on Moodle.

Association in the course directory

MA1-M3-5 (PS)
MA4-WM1.1-2 (als PS zu Typologie und komparativer Grammatiktheorie)
MA4-WM1.5-2 (als PS zu Typologie und komparativer Grammatiktheorie)
MA4-WM1.6-1 (als PS zu Typologie und komparativer Grammatiktheorie)

Last modified: Fr 27.09.2024 16:46