Syntax I

Mersin University

ENGLISH LINGUISTICS PROGRAM

COURSE OUTLINE

COURSE INFORMATION  
Year 2011-2012
Semester FALL
Course Code İDB 317
Course Title SYNTAX I
Instructor Dr. Mustafa Aksan
Office Hours Mon. 09.00-10.00

 

OBJECTIVE(S) OF THE COURSE                       
The main objective of course is to develop an understanding of language as a “natural object”. Language as “internalized” rather than “externalized” object; universal grammar, principles and parameters of universal grammar, the “units” of language and the organization and working of the rules, phrases and their internal structure.

 

WEEKLY TOPICS    
DATE TOPIC ASSIGNMENT/READING
1. Sep.17-18 Introduction to the course, basics of structure  Grammatical Competence
2. Sep.24-25 Goal of syntactic theory, grammatical competence, discovery of rules, constraints and universal grammar. Radford Chp.1 Radford Part 2
3. Oct. 01-02 Grammar, acceptability, semantics vs. pragmatics Chp.1.
4. Oct. 08-09 Structure, word and phrase level categories, distribution, testing the structure. Chp.2.
5. Oct. 15-16 Holiday
6. Oct. 22-23 Phrase markers, internal structure of phrases. Chp.3.
7. Oct. 30 Phrase markers, internal structure of phrases. Chp.3.
8. Nov.05-06 Phrase markers, internal structure of phrases.cont Chp.3.
9. Nov.12-13 MID-TERM MID-TERM
10.Nov.19-20 Categories, c-command, constraints. Chp.3.
11. Nov.26-27 Generating phrase markers, conflating categories. Chp.3.
12. Dec. 03-04 Introduction to X-bar syntax Chp.4.
13. Dec. 10-11 Noun phrases and internal organization of a noun phrase. Chp.4.
14. Dec. 17-18 VP, AP, and PP, complements and adjuncts. Chp.5.
15. Dec. 24-25 Review of the course  Constituency
  FINAL FINAL

 

REFERENCES  
Textbook(s) Radford, A. 1988/1992.  Transformational grammar. Cambridge: CUP.
Supplementary Reading(s)  
 

 

GRADING

%

%

Total
Mid-Term  40

 

  40
Final  60

 

  60

As dictated by the university regulations. You may consult to relevant texts.

STUDENT REQUIREMENTS                            

                

 

 
  • It is the student’s responsibility to record and follow his own attendance. (For the percentages, refer to the University’s Education Guide.)
  • Students should not enter the classroom after the class has been started.
  • Students who do not bring their course materials are not allowed to enter the class.
  • Cell phones should be turned off, or set to vibrate for emergency during the class. Camera, tape or video recording is not allowed if not stated otherwise.
  • Assignments should be prepared in accordance with the Department’s Assignment, Research Paper and Thesis (A.R.T.) Preparation Guide.(can be  accessed from the department’s site; http:www.mersindilbilim.info)
  • It is the student’s responsibility to practice the highest standards of academic honesty. Cheating, plagiarism and any other form of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated.
  • Assignments submitted later than the indicated dates are not accepted. Deadlines should strictly be followed.
  • It is the student’s responsibility to obtain missed information from another student, not from the instructor.