Last modified: 31 May 2022 13:05
A drive for simplicity and efficiency in syntactic analysis has led to the Minimalist Programme, an updated take on generative grammar. At the same time, many linguists are now tapping into the possibilities of morphosyntactic variation between dialects: for instance, contrasts between the ‘Standard’ construction in (1) and the ‘non-Standard’ Scottish form in (2).
(1) The cat wants to be fed
(2) The cat wants fed
Such small grammatical differences can provide insight into broader syntactic theory. This course will use data from different varieties of English to give students a deeper understanding of current questions and approaches to syntax.
| Study Type | Undergraduate | Level | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term | First Term | Credit Points | 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits) |
| Campus | Aberdeen | Sustained Study | No |
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Expanding on ideas covered in the Level 3 course Dissecting Sentences, this course will explore the Minimalist model of syntactic analysis. This theoretical framework will be introduced by examining microvariation in morphosyntax, small grammatical differences between dialects that have implications for how we view syntax on a macro level. Examination of real-world data from different varieties of English will help students develop the skills to assess arguments regarding syntactic structure and conduct their own analyses.
By the end of this course students will:
Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.
First Attempt
1 x Essay 2500-3000 words (75%)
1 x Seminar Assessment (25%)
There are no assessments for this course.
| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual | Understand | Students will understand the primary differences between the Minimalist Programme and preceding approaches to syntactic study |
| Procedural | Apply | Students will have the tools to conduct and assess syntactic analysis within a Minimalist framework. |
| Conceptual | Understand | Students will be familiar with a number of outstanding theoretical questions in modern-day syntactic work. |
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