Fall 2017 - LING 222 D100
Introduction to Syntax (3)
Class Number: 3143
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Sep 5 – Dec 4, 2017: Thu, 8:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby -
Exam Times + Location:
Dec 14, 2017
Thu, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
John Lyon
jmlyon@sfu.ca
Office: RCB 9214
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Prerequisites:
LING 220.
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
The principles of syntactic analysis.
COURSE DETAILS:
This course is an introduction to syntax, the study of the rules whereby words or other elements of sentence structure are combined to form grammatical sentences: You will discover that a sentence is not simply a loosely connected string of words, but that it has a hierarchical structure which can be described in a precise way. The ultimate goal of linguistics is not just to describe the structure and rules of a particular language (like English), but also to account for the properties that all human languages have in common, and the general principles of grammar that may explain these properties. We therefore draw on data from a variety of languages, exploring lexical categories, phrase structure, and tests for constituency. Next, we look at grammatical relations and their morphosyntactic trappings, including word order, case, and agreement. This leads to a discussion of different types of language systems (accusative, ergative, and split) and constructions (passives, antipassives, etc.). Students will learn about analysis and argumentation through weekly problem sets.
Grading
- Assignments 40%
- Quizzes 10%
- Participation 5%
- Midterm Exam 20%
- Final Exam 25%
NOTES:
Students should familiarize themselves with the Department's Standards on Class Management and Student Responsibilities at http://www.sfu.ca/linguistics/undergraduate/standards.html.
Please note that a grade of “FD” may be assigned as a penalty for academic dishonesty.
All student requests for accommodations for their religious practices must be made in writing by the end of the first week of classes or no later than one week after a student adds a course.
Students requiring accommodations as a result of a disability must contact the Centre for Students with Disabilities (778-782-3112 or csdo@sfu.ca).
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
Tallerman, Maggie, 2014. Understanding Syntax. Routledge (4th ed). ISBN: 9780415746984
Registrar Notes:
SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.
Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS