LIN 410: Further Syntax

Oladiipo Ajiboye

University of Lagos

Meeting times :           tba                               Office:             A512

Tel:                              0805-174-0201            Email:             oladiipo@yahoo.com

Course description:   

The course is designed to take students through the developments in the transformational theory of grammar to date with more emphasis on the Minimalist Programme

Syllabus: From Government and Binding to the Minimalist Programme

1.      A review of the X-bar theory

2.      Theta theory: Internal & External Arguments

3.      Theta theory and Binding Theory

4.      Binding Principles

a.       Anaphors

i.                    Reflexives

ii.                  Reciprocal

b.      Pronouns & Referential

c.       Types of pronouns: logophors, antilogophors

d.      Empty categories: PRO and little pro

e.       Binding relations

f.       Binding Principles

g.      Constituent command (a.k.a. c-command)

5.      The Minimalist Programme

a.       Principles

b.      Derivations and the Computational System

c.       Features and Convergence

6.      Copy theory of Movement

Course requirements:

a.       Attendance at lectures is compulsory. To qualify in writing the exam, 65% of total attendance is required. Roll call is at the beginning of the class

b.      Class participation is encouraged as this will enhance student’s performance = 5%

c.       One class presentation (oral and written) from the list of readings = 15%

d.      One test that will be announced (no make-up test) = 20%

e.       Examination = 60%

References

1. Roberts, Ian. 1997. Comparative Syntax London: Arnold p. 124-174

2. Ouhalla, Jamal. 1994. Introducing Transformational Grammar. Routledge, Great Britain. Chapter 4.

3. Haegeman, Liliane. 1994. Introduction to Government & Binding Theory, 2^nd Edition. Oxford: Blackwell p. 201-228.

4. Webelbuth, G. 1995. Government and Binding Theory and the Minimalist Program. Blackwell, Oxford UK & Cambridge USA. Chapter 7: 349-365.