Foundations of Syntactic Theory I

3–4 credits · Graduate

The first course in the three-course graduate-level sequence in syntax. The course focuses on core theoretical ideas and empirical phenomena in the study of syntactic theory. Some of the specific topics include phrase structure, head movement, A-movement, case and agreement, raising and control, argument structure, binding, and the structure of clauses and nominals. The practical aim of this course is to develop a solid conceptual, analytical and empirical basis for research in syntax; this includes the honing of syntactic argumentation skills, which is accomplished through written work and in-class discussion.