Linguistics 222B:
Winter 2008-2009 |
The goal of this course is to provide an introduction to key problems in the analysis of `WH-constructions', i.e. the long distance dependencies between `fillers' and `gaps' that abound in the world's languages. We will survey various approaches to the analysis of these unbounded dependency constructions (UDCs) from a historical perspective, critically examining both empirical predictions and methodological shortcomings. Students are expected to have some background in syntax and semantics and not to be afraid of mathematical formalisms. For a syllabus and further links relevant to class lecture and discussion, see BELOW.
Students are expected to complete the assigned readings before each class. This may be challenging in some weeks. Class lectures will connect with the readings, but not everything in the readings will be covered in class.
There will be problems or short essays due every other week. In addition, each student must either:
Coursework reduction can be negotiated for students enrolled for fewer than 3 units.
| Monday | Wednesday |
| Jan 7 Introduction to UDCs |
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| Jan 12 Ross on Island Constraints. The A-over-A Principle. |
Jan 14 The (Revised) Extended Standard Theory |
| Jan 19 MLK Day: No Class |
Jan 21 GB 1 |
| Jan 26 GB 2 |
Jan 28 Evidence for Traces? |
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Feb 2 Crossover Constraints; Cross-Linguistic Variation |
Feb 4 Parasitic Gaps |
| Feb 9 Special Department Seminar Amy Rose Deal (U Mass) 5 PM |
Feb 11 UDCs in GPSG |
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Feb 16 Presidents' Day: No Class |
Feb 18 UDCs in LFG |
| Feb 23 UDCs in Categorial Grammar |
Feb 25 UDCs in HPSG |
| Mar 2 Semantic/Pragmatic Factors |
Mar 4 Processing Factors |
| Mar 9 So-called `D-Linking' |
Mar 11 Processing Explanations |
Last Updated: 1 February 2009