Cognitive Science 0207 - Introduction to Syntax

This is an introduction to the study of syntax -the systematic combination of words (form) to achieve grammatical meaning (function). No particular syntactic framework is assumed. Instead, we will become familiar with the structural diversity of human languages and its implications for linguistic theory. Our course is guided by these questions: What counts as a syntactic phenomenon? How can similar functions employ different structures? How do language knowledge and language use relate? We will reflect upon the nature of evidence and explanation in syntactic argumentation. Through our discussions we will develop core syntactic notions like word-classes, constituency, dependency, rules and constraints, grammatical relations, movement, subordination, and the role of the mental lexicon. Finally, we will look at how some contemporary syntactic theories approach these matters. Students should have at least one previous course in linguistics or cognitive science. Evaluations will be based on short reading reports, six assignments consisting of problem-solving and some theoretical discussion, and one final paper exploring a specific syntactic framework.

Mind, Brain, and Information Writing and Research In this course, students are expected to spend at least six to eight hours a week of preparation and work outside of class time. This time includes reading, assignment solving, and group discussion outside classroom.