Course information

 

Meeting time: TuTh 3:30-5, KCB107

Instructor: Peter Alrenga
Email: palrenga@bu.edu (preferred)
Phone: (617) 353-6221
Office: 621 Commonwealth Ave., Rm. 110
Office Hours: Tu 5-6:30; F 11:30-1 (and by appt.)

Prerequisite: CAS LX250 (Introduction to Linguistics)

Course Description:  In this course, we will survey some of the central features of modern English phonology, morphology, and syntax from the perspective of generative grammar.  After an initial overview of the consonant and vowel systems of English, we will examine some of the main empirical findings and theoretical results concerning English syllables, stress, and rhythmic structure.  Next, we will turn to English word formation, and investigate the often complex interplay between word structure and phonological processes.  In the final portion of the course, we will explore some of the major syntactic phenomena of English, paying particular attention to clausal structure, nominal phrases, and patterns of deletion (“ellipsis“).

Throughout the semester, we will keep the following two secondary goals in mind.  First, to understand how English came to take its current form:  why does English look so different from even its nearest Germanic relatives?  In what ways does the structure of modern English still reflect its Germanic roots?  Second, to place English in a global perspective:  where do we find English spoken today?  What sorts of systematic differences exist in the pronunciation and grammar of these various Englishes?

A final goal of the course is to allow students to use the analytical skills acquired in other courses in order to better understand the English language.  Both in class and in written work, students will have ample opportunity to deploy the formal tools and concepts of modern generative linguistics towards the description of those phenomena that characterize modern English.

Readings:  There is no textbook for this course.  Individual reading assignments will be distributed to students through the course website.  Unless explicitly stated otherwise, all readings are required and should be completed by the beginning of class.

Attendance & Participation:  Regular attendance and participation is expected, and will constitute 5% of your overall grade.

Homework:  There will be five homework assignments.  The assignments will both test your understanding of previously covered material and also serve to introduce new topics that will be discussed in subsequent classes.  Your homework assignments should be presented in coherent prose –– groups of complete sentences that lay out your thinking clearly, explicitly, and in an organized fashion.  Whenever possible, please type your assignments.  (Phonetic symbols may be handwritten.)

Assignments will be due at the beginning of class.  Late assignments will not be accepted unless prior arrangements have been made.  Together, the assignments will account for 45% of your final grade (9% apiece).

Language Descriptions:  You will be responsible for preparing two 2-page language descriptions over the first ten weeks of the semester.  Each language description should document some linguistically relevant aspect of contemporary English, noting any of its interesting, novel, or potentially significant features.  Your descriptions may focus on Standard American English, but you are also encouraged to explore other varieties of English that are accessible to you.

Your first language description must be submitted by Tuesday, February 26, while the second must be submitted by Thursday, March 28.  Together, the language descriptions will constitute 20% of your overall grade (10% apiece).

Final Paper & Presentation:  You will also write and present a short paper (6-9 pages) in which you further explore some aspect of contemporary English.  The paper may be primarily descriptive, but you are of course also encouraged to engage in linguistic analysis.  The paper can, but need not, be based on one of your previous language descriptions.

During the final weeks of the course, you will briefly present your paper to the rest of the class.  The paper itself must be submitted by 5pm on Thursday, May 9.  The paper will constitute 25% of your overall grade, and the presentation will constitute 5% of your overall grade.

Academic Conduct: You are expected to abide by the university’s Academic Conduct Code (http://www.bu.edu/academics/resources/academic-conduct-code/).  Plagiarism in any form (including online sources) or any other misconduct will not be tolerated.