<\/p>\n
Meeting time:<\/b> TuTh 3:30-5, KCB107<\/p>\n
Instructor:<\/b> Peter Alrenga
\nEmail:<\/b> palrenga@bu.edu (preferred)
\nPhone: <\/b>(617) 353-6221
\nOffice: <\/b>621 Commonwealth Ave., Rm. 110
\nOffice Hours:<\/b> Tu 5-6:30; F 11:30-1 (and by appt.)<\/p>\n
Prerequisite:<\/b> CAS LX250 (Introduction to Linguistics)<\/p>\n
Course Description: \u00a0<\/b>In this course, we will survey some of the central features of modern English phonology, morphology, and syntax from the perspective of generative grammar.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 Next, we will turn to English word formation, and investigate the often complex interplay between word structure and phonological processes.\u00a0 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 (\u201cellipsis\u201c).<\/p>\n
Throughout the semester, we will keep the following two secondary goals in mind.\u00a0 First, to understand how English came to take its current form:\u00a0 why does English look so different from even its nearest Germanic relatives?\u00a0 In what ways does the structure of modern English still reflect its Germanic roots?\u00a0 Second, to place English in a global perspective:\u00a0 where do we find English spoken today?\u00a0 What sorts of systematic differences exist in the pronunciation and grammar of these various Englishes?<\/p>\n
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.\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n
Readings: \u00a0<\/b>There is no textbook for this course.\u00a0 Individual reading assignments will be distributed to students through the course website.\u00a0 Unless explicitly stated otherwise, all readings are required and should be completed by the beginning of class.<\/p>\n
Attendance & Participation:<\/b>\u00a0\u00a0Regular attendance and participation is expected, and will constitute 5% of your overall grade.<\/p>\n
Homework:<\/b>\u00a0 There will be five homework assignments.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 Your homework assignments should be presented in coherent prose \u2013\u2013 groups of complete sentences that lay out your thinking clearly, explicitly, and in an organized fashion.\u00a0 Whenever possible, please type your assignments.\u00a0 (Phonetic symbols may be handwritten.)<\/p>\n
Assignments will be due at the beginning of class.\u00a0 Late assignments will not be accepted unless prior arrangements have been made.\u00a0 Together, the assignments will account for 45% of your final grade (9% apiece).<\/p>\n
Language Descriptions:\u00a0 <\/b>You will be responsible for preparing two 2-page language descriptions over the first ten weeks of the semester.\u00a0 Each language description should document some linguistically relevant aspect of contemporary English, noting any of its interesting, novel, or potentially significant features.\u00a0 Your descriptions may focus on Standard American English, but you are also encouraged to explore other varieties of English that are accessible to you.<\/p>\n
Your first language description must be submitted by Tuesday, February 26, while the second must be submitted by Thursday, March 28.\u00a0 Together, the language descriptions will constitute 20% of your overall grade (10% apiece).<\/p>\n
Final Paper & Presentation:\u00a0 <\/b>You will also write and present a short paper (6-9 pages) in which you further explore some aspect of contemporary English.\u00a0 The paper may be primarily descriptive, but you are of course also encouraged to engage in linguistic analysis.\u00a0 The paper can, but need not, be based on one of your previous language descriptions.<\/p>\n
During the final weeks of the course, you will briefly present your paper to the rest of the class.\u00a0 The paper itself must be submitted by 5pm on Thursday, May 9.\u00a0 The paper will constitute 25% of your overall grade, and the presentation will constitute 5% of your overall grade.<\/p>\n
Academic Conduct: <\/b>You are expected to abide by the university’s Academic Conduct Code (http:\/\/www.bu.edu\/academics\/resources\/academic-conduct-code\/<\/a>).\u00a0 Plagiarism in any form (including online sources) or any other misconduct will not be tolerated.<\/p>\n 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: \u00a0In this course, we will survey some of the central features of modern English phonology, morphology, and …<\/p>\n