Utrecht, Netherlands

Introduction to Generative Syntax - UiL OTS

In this course, students will be introduced to the basics of generative linguistics, the theoretical framework evolved from and based on Noam Chomsky’s work. The formal tools of generative linguistics enable linguists to explore the complex and fascinating system underlying sentence structure and sentence meaning. The theory accounts for the creativity of human language and other characteristics that make it unlike the communication system of any other animal.

While language finds expression in culture, and is commonly associated with it, language is a biological property of the human species, not a cultural one. It is found in all humans, regardless of their culture, and all language systems are equally complex. We will look at syntax, the abstract properties of human language structure, and learn how to formalize the rules that govern it. As we will see, only a handful of syntactic principles are needed to generate an infinite number of possible sentences from a finite set of words available in a language. Topics covered will include the major concepts used to analyze linguistic phenomena in the generative tradition, such as phrase structure, movement, binding, and logical form.

This course is offered by the Utrecht Institute of Linguistics OTS, the home of linguistic and communications research at Utrecht University.

This course is part of the preparations for entrance into the RMA Linguistics at Utrecht University.

We are currenlty planning on teaching this course in a physical setting. In case face-to-face classes will not be possible in the Summer of 2021, this course will be taught in an online setting instead.

Course leader

Kirsten Schutter, MSc

Course aim

Provide students with an introduction to the Government and binding framework in generative linguistics as a basis for continuation into Minimalism.

Fee info

EUR 200: Course + course materials
EUR 250: Housing fee (optional)