Description and contextualization of the subject

As one of the central sub-disciplines of linguistics, morphosyntax occupies a prominent position in all Master and PhD programmes both in Europe and the US. This course will introduce the student to the fundamentals of the morphological and syntactic analysis of the structure of natural languages within the framework of Generative Grammar. This is one of the courses on the fundamentals of several linguistic sub-disciplines offered in the first semester. It also prepares students for the more advanced courses in the programme.

Learning outcomes of the subject

Ability to extract the morphosyntactic properties of natural languages, based on the study of linguistic diversity and using the methodology and procedures characteristic of formal linguistics.



Identify and provide evidence in support of or against hypotheses in the field of morphosyntax, relying on the use of empirical evidence.



Ability to understand and engage with the reasoning behind the most influential theoretical proposals concerning the syntax and morphology of natural languages within the field of formal linguistics.



Ability to produce critical reviews of articles related to the topics covered in the course and to address central issues in morphology and syntax.



Ability to understand and use the most common specialized terminology in the fields of syntax and morphology.

Ordinary call: orientations and renunciation

Active participation in class: 20%

Weekly Assessments: 40% (8 tests x 0.5 marks)

To reinforce the knowledge acquired in each topic and to identify potential areas of difficulty, weekly tests will be administered at the end of each unit or content block. These short assessments are designed to review key concepts, strengthen learning, and provide continuous feedback to both students and the teaching team.

The tests will cover the most important aspects of the week¿s topic and may include a variety of formats (multiple choice, true/false, short answer, etc.), aiming to promote understanding rather than rote memorization.

In addition to serving as a review tool, the results will help highlight problematic areas that may require further attention, allowing for personalized support and adjustments to the teaching approach based on students¿ needs.

These tests will be made available on eGela.

Review tests: 40% (2 marks each)

Two broader review tests will be conducted: one at the end of Unit 4 and another at the end of Unit 8, aimed at integrating prior knowledge and preparing students for more complex analyses and problem solving tasks.

These tests will be completed in class.



¿ The questions can be answered both in English and Spanish.

¿ The final grade will be calculated as the sum of the grades received in sections (i) to (iii).

¿ Late submissions will not be graded.

Extraordinary call: orientations and renunciation

Exam (100%)

The student will answer a number of questions related to the materials covered in class.

Temary

The following contents will be covered in class.



Unit 1 ¿ Introduction

Part 1 ¿ Universal Grammar and Minimalism

Part 2 ¿ The role of morphology in Minimalism

Unit 2 ¿ X-bar Theory

Unit 3 ¿ Theta Theory

Unit 4 ¿ Case Theory

Unit 5 ¿ Binding Theory

Unit 6 ¿ Control Theory

Unit 7 ¿ A-movement

Unit 8 ¿ A-bar movement

Bibliography

Compulsory materials

Class notes.

Basic bibliography

Artiagoitia, X. 2000. Hatsarreak eta Parametroak lantzen, UPV-EHU & Arab. Foru Aldundia.

Carnie, A. 2001. Syntax: a generative introduction, Blackwell

Chomsky, N. 1986. Knowledge of Language. Its nature, Origins and Use. New York.

Chomsky, N. 1995. The Minimalist Program, MIT Press, Cambridge.

Eguren, L & O. Fernández Soriano. 2004. Introducción a una sintaxis minimista. Gredos.

Epstein, S.D. & T.D. Seely. 2002. Derivation and Explanation in the Minimalist Program. Blackwell.

Hornstein, N., J. Nunes & K. Grohmann. 2005. Understanding Minimalism: An Introduction to MinimalistSyntax. Cambridge University Press.

Lasnik H.& J. Uriagereka (with C.Boeckx). 2004. A Course in Minimalist Syntax. Blackwell. Cambridge.

Lasnik H.& J. Uriagereka. 1988. A Course in GB Syntax. MIT Press. Cambridge.

Radford, A.1997. Syntax. A Minimalist Introduction, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.

Journals

GLOT



Lingua



Linguistic Inquiry



Linguistics and Philosophy



Natural Language and Linguistic Theory



Probus



Syntax



The Linguistic Review



Asju



Lapurdum