Spring 2023

For a full list of graduate courses in linguistics offered in recent years, see: 

GRS LX 631 / MET LX 531

Systematic examination of how meaning is encoded in words and sentences, and how it can emerge from the complexity of the grammar. Also touches on various aspects of pragmatics–the study of how meaning is shaped by context.

TR 2-3:15

GRS LX 645

Examines the mechanisms and outcomes of language contact by surveying cases around the globe from the past and present. Topics include lexical-borrowing, code-switching, pidgins and creoles, language death, and the emergence of entirely new linguistic systems.

MWF 12:20-1:10

GRS LX 665

Exploration of how dialects of English differ from each other, focusing on grammatical variation in the US, with occasional forays into British dialects. Students come to appreciate how linguists investigate grammatical diversity scientifically, revealing the complex structure of non-standard dialects. Students must also register for GRS LX 666.

TR 9:30-10:45

Discussion Section LX666A1

TBA

GRS LX 684

The goal of this course is to introduce students to the structure of the Spanish language, with a focus on its morphology and syntax. We examine the internal structure of words and the inflectional and derivational processes that constrain them. In addition, the course introduces key concepts such as morpheme, affix, grammatical class, linguistic gender, nominalization, and verbalization. We also investigate fundamental principles of syntactic theory and analysis, with an emphasis on the hierarchical relationships among words at the phrasal level. We use naturalistic speech data, collected from around the Spanish-speaking world, to critically examine key assumptions and tools of contemporary syntactic theory, including X-bar theory, binary branching, thematic role assignment, and the concept of the sentence. We give special attention the notion of ungrammaticality as it relates to syntactic and morphological variation and change. Also offered as CAS LS 508. Conducted in Spanish.

Prerequisites: one 300-level Spanish course and CAS LX 250 / MET LX 250, or consent of instructor.

MWF 10:10-11

GRS LX 690

Topics and pre-requisites vary by semester and section. May be repeated for credit as topics change. Topic for Spring 2023, Section A1: Metrics and Evaluation in Natural Language Processing.

Prerequisite: CAS LX 250, Introduction to Linguistics, and LX 496/796, Computational Linguistics, or equivalent, by permission of instructor.

MWF 11:15-12:05

GRS LX 703

Survey of phonological theory and analysis, with focus on cross-linguistic typology of phonological systems. Phonological reasoning and argumentation skills are developed. Empirical coverage includes contrast, distinctive features, rules and constraints, opacity, tone, syllabification, stress, and interactions with morphology and syntax.

Prerequisite: CAS LX 301 / GRS LX 601, or consent of instructor.

MWF 1:25-2:15

GRS LX 722

Using linguistic data drawn from a wide variety of languages, students develop a precise model of syntactic knowledge through evaluation of hypotheses and arguments. Exploration of major discoveries and phenomena from the linguistic literature. Students must also register for GRS LX 724.

Prerequisite: CAS LX 321 / GRS LX 621, or consent of instructor.

TR 3:30-4:45

Discussion Section LX724A1

TBA

GRS LX 723

Exploration of advanced topics in syntax, chosen in part based on student interest, through reading and critical discussion of both foundational and recent literature.

Prerequisite: CAS LX 422 / GRS LX 722, or consent of instructor.

TR 12:30-1:45

GRS LX 733

Covers recent developments in the theory of pragmatics and related empirical findings obtained through a variety of experimental methods. Topics include scalar implicature and its relation to vagueness and imprecision, hyperbole, metaphor, irony, politeness, and the pragmatics of reference to objects in visual scenes.

Prerequisite: CAS LX 331 / GRS LX 631, or consent of instructor.

TR 11-12:15

GRS LX 802

Advanced graduate students working on their qualifying research papers or thesis present and discuss work in progress. The course is organized thematically based on students’ research areas. Readings each week are determined on the basis of the research discussed.

W 2:15-3:30