UCL - Introduction to German linguistics: syntax, semantics and pragmatics

[GERM1513]

[22.5h + 5h] 4 credits

This course is taught in the 1st semester.

Teacher(s): Joachim Sabel

Language: D

Level: First

Aims
Main themes
Content and teaching methods
Other information (prerequisite, evaluation (assessment methods), course materials recommended readings, ...)

Aims

Acquisition of the foundations of German linguistics with respect to German Syntax and Pragmatics. The most fundamental empirical generalizations from the two linguistic fields will be discussed and the theoretical instruments for explaining them within modern linguistic theory.

Main themes

1. Study of syntax and pragmatics/semantics with special reference to German
2. Reading of scientific work within this field
3. Critical discussion of the relevant concepts

Content and teaching methods

The structure des constituants, case, valencey/subcategorzation, agreement, the positions of the verb in German), the concept of phrase structre(s), the distribution of reflexives and pronouns. The foundations of speech acts and semantic theory.

Other information (prerequisite, evaluation (assessment methods), course materials recommended readings, ...)

Prerequisite : GERM 1313.
Evaluation : * Partial (written) test in German, optional. The test will be written at the end of the first quadrimester.
* General (written) test in German, obligatory. The test will be written in June and September.
A syllabus for this course (written in German) is available.