German Linguistics: Specific Syntactic and Semantic Aspects

Teacher(s)

Sabel Joachim;

Language

Deutsch

Prerequisites

Introduction to German linguistics.

Main themes

Study of German linguistics, in particular syntactical and semantic issues.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :
1	At the end of the course, the students should : have developed a knowledge of specific syntactic and semantic phenomena in German, have developed a knowledge in theoretical and applied linguistics, be able to present competently one of the topics of this course.

Content

At the beginning of the course we will introduce the basic concepts of syntactic analysis. Then, we will describe central problems of German syntax and semantics and we will try to give syntactic explanations for these phenomena.
The phenomena that will be discussed are: the Passive Construction, empty Subjects and Expletives, the Double Object Construction, the Distribution of Reflexives, Reciprocals, and Pronouns, Wh-questions, Coordination Phenomena, Causative and other Infinitival Constructions, Discontinuous Constituents, Extraposition, Extraction-Islands, the Free Word Order Phenomenon and the Analysis of (In-)Definiteness and Theme/Rheme.

Teaching methods

Students will receive a syllabus written in German, including important working techniques and linguistic argumentation strategies. They will be provided with a bibliography on the course topics, relevant specialist publications as well as lists of examples and exercises. The structuring and development of the application work will be done in consultation with the students.

Evaluation methods

The evaluation is based on work (oral presentation) done during the course. The student's ability to solve problems similar to those covered in the course and the application work will be evaluated.

Faculty or entity

ELAL