Aims

Introduction to the comparative method in the field of linguistics, applied to the Indo-European area and especially, for a part of the students, to Greek and Latin.

Main themes

1. Comparativism in the humanities ; epistemological implications of the comparative method ;
2. Comparativism in linguistics : a critical assessment of comparative studies on Indo-European languages, with special emphasis on current directions of research ;
3. Characteristics of the comparative approach as applied to the Indo-European area ;
4. Special questions relating to Greek and Latin.

Content and teaching methods

Within the framework of classical studies, oriental philology or linguistics, the aim of this course is the full acquaintance of the students with the comparative method, esp. in the field of language study in the broadest sense. A minimum of basic knowledge in general linguistics and, depending on the former curriculum of each student, in classical or oriental philology is requested. The content of the lectures belongs to a large comparative study of mentalities and cultures.

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

Prerequisitie : basic notions of general linguistics ; a good acquaintance with the structure of oriental or classical languages.
Evaluation : For classicists, particular attention is paid to the grammatical comparison of Greek and Latin, by summarizing linguistic articles and discussing with the teacher.

Other credits in programs