LIN3590

History and Philosophy of Linguistics (6 points)

(ARTS)

Leader: Keith Allan

Offered:
Not offered in 2003.

Synopsis: We seek answers to questions such as 'What is a linguistic theory?' 'How do we evaluate a linguistic description?' 'What constitutes an explanation within the discipline of linguistics?' We will then turn to the history of linguistic analysis, and look at the ancient, medieval, and post-Renaissance conceptions of grammar that compose the classical tradition to which modern linguistics owes a very clear debt.

Assessment: Written research assignment (2250 words): 50% + Exam ( 2 hours): 40% + Class participation (equivalent 250 wods): 10% Third year students will be required to show a greater degree of theoretical sophistication in the research assignment.

Contact Hours: 2 hour seminar per week

Prerequisites: 12 points of Linguistics at 2nd year level

Prohibitions: LIN2590