LIN3590

History and Philosophy of Linguistics ( 6 points, SCA Band 1, 0.125 EFTSL)

Leader: Keith Allan

Offered:
Not offered in 2005.

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 words): 10% + Third year students will be required to show a greater degree of theoretical sophistication in the research assignment.

Contact Hours: 2 hours (1 x 2 hour seminar) per week

Prerequisites: 12 points of Linguistics at second-year level.

Prohibitions: LIN2590