LIN2590 - History and Philosophy of Linguistics

Leader: Dr Keith Allan

Offered

Not offered in 2007

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%

Contact hours

2 hours (1 x 2 hour seminar) per week

Prerequisites

A first year sequence in Linguistics.

Prohibitions

LIN3590