intro to syntax query

[s.t. bischoff]

Hi all,

Just a quick not of thanks to those the responded on and off list. A number
of folks asked for a list of the texts recommended so they are listed below
with publisher links. Also, thanks to those that have sent syllabi.

Givon, Tom 1993    English Grammar (2 vols, Benjamins 1993)
http://www.benjamins.com/cgi-bin/t_bookview.cgi?bookid=Z%20ENGRAM%201  /
http://www.benjamins.com/cgi-bin/t_bookview.cgi?bookid=Z%20ENGRAM%202

Givon, Tom 2001    Syntax (2 vols, Benjamins, 2001)
 http://www.benjamins.com/cgi-bin/t_bookview.cgi?bookid=Z%20SYN%201
http://www.benjamins.com/cgi-bin/t_bookview.cgi?bookid=Z%20SYN%202

Paul R.KROEGER   "Analyzing grammar : an introduction"
http://www.cambridge.org/catalogue/catalogue.asp?isbn=9780521016537&ss=cop

Paul R. Kroeger "Analyzing Syntax" - CAMBRIDGE
http://www.cambridge.org/us/catalogue/catalogue.asp?isbn=9780521016544&ss=toc

Paul Hopper "A Short Course in Grammar, W W Norton, 1999
 http://www.wwnorton.com/college/titles/english/grammar/highlights.htm

van Valen "An introduction to syntax"
 http://www.cambridge.org/us/catalogue/catalogue.asp?isbn=9780521635660

Thanks again,
Shannon

On Fri, Apr 24, 2009 at 6:35 AM, Alice Vittrant <vittrant at vjf.cnrs.fr>wrote:

> Dear Shannon, dear funknetters,
> - Teaching syntax in a Linguistic Department in Université de Porvence, I
> (and my colleagues) use different books (french and english ones).
> For non native english speaker, I would recommand Paul R.KROEGER's books
> ("Analyzing grammar : an introduction" and "Analyzing Syntax" - CAMBRIDGE)
> although it is more 'practical' than 'theorical' (with exercices at the end
> of each chapter).
>
> Alice Vittrant
>
>
> Le 23 avr. 09 à 21:11, s.t. bischoff a écrit :
>
> Hi all,
>
> My department is developing an "Introduction to Syntax" course. We are an
> English department made up of about 8 Applied linguists with one
> Sociolinguists and myself (trained in generative syntax and
> Anthropological
> Linguistics). Our students are ESL and EFL with various degrees of fluency
> (the dominate language is Spanish). The course will be for second and third
> year students with perhaps one introduction to linguistics course and no
> other linguistic experience. It will be taught in English. Our graduates
> tend to matriculate into our MA program where they study Applied- or Socio-
> Linguistics and generally go on to teach English in the public schools here
> in Puerto Rico. A few do go on to get PhDs in Applied or Sociolinguistics.
> My personal feeling is that to meet the needs of our students and our
> community, that we should should have a "theory-neutral" (as much as that
> might be possible) general introductory course...when I say neutral I am
> thinking of the work of Noel Burton-Roberts "Analysing Sentences: An
> Introduction to English Syntax"  (I realize we cannot teach a "theory"
> free
> course, but I hope the spirit of the comment is clear). We have one member
> who is strongly in favor of a "theoretical syntax" course instead in the
> spirit of the Generative Program, and would like us to adopt "Simpler
> Syntax" as the textbook.  With that bit of background I would like to ask:
>
> 1) Would anyone be kind enought to send a syllabus or two they have used or
> are familiar with for any type of "introduction to syntax" course for
> undergraduates in the second year with  little or no background in
> linguistics;
>
> 2) Does anyone have any thoughts on what content such a course should
> include (an introductory "general" or "theoretical" syntax course);
>
> 3) Does anyone have arguments for or against a "General Syntax" course vs.
> a
> "Theoretical Syntax" course at the introductory level;
>
> 4) Any suggestions on introductory syntax books that have worked
> particularly well?
>
> Thank you for time,
> Shannon
>
>
> -------------------
>
> Alice Vittrant
>
> Université de Provence
>
> CNRS-LACITO
>
> vittrant at vjf.cnrs.fr
>
>
>