This seminar is structured around Culicover & Jackendoff's forthcoming book, Simpler Syntax. That book is based on the following proposition, which they call the Simpler Syntax Hypothesis (SSH): "The most explanatory syntactic theory is one that imputes the minimum structure necessary to mediate between phonology and meaning." The authors argue that a grammar constructed on the basis of SSH will differ in numerous ways from the sorts of grammars posited within the mainstream of theoretical syntax.
Many of their arguments are reminiscent of arguments put forward (some of them by the same authors) in the late 1960s and early 1970s against what was then called "Generative Semantics". In the seminar, we will read some older works alongside Simpler Syntax, providing some historical perspective on Culicover & Jackendoff's position. These older works are concentrated in the first half of the course, but will be useful background throughout.
Students taking the course for credit will be expected to do the readings, participate actively in discussions, and lead the discussion in one session. Those taking it for more than 2 units will also be required to write a term paper.
