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Ling 331:
Formal Foundations of Linguistic Theory
General Information
Course Description:
This course will familiarize students witha core set of formal tools
used in linguistic analysis. Starting from basic set-theoretical
fundamentals and first-order logic, we will cover such topics as
relations, algebras, trees and graphs, the theory of languages and
complexity, and the relationship between symbolic grammars and their
probabilistic counterparts. All of these notions have in common that
they are used in various different areas of linguistic analysis:
phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics. Thus this course will
benefit all students for their future course work and research.
At each stage, strong emphasis will be placed on linking the formal
tools being discussed to particular linguistic issues.
Prerequisites:
Linguistics 250, 260, 270 or the equivalent, or permission of the
instructor.
Teaching method:
Lectures, discussion.
Evaluation:
Weekly assignments (80%); take-home final (20%).
Assignments will be handed out on Thursdays and are due back in class
on the following Tuesday. Late assignments will not be accepted,
except for documented medical emergencies or if permission of the
instructor has been obtained before the assignment was handed out.
Textbook: Partee, B.H., A. ter Meulen, and
R.E. Wall. 1993. Mathematical Methods in Linguistics.
Kluwer Academic Publishers.
Some additional readings will be distributed and discussed in class.
Notice to students with disabilities:
In compliance with Section 504 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act and the
Americans with Disabilities Act, Northwestern University is committed
to providing equal access to all programming. Students with
disabilities seeking accommodations are encouraged to contact the
office of Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) at
847-467-5530 or ssd@northwestern.edu. SSD is
located in the basement of Scott Hall. Additionally, I am available
to discuss disability-related needs during office hours or by
appointment.
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