Fall 2009

SPN 396K • Introduction to Romance Linguistics

Course Description

Part I. Introduction: initial readings on historical linguistics, history and culture of the Romance family of languages, and an overview of the Latin language. Phonology: study of the phonological characteristics of Latin and selected Romance languages. Exercises in comparative Romance phonology and observation of phonological traits of early texts in each of the languages in question. First research paper reflecting ongoing research in external history, historical or comparative phonology, or synchronic phonology of one or more of the languages. Part II. Morphology: study of the morphological characteristics of Latin and selected Romance languages. Three general topics: (1) noun-like elements (nouns, pronouns, adjectives...), (2) verbs, and (3) lexical issues such as derivation, composition, and borrowing. Observation of morphological features of early texts in each of the languages in question. Second research paper reflecting ongoing research in external history, historical or comparative morphology, or synchronic morphology of one or more of the languages. May build on first paper and/or relate to the third paper. Part III. Syntax: study of the syntactic characteristics of Latin and selected Romance languages. Three general topics: (1) noun phrases, (2) verb phrases, and (3) sentence types. Observation of syntactic features of early texts from each of the languages in question. Third research paper reflecting ongoing research in external history, historical or comparative morphosyntax or synchronic topics in one or more of the languages. May build on previous reports.

Grading Policy

Research papers, 75%; class presentations, 25%

Texts

Anderson, J. & Rochet, B. 1979. Romance historical morphology. Ann Arbor: University Microfilms Int. Boyd Bowman, P. 1980. From Latin to Romance in sound charts. Washington: Georgetown UP Harris, M. & Vincent, N. 1988. The Romance languages. NY: Oxford UP Lathrop, T.A. 1984. Curso de gramática histórica española. Barcelona: Ariel (Separata: chapters 1 to 3) Supplementary bibliography

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