Prerequisite: L542 or consent of instructor
3 Credits

With standard rule-based derivational theories as a point of
comparison, this course introduces the basic principles and workings
of Optimality Theory.  The focus will be on formal and empirical
differences with the intent of revealing new insights about
phonology.  Some of the optimality theoretic topics to be considered
will include: richness of the base, lexicon optimization, the
emergence of the unmarked, local conjunction, sympathy, (harmonic)
constraint rankings, constraint demotion, and positional faithfulness
(versus positional markedness).  The requirements will include a
series of homework assignments and two papers, one formulated within
a derivational framework and the other within an OT framework.  These
papers and associated feedback are intended to develop writing and
argumentation skills in the different theoretical frameworks.
Students will also be afforded experience in giving a professional-
style oral presentation of their final research paper.

For more information contact:
Dan Dinnsen
dinnsen@indiana.edu
phone: 855-7948