An in-depth examination of minimalist claims about the nature and
organization of  grammar, with detailed discussion of current
controversies relating to the explanatory role of derivation. After
a brief introduction to minimalism, the course will focus on
readings by leading syntacticians published in the recent collection
of articles DERIVATION AND EXPLANATION IN THE MINIMALIST PROGRAM.
Course will meet intensively until spring break, after which
students will conduct individual supervised research.