3 credits

This course introduces the principles and workings of Optimality
Theory.  A broad range of phonological phenomena will be considered,
including learnability issues, opacity effects (i.e. generalizations
that are either not surface-true or not surface-apparent), and
conspiracies.  Readings will be drawn from two textbooks and the
current research literature.

Requirements include a series of homework assignments and two short
papers on an approved topic of interest to the student.  One of the
papers is to be formulated within a derivational rule-based
framework, and the other within the framework of optimality theory.
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 paper.

Prerequisite:  L542 or consent of instructor.

For more information, contact--

Dan Dinnsen
Department of Linguistics
Memorial Hall 334
Phone: 855-7948
e-mail: dinnsen@indiana.edu