Seminar: Ling H: Theoretical and empirical aspects of labeling theory (advanced)

In this mini-course, we will scrutinize recent syntax-theoretical developments under the rubric of Labeling Theory. We will shed light on the conceptual rationale behind these ideas, which implies the simplemost conception of the structure building component Merge, a separation of this operation and labeling, outsourcing the procedure of labeling to the third factor principle Minimal Search and the interface requirement that a label needs to be found within each set formed by Merge. Given such theoretical aspects, we will revisit various empirical phenomena, including small clauses, EPP, ECP, raising to object, successive-cyclic movement, pro-drop, verb second and noun phrase structures.