Construction grammar: a corpus-based exploration of Dutch constructions (research seminar)

Teacher(s)

Van Goethem Kristel;

Language

Dutch

Prerequisites

An introductory knowledge of Dutch linguistics and a good proficiency in Dutch (advanced level, B2+ in terms of the Common European reference framework).

Main themes

After a brief overview of the different contemporary theoretical currents (structuralism, generativism, cognitivism...), we will focus on Construction Grammar. This is a recent theoretical approach, which is well represented in contemporary European linguistics.
The aim of this course is to deepen the understanding of the lexical and grammatical structure of Dutch by reading scientific articles and applying the theory to concrete examples.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :
1	Be familiar with the terminology and the main currents in modern Dutch linguistics.
2	Understand scientific articles in Dutch on different aspects of Dutch linguistics.
3	Apply semantic, grammatical and phonic analyses to concrete examples of modern Dutch.
Have developed a critical attitude in the linguistic analysis of Dutch.

Content

This course provides an overview of the main theoretical currents in Dutch linguistics, with a special attention for Construction Grammar. 

Teaching methods

Mixed approach of formal lectures, reading of scientific articles, corpus study, exercises and oral presentations

Evaluation methods

The final evaluation in the June session is based on three parts:

• continuous evaluation during the semester (preparation of scientific reading, oral presentations) (20% of the total)
• written assignment to be submitted in the June session (corpus analysis of a Dutch construction) (50% of the total)
• oral examination in the June session (presentation of the corpus study) (30% of the total)

The final evaluation in the August/September session is based on two parts:

• written assignment to be submitted in the August/September session (corpus analysis of a Dutch construction) (60% of the total)
• oral examination in the August/September session (presentation of the corpus study) (40% of the total)

With regard to the written assignment, it should be emphasized that generative artificial intelligence (GAI) tools, if used, must be employed responsibly and in accordance with the principles of academic and scientific integrity. Since scientific integrity requires that sources be properly cited, any use of a GAI tool must always be clearly and thoroughly disclosed. Uses of GAI that comply with academic standards are defined in the following documents:
• The course descriptions for ELAL programs refer to the document prepared by the School: Guidelines for the Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) Tools in ELAL.
• The course descriptions for all other faculty programs managed by EHAC, LSTI, TRAD, and EFIL refer to the institutional document updated in 2026: Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence. Guidance Note for UCLouvain Students.
Whether disclosed or not, the use of GAI tools will be considered inconsistent with academic standards when it leads to:
• citing bibliographic sources to support claims without having consulted those sources and/or where there is no close connection between those claims and the ideas developed in the cited sources;
• including references in the bibliography whose validity has not been verified or which are entirely non-existent.
In the event of suspected inappropriate use of GAI, the course instructor(s) may verify compliance with the principle of authenticity of the work submitted by the student and, pursuant to Article 148 of the RGEE, with the jury’s approval, require an additional assessment. Any unauthorized use of GAI may be considered an academic irregularity within the meaning of Article 107 of the UCLouvain RGEE.

Rules Concerning Plagiarism

As part of their work, students must demonstrate a thorough mastery of bibliographic referencing practices. To avoid any suspicion of plagiarism, they must:
• NOT copy text without quotation marks and/or without citing the source;
• NOT reproduce graphs, data, illustrations, etc. without citing the source;
• NOT paraphrase or summarize an author's original idea without citing the source;
• NOT translate, wholly or partially, a source without providing a reference;
• NOT use someone else's work and present it as their own (even if the original author has given permission);
• NOT purchase academic work.
See: https://www.uclouvain.be/fr/uss/lutter-contre-le-plagiat
This definition supplements that provided in Article 107 §2 of the RGEE and constitutes a specific provision within the meaning of §3 of the same article. Any student who fails to comply with the scientific referencing standards set out above may, in the event of an irregularity or plagiarism established by the jury, be subject to academic sanctions as detailed in Section 7 of the RGEE.

Online resources

Course documents and reading portfolio available on the Moodle and Teams platforms 

Bibliography

Articles scientifiques et diaporamas disponibles sur les plateformes Moodle et Teams du cours

Faculty or entity

> ELAL