This work covers the principles and parameters theory of syntax. The aim of the textbook is to take students from a basic knowledge of syntax up to the point where they are able to read the primary research literature and understand the latest theoretical developments. It provides a brief introduction to the minimalist programme, and the intent is to give students enough knowledge of pre-minimalist theory so that they can progress from it to the minimalist literature. It brings together the central concepts of universal grammar with recent work, reviewing these principles across language boundaries. Each section includes exercises, details of further reading and an appendix covering more technical points of the chapter.