LG514-7-AU-CO:
Syntax
2024/25
Language and Linguistics
Colchester Campus
Autumn
Postgraduate: Level 7
Current
Thursday 03 October 2024
Friday 13 December 2024
15
15 March 2022
Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
MA Q16012 English Language and Linguistics,
MA Q10012 Linguistics
This course is an introduction to syntactic theory and aims to understand the ways that
we can understand syntactic variation in the languages of the world. For example, what determines why objects come before a verb in Japanese, but afterwards in English? Why do languages like Spanish and French put their question words at the beginning of a sentence, while others like Swahili leave them at the end? What rules out sentences like *herself likes pizza in English? This module provides a solid foundation in the tools involved in syntactic analysis and theoretical approaches to the study of human language.
This module provides a thorough grounding in the key theoretical tools adopted in syntactic theory. This module presents foundational material for the study of syntax, the tools of syntactic analysis and skills of syntactic argumentation. It will also facilitate the development of practical and analytic skills, and pave the way of research independence on topics related to syntactic theory.
On successful completion of this half module, students should
• Understand key linguistic concepts and terminology
• Be able to identify the category of words and the major phrases in a sentence
• Be familiar with syntactic structures that exist in the world’s languages
• Have developed some of the key analytical skills employed in syntactic research
• Have the ability to engage with original syntactic research
• Construct a syntactic analysis for linguistic data in English and other languages
• Be able to identify topics for further research
A two-hour interactive seminar combining group and independent work, as well as practical data-based tasks.
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Falk, Y.N. (2001f) Lexical-functional grammar: an introduction to parallel constraint-based syntax. Stanford, Calif: CSLI.
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Dalrymple, M., Lowe, J. and Mycock, L. (2019d)
Oxford Reference Guide to Lexical Functional Grammar. Oxford University Press. Available at:
https://doi-org.uniessexlib.idm.oclc.org/10.1093/oso/9780198733300.001.0001.
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Bresnan, J. et al. (2015) Lexical-Functional Syntax. 2nd Revised edition. John Wiley & Sons Inc.
The above list is indicative of the essential reading for the course.
The library makes provision for all reading list items, with digital provision where possible, and these resources are shared between students.
Further reading can be obtained from this module's
reading list.
Assessment items, weightings and deadlines
| Coursework / exam |
Description |
Deadline |
Coursework weighting |
| Coursework |
Assignment 1 |
29/11/2024 |
40% |
| Coursework |
Assignment 2 |
13/01/2025 |
60% |
Additional coursework information
N/A
Exam format definitions
- Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
- In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary,
for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.
Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.
Overall assessment
Reassessment
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Prof Hannah Gibson, email: h.gibson@essex.ac.uk.
Hannah Gibson
4.317, h.gibson@essex.ac.uk
Yes
No
Yes
Dr Ian Cunnings
University of Reading
Associate Professor in Psycholinguistics
Available via Moodle
Of 20 hours, 20 (100%) hours available to students:
0 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s), module, or event type.
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