Offered
Not offered in 2008
Synopsis
The unit provides a step-by-step account of English grammar from the perspective of the theoretical insights of modern linguistics. It examines the most important English constructions and categories, compares the leading standard and near-standard varieties in these respects, discusses key differences of interpretation, and (briefly) relates language-specific facts and issues to language typology and universals.
Objectives
Upon successful completion of this unit students will:
- Be able to understand the key notions used in the analysis of contemporary English syntax.
- Be able to understand the more important aspects of the relationship between syntax and meaning in English.
- Be able to apply the notions covered in 1-2 (and to use the relevant terms accurately) in the analysis of 'real' texts, especially with the view to how information is structured in discourse.
- Know the key syntactic (and syntactic-semantic) features that distinguish the main standard varieties of English from each other and from other important varieties.
- Know the key syntactic (etc.) features that distinguish formal and informal usage.
- Know the key syntactic (etc.) features that distinguish different occupational varieties (like Journalese, Legalese, Sports-Announcer Talk etc.).
- Be aware of the place of English in respect of the main parameters of syntactic typology.
- Have the basis for further study which would enable them to teach English grammar themselves.
Assessment
Three written assignments (approximately 3,000 words): 70%;
one examination (1.5 hours): 30%
Contact hours
2 hours (1 x 2 hour seminar) per week
Prerequisites
A first-year sequence in Linguistics.
Prohibitions
LIN3510