Structure of English

Aims

Aims

This course is designed to introduce you to the descriptive grammar of English. We will explore questions such as:

• What do native speakers know about the grammar of their language?
• How can we use speakers' knowledge to uncover the 'hidden' rules of language?
• What is the internal structure of words and how can we go about grouping words into categories so that we can label them and describe their general properties?
• How are words grouped together into phrases within a sentence?
• What sorts of tests can we use to uncover and describe this internal structure of sentences?
• How is the structure of sentences linked to meaning/function? What is the difference between a subject and an object, an argument and an adjunct?
• Are all verbs created equal? What's the difference between verbs like must and love?
• How are complex noun phrases structured?
• What kinds of grammatical differences distinguish a statement from a question or a command?
• How can we identify clauses inside sentences, and what are they doing there?

At the end of the module, you should be able to:

• demonstrate an understanding of the way in which words and sentences are constructed
• break sentences down into their constituent parts
• represent sentence structure by means of diagrams
• analyse naturally occurring English texts (speech and writing)
• construct and test hypotheses about language

Prerequisites

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for this module.

Programme

Programme

Contact hours

This is an intensive module with four scheduled hours of classes each week. Each class will be a combination of lecture and practical work carried out individually and in groups. You will in addition be expected to do six to eight hours of work each week on preparation and formative assessment.

Teaching programme

The topics listed under Aims (and more!) will be covered during the term.

Teaching materials

You will need to buy the following books:

• Berry, Roger. (2012). English Grammar. Routledge.
• Börjars, Kersti and Kate Burridge. (2010). Introducing English Grammar, Second Edition. Hodder Education.

Internet grammar of English: http://www.ucl.ac.uk/internet-grammar/home.htm

If you have an Apple mobile device, you might want to invest in iGE: the interactive Grammar of English (http://www.ucl.ac.uk/english-usage/apps/ige/) for £4.99. It has the same content as the Internet grammar of English, but more exercises (and colour!).

Assessment and feedback

Assessment and feedback

Formative assessment

You are expected to attend all contact hours, to complete regular written assignments, to prepare for and participate in class discussions, and to contribute to group work.

Summative assessment

• A portfolio of exercises 
  • Weight: 40%
• A 90-minute closed exam 
  • Date: Spring term, Week 1
  • Weight: 60%