Overview

Overview

Aims

The MA in Syntax and Semantics will:

• Impart a general foundation and background in syntax and semantics
• Give you a practical training in techniques used in syntactic and semantic analysis
• Enable you to apply your skills and knowledge to syntax and semantic data
• Introduce you to research questions and methodologies in syntax and semantics
• Enable you to perform original research in syntax and semantics

Description

The MA in Syntax and Semantics will impart a solid theoretical background in syntax and semantics. You will have the opportunity  to develop your interest in areas such as minimalism, principles and parameters and monostratal frameworks, the acquisition of syntax and the syntax–semantics interface.

The first term comprises four modules in the core areas of phonetics and phonology, semantics, sociolinguistics and syntax. In the second term you will take two modules on syntax and semantics which may include: Syntactic Theory; Semantic Theory; Formal Pragmatics; The Acquisition of Syntax. The programme is completed with a research dissertation.

Course structure

Course structure

Students follow a two-term programme of lectures, seminars and tutorials.

Term one

Students with appropriate backgrounds may substitute up to 20 credits of the programme with a corresponding Directed Reading module.

• Core phonetics and phonology
  10 credits
• Core syntax
  10 credits
• Core language variation and change
  10 credits
• Core semantics
  10 credits

Term two

In the second term you will take two 20-credit modules of your choice. Your options may include:

• Syntactic theory
• Semantic theory
• Formal pragmatics
• The acquisition of syntax

For students whose first degree has covered substantial parts of the taught MA modules, modules involving more independent study are available: 

• Topics in transformational syntax
• Topics in formal semantics

Term three and summer vacation

• Specific training and dissertation
  80 credits

All terms

• Research training
  10 credits
• Seminar presentation training
  10 credits

Assessment

Assessment

Term one

Assessment for term one is in two parts: a dossier of exercises in the middle of the autumn term, and another one handed in at the start of the Spring term. Students submit assessment for 3/4 of the first term's modules.

Term two

Options are generally assessed by two 5,000 word essays handed in at the start of the summer term.

Dissertation

The course culminates in a sustained period of independent research and the production of a dissertation of up to 15,000 words. You can see more detail on the programme and the department in the current postgraduate handbook.