Structure of English

Aims

Aims

By the end of this module, students will typically:

• Have a basic knowledge of some of the major facts of English structure
• Have developed abilities in the practical linguistic analysis of English language data
• Have a basic knowledge of facts about the use of English in context in conversation and written texts

Prerequisites

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for this module.

Programme

Programme

Contact hours

You will attend two hours of classes each week, and you are expected to do four additional hours of work each week on preparation and formative assessment.

Teaching programme

• English syntax, the structure and organisation of phrases and sentences
• English phonology, the organisation of the sound patterns of English

Also, elements of one or both of the following:

• English morphology, word-formation in English
• Conversation Analysis, the use of English in conversational interaction

Teaching materials

The basic course books which you must buy are:

• Carr, P. (1999). English Phonetics and Phonology: an Introduction. Blackwell. Oxford.
• Hurford, J.R. (1994). Grammar: A Student’s Guide. Cambridge University Press. Cambridge.

For reference:

• Bauer, L. (1983). English Word-formation. Cambridge University Press. Cambridge.
• Carstairs-McCarthy, A. (2002). An Introduction to English Morphology. Edinburgh University Press: Edinburgh.
• Plag, I. (2003). Word-Formation in English. Cambridge University Press: Cambridge.
• Quirk, R et al. (1985). A Comprehensive Grammar of Contemporary English. London: Longman.
• Quirk, R et al. (1973). A University Grammar of English. Longman. London.

Assessment and feedback

Assessment and feedback

Formative assessment

You are expected to complete regular written assignments, to prepare for class discussion and for oral presentations in class, and to participate in group work.

Summative assessment

There are three assessed components:

• One hour closed exam on the term 1 content
  • Date: Term 2, Week 1
  • Weight: 30%
• 90 minute closed exam on the content of the entire module
  • Date: Term 3, Week 5-7
  • Weight: 70%