Intermediate syntax

Aims

Aims

The aim of the module is to develop the tools of syntactic analysis and description that you began to acquire in the first year, and to introduce you to a more formal syntactic framework that will equip you with the theoretical apparatus and the skills to solve syntactic problems.

By the end of this module, students will typically:

• Have an understanding of some basic concepts in the formal analysis of syntactic data
• Know how to make use of theoretical tools from syntactic theory in the analysis of complex data
• Begin to be able to evaluate theoretical claims 
• Begin  to be able to develop written arguments in the syntactic style

Prerequisites

Prerequisites

Students must have successfully completed:

•  L11C Introduction to syntax

Programme

Programme

Contact hours

Two hours per week in Terms 2 and 3.

Teaching programme

This module runs for twelve weeks and comprises two obligatory contact hours per week, combining lectures and practical sessions. As well as reading, you will have problems to solve each week, the answers to which you may be asked to present to other members of the class.

The module will offer explanations within generative, mainly minimalist syntactic theory to phenomena covering topics likely to include the following: thematic and grammatical relations, the role of Case in the grammar, C-command, the position in which subjects are merged and 'A' (a.k.a 'NP') movement. Focusing primarily on English, we will look at how empirical facts inform theory and the types of argument used to justify or falsify theoretical claims.

Teaching materials

• Adger, David (2003) Core Syntax (To be confirmed)

Assessment and feedback

Assessment and feedback

Feedback on formative work

Oral feedback to group and individuals from both instructor and other students in weekly practical class. Model answers presented by students, with further comments and corrections. Opportunity for further individual consultation, including during surgery hours.

Summative assessment and feedback

• Course work
  • Description: The coursework component is made up of a mark for participation and marks for the subset of continual formative work (two components) which is marked summatively. The first summative components of the formative work are due in Spring term, Week 7 and Summer term, Week 1.
  • Weight: 40%
  • Feedback: Departmental feedback sheet with a mark on the University scale for individual assignments completed during term, returned to student with the assignment two (term-time) weeks after submission with opportunity for further individual consultation. Students return the assignments to the lecturer to form part of summative assessment.
• Two-hour closed examination at the end of the module
  • Weight: 60%
  • Feedback: Mark on University mark scale. Model answer and/or an opportunity to see scripts at an appointed time in the term following assessment.