LING40450 Syntax (MA)

Academic Year 2023/2024

This module explores the principles that govern Phrase Structure (X-bar Theory), the relationship between the Lexicon and Syntax (Theta Theory), Movement (DP-movement, Wh-movement), among other universal properties of natural language. It also explores the parameters that govern variation within and across languages, focusing on on well documented instances. The content is formal in nature and its teaching and learning critically rely on in-class exercises and feedback on them

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

Students are expected to
--apply techniques of linguistic analysis to new data
--assign structures to various types of phrases and sentences in the form of tree-diagrams
--identify and appreciate patterns of variation within a given language and across languages;
--appreciate and evaluate the concept of parameter as a heuristic tool;
--use formalism as a means of summarizing and accurately representing information;
--critically evaluate evidence and argumentation in the context of theory construction.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24

Specified Learning Activities

76

Autonomous Student Learning

150

Total

250

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
active/task-based learning; lectures; critical writing. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Assignment: Problem sets Week 11 n/a Graded No

70

Assignment: Problem sets Week 6 n/a Graded No

30


Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
 
Spring
     
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32 Wed 14:00 - 15:50