Module QXL-1020:
Intro to English Grammar
Introduction to English Grammar 2024-25
QXL-1020
2024-25
School of Arts, Culture And Language
Module - Semester 2
20 credits
Module Organiser:
Christopher Shank
Overview
The module introduces students to core knowledge essential for understanding English grammar at the word and sentence levels, focusing on morpho-syntax. It covers categorizing words, their internal structure, basic sentence structures, and issues within English grammar. Students delve into different word types (nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions) and their identification. Basic sentence structures like independent clauses, dependent clauses, simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex sentences are explored. Various approaches to studying grammar, including standard and nonstandard grammar, child grammar, and learner's grammar, are discussed.
Additionally, the module addresses how individuals learn English morphology and sentence structure, including teaching methods, proficiency testing, and common learning errors. It combines theoretical groundwork with practical applications in language teaching and learning. Students gain the ability to explain and analyze English grammar at the word and basic sentence levels, beneficial for those studying linguistics, English language, or aspiring English teachers.
The module primarily uses English for illustration but may refer to other languages in practical examples. Its aims include providing introductory knowledge of morpho-syntax, familiarizing students with relevant literature, addressing challenges in learning English grammar, especially for non-native learners, and encouraging critical thinking about grammar terminology and theoretical frameworks. It also aims to enhance students' research, analytical, and problem-solving skills relevant to grammar and morpho-syntax. Ultimately, the module aims to improve students' ability to observe, recognize, and describe facts about English grammar and morpho-syntactical processes.
Students will learn about topics such as the following:
- The Study of grammar - e.g. prescriptive vs descriptive approaches, the grammar of non-standard dialects, First Language Acquisition and Language Disorders contexts.
- How to describe and label the morphemes of a word.
- Aspects of English word morphology including e.g. affixation, inflection and derivation and compounding
- Major word categories and parts of speech in English (nouns, pronouns, adjectives, verbs and adverbs)
- Minor word categories and parts of speech in English (determiners, prepositions and conjunctions)
- The English grammar of children
- Grammatical errors made by learners of different languages
- Assessing and testing English proficiency
Assessment Strategy
Threshold (D- to D+) Submitted work is adequate and shows an acceptable level of competence as follows: 1.Generally accurate but with omissions and errors.2.Assertions are made without clear supporting evidence or reasoning.3.Has structure but is lacking in clarity and therefore relies on the reader to make links and assumptions.4.Draws on a relatively narrow range of material.
Good (C- to B+) Submitted work is competent throughout and may be distinguished by superior style, approach and choice of supporting materials. It: 1.Demonstrates good or very good structure and logically developed arguments.2.Draws at least in parts on material that has been sourced and assessed as a result of independent study, or in a way unique to the student.3.Assertions are backed by evidence and sound reasoning.4.Accuracy and presentation in an appropriate academic style.
Excellent (A- to A*) Submitted work is of an outstanding quality and excellent in one or more of the following ways: 1.Has originality of exposition with the student’s own thinking being readily apparent.2.Provides clear evidence of extensive and relevant independent study.3.Arguments are laid down with clarity and provide the reader with successive stages of consideration to reach conclusions.
Learning Outcomes
- Analysing basic morpho-syntactical data in English and non-English data sets
- Demonstrating knowledge of the key literature and theoretical approaches relating to morpho-syntax and English and non-English grammar(s)
- Differentiating the basic terminology and concepts used to categorize and describe word and sentence morpho-syntax in English.
- Explaining and giving examples of some of the core issues involved faced by people learning English morpho-syntax.
Assessment method
Class Test
Assessment type
Crynodol
Description
Cumulative Summary Assessment Final on-line assessment consisting of advanced English and non-English data sets and short answer questions. The data set analysis of up to 5 data sets does not have a specific word count because the students are asked to provide either one-word answers or short sentences either translated from the example language into English or from English into the target language. The short answer portion will consist of questions that ask students to critically reflect on the topics covered in lectures 8-11 (i.e. standard and nonstandard grammar, child grammar, learner's grammar, how grammar is taught to non-native learners, how learner proficiency is tested, what kinds of errors learners make while learning,) 5 potential topic areas, 400-word short answers per topic = 2000 words total
Weighting
55%
Due date
15/05/2024
Assessment method
Other
Assessment type
Crynodol
Description
Review of an English test
Weighting
15%
Due date
19/04/2024
Assessment method
Other
Assessment type
Crynodol
Description
Analysis of Non English Morpho-syntax The objective is to examine and answer questions related to a syntactically oriented dataset containing non-English data sets and/or examples
Weighting
15%
Due date
11/03/2024
Assessment method
Other
Assessment type
Crynodol
Description
Analysis of English morphology The objective is to examine and answer questions related to a morphologically oriented dataset containing English data sets and/or examples.
Weighting
15%
Due date
16/02/2024