LG630-7-SP-CO:
Grammar At The Interfaces
2023/24
Language and Linguistics
Colchester Campus
Spring
Postgraduate: Level 7
Future
Monday 15 January 2024
Friday 22 March 2024
15
03 February 2023
Requisites for this module
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Research at the interfaces poses unique, challenging questions for the field of linguistics, and this module aims to equip PGT students with the tools to think critically about language and linguistics while developing their skills in argumentation and research planning.
This module aims to synthesize the knowledge across subfields by exploring the interfaces between different domains of grammar, including two case studies that have been looked at in depth within the field: syntax-semantics interface and the semantics interfaces. This module is open to all students interested in understanding more about the role of syntax and semantics in the field.
The aims of this module are:
• To provide students with an insight into some of the ways in which understanding of syntax and semantics is understood and researched within the field of linguistics.
• To introduce students to the idea of grammar at the interfaces and to understand what this means in the study of language and how it advances our understanding of language
• To provide students with opportunities to explore and engage with a range of ideas and to develop their critical thinking and argumentation skills
• To provide up-to-date examples of from the field both in terms of content and theoretical approaches and to explore how theory and practice come together in research.
By the end of this module students will be expected to be able to:
1. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding and make use of core terminology used to research grammar
2. Demonstrate familiarity with the different types of theoretical tools and approaches taken in the study of language
3. Demonstrate developed critical thinking, argumentation, and research planning skills
4. Critically evaluate current debates in the topics of syntax, semantics, and phonology
Syllabus Information
* Theories of linguistics and the question of interfaces
* Syntax-semantics interface: Argument Realization in the World's Languages
* Syntax-semantics interface: Theoretical Approaches to Argument Realization
* Syntax-semantics interface: Discourse and Argument Realization
* Argumentation and critical thinking in Linguistics
* Semantics-phonology interface: Focus and intonation
* Semantics-phonology interface: Presupposition and Entailment
* Semantics-phonology interface: Contrastive Focus and Contrastive Topic
* Comparing approaches to grammar
* Student presentations
This module will be delivered via:
• One 2-hour lecture per week
This will be complemented by activities and work outside the classroom.
This module does not appear to have a published bibliography for this year.
Assessment items, weightings and deadlines
| Coursework / exam |
Description |
Deadline |
Coursework weighting |
Exam format definitions
- Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
- In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary,
for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.
Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.
Overall assessment
Reassessment
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Yes
Yes
Yes
No external examiner information available for this module.
Available via Moodle
No lecture recording information available for this module.
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