LG105-4-FY: FOUNDATIONS OF LINGUISTICS
Year: 2012/13
Department: Language and Linguistics
Essex credit: 30
ECTS credit: 15
Available to Study Abroad / Exchange Students: Yes Comments: None
| Module is taught during the following terms |
| Autumn |  | Spring | | Summer | |
Module Description
The aims of this module are twofold. Firstly, we wish to introduce students to some current ways in which sounds, words and sentences of languages (principally but not solely English) are analysed. Secondly, and equally importantly, we hope to accustom students to thinking about linguistic theory and give them some sense of the ways in which knowledge and understanding develops in this field, in particular the way in which data lead to questions, which lead to answers which lead to further questions, and so on. The module is divided into four sections, sounds, words, sentences and meaning. In the first term we look at sounds and how they are made and how they pattern together in speech (phonetics and phonology). We then look at how words are constructed from smaller parts (morphology). We consider the construction of sentences (syntax) and finally the meaning of words and sentences (semantics and pragmatics).
Learning Outcomes
LG105 prepares students for a significant proportion of our second and final year modules, for which it is a prerequisite. Students will have a sound foundation in all aspects of theoretical linguistics.
Learning & Teaching Methods
1 x 1 hour lecture, 1 x 1 hour class for 20 weeks.
2 x 1 hour revision classes in term 3.
Assessment
50 per cent Coursework Mark, 50 per cent Exam Mark
Other details:
50% course work 50% examination.
Course work: 1 x 3000 word essay (40% of course work mark) due Monday of week 30 and 4 x 1000 word assignments (60% of coursework) due Friday of weeks 6, 11, 20 and 25.
1 x3-hour examination.
Exam Duration and Period
3:00 hour exam during Summer Examination period.
Other information
Lecturers: Dr W. Johnson, Prof. L. Sadler and Dr D. Arnold.
Bibliography
- Module notes are provided but the following provide useful background reading:
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Hudson G. (2000) Essential Introductory Linguistics. Malden Mass: Blackwell.
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Roca I. & W. Johnson (1999) A Course in Phonology, Blackwell (term 1).
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Tallerman, M. (1999) Understanding Syntax, Hodder Arnold, (term 2) - this will form the basis for the syntax lectures in the second term.