ET121-15 Describing English Language
Introductory description
Are the rules of English grammar fixed for all time or are they changing? Is it important to follow rules such as not splitting an infinitive? What is the difference between an adverb and an adverbial? In this module we will learn about the structure of the English language and explore answers to these questions. You will develop a sound grasp of a useful method for exploring English grammar, and learn the relevant terminology. By the end of the module, you will be able to apply this descriptive framework to any text in English and understand the effect of grammar choices on your style of writing.
Module aims
The module aims to develop a sound grasp of the nature and terminology of English grammar viewed as constituent structure. Students will gain skills in applying this descriptive framework to any text in English and understand the effect of grammar choices on style.
This module will contribute primarily to the achievement of Course Aims # 2, # 3 and #4:
2. Give students an in-depth appreciation of the linguistic, historic and global complexity of the English Language.
3. Enable students to analyse language in general and the English language in particular at every level from the word to its place in society at large.
4. Develop students' ability to write, speak and communicate visually in the appropriate English for the context.
Outline syllabus
This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.
Description and Prescription
Grammar and effective communication
Sentences and their parts
Form and Function
Open and Closed word classes
Noun, verb and adjectival phrases
Clause patterns
- finite and non-finite
- declarative, interrogative and imperative
- active and passive
Parsing
Subordination and Coordination
Skeleton Analysis
Basic and Derived Structures
Style and Transformations
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- distinguish between description and prescription in English grammar
- analyse and label sentence constituents accurately
- parse any sentence
- understand the role of grammar in effective communication
Indicative reading list
Ballard, K. (2013). (3rd ed.) The frameworks of English. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
Culpeper, J. (2009). English language. Houndmills, Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
Kuiper, K. & Scott Allan, W. (2010). (3rd ed.) An Introduction to the English Language: Word, Sound and Sentence Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
Leech, G., Deuchar, M., & Hoogenraad, R. (2006). (2nd ed.) English grammar for today. Basingstoke [England]: Palgrave Macmillan.
View reading list on Talis Aspire
Research element
Students will be required to investigate current uses of English in the world around them as part of the seminar discussions and for their summative assignment.
Subject specific skills
Demonstrate ability to: classify constituents according to form and function;
classify and label words according their class;
identify and label phrases;
recognise and analyse the structure of clauses;
parse a sentence according to constituent structure;
classify subordinate clauses according to type;
analyse derived structures showing the relation to the basic structure;
Demonstrate ability to critically reflect on the effect of syntax on style.
Transferable skills
An in-depth appreciation of the linguistic, historic and global complexity of the English Language.
Analyse language in general and the English language in particular at every level from the word to its place in society at large.
Develop the ability to write, speak and communicate visually in the appropriate English for the context.
Study time
| Type | Required |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 9 sessions of 2 hours (16%) |
| Seminars | 9 sessions of 1 hour (8%) |
| Other activity | 6 hours (5%) |
| Private study | 77 hours (70%) |
| Total | 110 hours |
Private study description
Reading subject materials and revising lectures
Other activity description
Revision sessions
Costs
No further costs have been identified for this module.
You do not need to pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Assessment group C2
| Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 word essay | 50% | 20 hours | Yes (extension) |
|
Text analysis and essay |
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| Online Examination | 50% | 20 hours | No |
|
Text analysis ~Platforms - AEP
|
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Feedback on assessment
Written feedback on the assignment will be provided on the department's standard feedback sheets, which conform to Faculty regulations. This will include both summary and detailed feedback. Where appropriate, additional feedback may be provided via personal meetings with the tutor.
Courses
This module is Core for:
- Year 1 of UETA-Q311 in English Language and Linguistics (with Intercalated year)