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ET230-15 Morphology and Syntax

Department
Applied Linguistics
Level
Undergraduate Level 2
Module leader
Timothy Curnow
Credit value
15
Module duration
10 weeks
Assessment
Multiple
Study location
University of Warwick main campus, Coventry
Introductory description

This module expands on concepts introduced during ET118: Linguistics: Understanding Language in order to provide core knowledge and skills in the core linguistic domains of morphology and syntax. It aims to:
-Familiarise students with the morphological and syntactic systems of the world’s languages and how these interact with the meaning systems.
-Introduce methodologies to document, study, and analyse language data.
-Engage students in linguistic analysis within a language and cross-linguistically, both synchronically and diachronically.
-Introduce research about and approaches to subfields of linguistics, such as language change.

Module aims

The module aims to:

  • Provide rigorous instruction in two core domains of linguistics, as established by the
    UK Quality Code for Higher Education Subject Benchmark Statement: morphology and syntax.
  • Expand on concepts introduced during ET118: Linguistics: Understanding Language in order to build core knowledge and skills for students in the field of language study.
  • Introduce methodologies to document, study, and analyse language data.
  • Engage students in linguistic analysis within a language and cross-linguistically, both synchronically and diachronically.

This module will contribute primarily to the achievement of Course Aims #1, #2, #4 and #7:

  1. Provide a thorough grounding in theories and research findings related to intercultural interaction and linguistics.
  2. Give students an in-depth understanding and awareness of the nature of generic, discoursal and linguistic features relevant to different cultural and professional contexts.
  3. Enable students to analyse cross-linguistic features and contexts, and authentic cross-cultural and intercultural discourses using both quantitative and qualitative methods.
  4. Enable students to undertake an in-depth study of issues relating to intercultural linguistics.
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.

Illustrative Weekly Syllabus:
Comparing and classifying world languages
Morphology
Nouns, pronouns and nominal categories
Verbs, verbal categories and other word classes
Syntax: Coding grammatical relations
Syntax: Alignment and marking
Syntax: Clause types and complex sentences
Morpho-syntactic change

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

  • Describe morphological, syntactic and semantic patterns of the languages of the world.
  • Label morpho-syntactic and semantic features of languages with disciplinary terminology.
  • Analyze raw linguistic data to determine features of a language.
  • Categorize changes in languages resulting from language internal and external factors.
  • Propose appropriate methodologies to document and study language.
  • Discuss core theories, findings, and approaches from a range of linguistic disciplines.
Indicative reading list

Burridge, K. & Bergs, A. (2016). Understanding language change. Routledge.
Haspelmath, M., & Sims, A. (2013). Understanding morphology. Routledge.
Payne, T. E. (1997). Describing morphosyntax: A guide for field linguists. Cambridge, U.K: Cambridge University Press.
Tallerman, M. (2014). Understanding syntax. Routledge.
Velupillai, V. (2012). An introduction to linguistic typology. Amsterdam/Philadelphia: John Benjamins Publishing.
Whaley, L. J. (1996). Introduction to typology: the unity and diversity of language. London: Sage Publications.

Research element

Students analyse raw linguistic data to determine features of a language. Students are also required to review research literature to inform their analysis and to make cross-linguistic comparisons.

Interdisciplinary

Students practice foundational linguistic analysis skills that transfer to branches of anthropology, sociology, history, cognitive science, and language teaching and learning.

International

Students engage with datasets drawn from a wide range of languages, increasing cross-linguistic exposure and providing pathways to multilingualism.

Subject specific skills
  1. Describe syntactic, morphological and semantic patterns of the languages of the world.
  2. Analyse raw linguistic data to determine features of a language.
  3. Categorize changes in languages resulting from language internal and external factors.
  4. Label morpho-syntactic and semantic features of languages with disciplinary terminology.
Transferable skills
  1. Write research-based work in a clear, informative, and structured way.
  2. Communicate clearly in oral presentation and academic discussion.
  3. Propose appropriate methodologies to document and study language.
  4. Discuss core theories, findings, and approaches from a range of linguistic disciplines.

Study time

Type Required
Lectures 9 sessions of 2 hours (12%)
Seminars 9 sessions of 1 hour (6%)
Other activity 6 hours (4%)
Private study 117 hours (78%)
Total 150 hours
Private study description

Reading subject materials
Homework tasks
Assignments
Revision

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 C1
Weighting Study time
1500 word assignment 50%
Online Examination 50%

Unseen examination

~Platforms - AEP,Moodle


  • Online examination: No Answerbook required
Assessment group S
Weighting Study time
1500 word assignment 50%
Online Examination 50%
  • Online examination: No Answerbook required
Feedback on assessment

Written feedback on the assignment will be provided on the Centre'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.

Past exam papers for ET230

Courses

This module is Core for:

  • Year 2 of ULNA-R1Q2 Undergraduate French Studies with Linguistics
  • Year 2 of ULNA-R1Q3 Undergraduate French and Linguistics
  • Year 2 of ULNA-R2Q2 Undergraduate German Studies with Linguistics
  • Year 2 of ULNA-R4Q1 Undergraduate Hispanic Studies and Linguistics
  • Year 2 of UETA-X3Q5 Undergraduate Language, Culture and Communication
  • Year 2 of UETA-X3Q8 Undergraduate Language, Culture and Communication (with Intercalated Year)
  • Year 2 of UETA-Q1A9 Undergraduate Linguistics with Arabic (with Intercalated Year)
  • Year 2 of UETA-Q1A7 Undergraduate Linguistics with Chinese (with Intercalated Year)
  • Year 2 of UETA-Q1A8 Undergraduate Linguistics with Japanese (with Intercalated Year)
  • Year 2 of UETA-Q1A6 Undergraduate Linguistics with Russian (with Intercalated Year)
  • Year 2 of UETA-Q1A4 Undergraduate Linguistics with Spanish (with Intercalated Year)
  • Year 2 of ULNA-R9Q1 Undergraduate Modern Languages and Linguistics
  • Year 2 of ULNA-R9Q2 Undergraduate Modern Languages with Linguistics
  • Year 2 of UPSA-C802 Undergraduate Psychology with Linguistics
  • Year 2 of UETA-Q310 in English Language and Linguistics
  • Year 2 of UETA-Q311 in English Language and Linguistics (with Intercalated year)