EL5017 - The sounds and structures of English

What will I learn on this module?

The module seeks to introduce you to linguistic theory while building on their knowledge of the phonetics, phonology, morphology and syntax of English. The module begins with an examination of English sentence structure from the perspective of generative grammar and then looks at how this underlying structure is realised in morpho-phonological form. You will acquire the ability to examine linguistic phenomena from a theoretical point of view and understand the interfaces between different levels of analysis.

How will I learn on this module?

The module will be delivered through a combination of interactive lectures and seminars. Key aspects of linguistic analysis will be introduced in lectures, supported by seminars that allow further group working and discussion of set tasks. All topics and debates within the module will be supported by reference to relevant literature, which you will read outside of class to further develop your knowledge and understanding of the field.

In addition to learning during taught hours with the module tutor, you will be expected to undertake both directed and independent learning. Directed learning generally will take the form of preparation for seminars where you will be expected to contribute to group work and full class discussion. Independent learning generally will take the form of further reading and investigation, the consolidation of seminar notes, and revision/preparation for the assessment of the module.

All learning materials and tasks will be posted on the eLP (e-learning portal) to facilitate full participation in the module. Additionally, you will receive formative feedback on your ideas and understandings throughout the module. The module’s final, summative assessment will also provide an opportunity for learning.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

The module aims to introduce you to a branch of linguistic theory that you are unlikely to have previously encountered. Thus, lectures, seminars and tasks will develop your academic knowledge and skills, to help you attain the module learning outcomes. Your academic development will also be facilitated through engagement with the set readings and by talking with your peers and the module tutor about your understanding of this literature (i.e. reading around the topic, and discussing and reflecting upon what you have read).

The module handbook provides details of lectures, seminars, reading lists and assessment criteria; lecture materials are made available on the eLP (see above). The module tutor will be available in lectures and seminars, as well as in ‘Feedback and consultation hours’ (i.e. ‘office hours’) and on email, to discuss any queries or concerns you have about how to excel academically on the module. Formative feedback will be on-going throughout seminar/workshop activities.

In addition, you have a designated Guidance Tutor throughout the entire duration of your programme. The academic side of the Guidance Tutor’s role includes: monitoring your ongoing academic progress; helping you to develop self-reflection skills necessary for continuous academic development; directing you to further available services which can help them with their academic skills (e.g. Library’s Skills Plus). You are advised to see your Guidance Tutor at least twice each semester to review your academic progress..

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of the principles and parameters model of syntax and complementary descriptive and theoretical phonological and morphological perspectives.
2. Show an ability to describe intermediate phenomena in the syntax, morphology and phonology of English

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
Learning outcome 1
3. Demonstrate the capacity to engage with scientific enquiry and theory building using logic and critical reasoning.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
4. Demonstrate intellectual openness to linguistic theories.
5. Utilise enhanced skills conforming to relevant standards of good academic practice

How will I be assessed?

Formative assessment

1. You will present your ideas during seminars and will receive formative feedback from the module tutor and peers on any perspectives you share Such formative feedback will enable you to clarify your understanding of linguistic theory.
Formative assessments address MLOs in ‘Knowledge and Understanding’, ‘Intellectual/Professional skills & abilities’, and ‘Personal Values Attributes’.

Summative (graded) Assessments
1. Syntactic analysis of a sentence
2. Morpho-phonological sentence analysis
(Word limits flexible, dependent on the complexity of the model sentence you choose to write about; sentence selection and decision-making outlined formatively in class).
3. Final exam
For the first two assessments you will have to choose an appropriate sentence and provide a linguistic analysis. In the final exam you will be required to answer two questions, one on the syntax of English and one on morpho-phonology.

The essay assessment will be part of the learning process, and addresses all five MLOS.

Feedback will be provided through comments on the scripts.

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

Please find details of this module in the other sections provided.

Course info

UCAS Code Q310

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 3 years full-time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

Department Humanities

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2024 or September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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