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Introduction to Syntax (short) - LAN00027C

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  • Department: Language and Linguistic Science
  • Module co-ordinator: Information currently unavailable
  • Credit value: 10 credits
  • Credit level: C
  • Academic year of delivery: 2022-23
    • See module specification for other years: 2021-22

Module summary

This module familiarises students with two basic skills: i) core syntactic concepts and ii) methodologies employed in developing such concepts.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Autumn Term 2022-23

Module aims

This module familiarises students with two basic skills: i) core syntactic concepts and ii) methodologies employed in developing such concepts.

Module learning outcomes

Knowledge outcomes

You will understand:

  • the goals of syntactic theory: observational, descriptive and explanatory adequacy
  • scientific (and syntactic) argumentation
  • the notions of productivity and recursion
  • the basic nature of Universal Grammar
  • the competence/performance distinction in linguistics
  • the difference between lexical and functional categories
  • basic grammatical and thematic relations
  • the distinction between arguments and adjuncts

Behavioural outcomes

You will be able to:

  • identify the lexical category of English words
  • apply syntactic tests for constituency
  • gloss and label examples
  • identify different types of verbal category
  • identify grammatical functions, such as subjects and objects
  • draw trees and labeled brackets for basic English sentences

Indicative assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Final Summative		 N/A 60
Essay/coursework
Summative 1		 N/A 40

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Open Examination: Multiple choice questions online
Reassessment Exam		 N/A 100

Module feedback

Self-tests via the VLE and/or in-class quizzes.

Comments on formative exercises conducted throughout term.

Model answers to formative and summative exercises within one month of assessment.

Indicative reading

Sportiche, D., Stabler, E. and Koopman, H.: An Introduction to Syntactic Analysis and Theory. Wiley Blackwell 2014.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.