Overview

The module introduces students to core knowledge essential for understanding English grammar at the word and sentence levels, focusing on morpho-syntax. It covers categorizing words, their internal structure, basic sentence structures, and issues within English grammar. Students delve into different word types (nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions) and their identification. Basic sentence structures like independent clauses, dependent clauses, simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex sentences are explored. Various approaches to studying grammar, including standard and nonstandard grammar, child grammar, and learner's grammar, are discussed.

Additionally, the module addresses how individuals learn English morphology and sentence structure, including teaching methods, proficiency testing, and common learning errors. It combines theoretical groundwork with practical applications in language teaching and learning. Students gain the ability to explain and analyze English grammar at the word and basic sentence levels, beneficial for those studying linguistics, English language, or aspiring English teachers.

The module primarily uses English for illustration but may refer to other languages in practical examples. Its aims include providing introductory knowledge of morpho-syntax, familiarizing students with relevant literature, addressing challenges in learning English grammar, especially for non-native learners, and encouraging critical thinking about grammar terminology and theoretical frameworks. It also aims to enhance students' research, analytical, and problem-solving skills relevant to grammar and morpho-syntax. Ultimately, the module aims to improve students' ability to observe, recognize, and describe facts about English grammar and morpho-syntactical processes.

Students will learn about topics such as the following:

• The Study of grammar - e.g. prescriptive vs descriptive approaches, the grammar of non-standard dialects, First Language Acquisition and Language Disorders contexts.
• How to describe and label the morphemes of a word.
• Aspects of English word morphology including e.g. affixation, inflection and derivation and compounding
• Major word categories and parts of speech in English (nouns, pronouns, adjectives, verbs and adverbs)
• Minor word categories and parts of speech in English (determiners, prepositions and conjunctions)
• The English grammar of children
• Grammatical errors made by learners of different languages
• Assessing and testing English proficiency

Assessment Strategy

Threshold (D- to D+) Submitted work is adequate and shows an acceptable level of competence as follows: 1.Generally accurate but with omissions and errors.2.Assertions are made without clear supporting evidence or reasoning.3.Has structure but is lacking in clarity and therefore relies on the reader to make links and assumptions.4.Draws on a relatively narrow range of material.

Good (C- to B+) Submitted work is competent throughout and may be distinguished by superior style, approach and choice of supporting materials. It: 1.Demonstrates good or very good structure and logically developed arguments.2.Draws at least in parts on material that has been sourced and assessed as a result of independent study, or in a way unique to the student.3.Assertions are backed by evidence and sound reasoning.4.Accuracy and presentation in an appropriate academic style.

Excellent (A- to A*) Submitted work is of an outstanding quality and excellent in one or more of the following ways: 1.Has originality of exposition with the student’s own thinking being readily apparent.2.Provides clear evidence of extensive and relevant independent study.3.Arguments are laid down with clarity and provide the reader with successive stages of consideration to reach conclusions.

Learning Outcomes

• Analysing basic morpho-syntactical data in English and non-English data sets

• Demonstrating knowledge of the key literature and theoretical approaches relating to morpho-syntax and English and non-English grammar(s)

• Differentiating the basic terminology and concepts used to categorize and describe word and sentence morpho-syntax in English.

• Explaining and giving examples of some of the core issues involved faced by people learning English morpho-syntax.