Issues in Descriptive Grammar: Towards Syntactic Analysis 3301-ZJ-WM-JF003
This lecture course introduces students to the fundamentals of descriptive and applied syntax, incorporating elements of formal and generative syntax where appropriate and conceptually justified. The syntactic analysis of natural language helps students understand the underlying mechanisms of linguistic systems, providing them with tools for critically assessing commonly available pedagogical descriptions of grammatical regularities. This, in turn, prepares students for more conscious and effective foreign language learning.
The course explores the key dichotomies in descriptive and formal linguistics (e.g., descriptivism vs. prescriptivism, competence vs. performance, external vs. internal language) and presents major syntactic processes characterizing contemporary English. Special attention is given to passivization as an example of a transformational derivation, illustrating the cross-linguistic relevance of syntactic operations.
A central aim is to prepare students to conduct basic syntactic analyses and critically assess grammar explanations in the context of English language teaching and learning.
The pacing throughout the course will be beginner-friendly, with simple hands-on analysis tasks to enhance comprehension and engagement.
Topics include:
The role of syntax in natural language and in linguistic inquiry
Syntax and communication, language communication models
Key dichotomies in syntactic theory (e.g., competence vs. performance, external vs. internal language, linguistic vs. pragmatic competence, creativity vs. formulaicity)
Characteristics, tasks, and functions of syntactic competence
Syntactic competence in relation to other language competences
Basic syntactic categories and constituency tests
Major syntactic processes in contemporary English
Introduction to transformational-generative grammar: passivization as a case of syntactic movement
The role of formal syntax in pedagogical grammar descriptions
Type of course
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
knowledge
K_W01 the graduate has in-depth familiarity with advanced terminology, theory and research methods involving syntactic analysis and corresponding to the state of the art in formal and descriptive linguistics, in accordance with their chosen specialization (and educational path).
abilities
K_U01 the graduate is able to apply the advanced terminology, theories and principles of syntactic analysis to solve complex and original research problems in accordance with his/her chosen specialization (and educational path) .
Assessment criteria
Formative assessment quizzes (on Moodle): verification of outcomes: W, U.
Final exam (written); verification of outcomes: W, U.
Bibliography
Supplementary reading for students interested in specific topics covered during the lectures. Modifications are possible.
Carnie, A. (2017). Syntax: A generative introduction (4th ed.). Blackwell Publishers.
Haegeman, L., & Gueron, J. (2006). English grammar: A generative perspective. Blackwell Publishing.
Moravcsik, E. (2006). An introduction to syntactic theory. Continuum.
Payne, T. (2006). Exploring language structure: A student's guide. Cambridge University Press.
Radford, A. (2009). An Introduction to English Sentence Structure. Cambridge University Press.
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: