Syntax

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

170 hours

Some prior study in Linguistics & Applied Linguistics is desirable, e.g. a first year LING subject.

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

This subject is an introduction to basic concepts and methods of syntactic analysis and description. Emphasis is on practical analysis and description of a wide range of phenomena from a variety of languages. Students should become familiar with topics such as constituent structure, syntactic categories, grammatical functions (interface with morphology), thematic relations (interface with semantics), word order, multi-clausal constructions, including complement clauses, relative clauses and clause linking, and unbounded dependencies.

On successful completion of this subject, students should have:

• broadened and be able to apply skills in syntactic analysis and description of a wide range of phenomena from a variety of languages;
• attained practical knowledge of several theoretical models of syntax;
• engaged with current theoretical debates in syntax;
• deepened their understanding of social and cultural diversity;
• participated in individual and group-based problem-solving activities within and outside the classroom;
• developed their ability to think creatively in evaluating novel linguistic data and attempting to find the best description and explanation for them;
• made wide use of learning and research technologies (LMS, Library);
• further honed their abilities in written and verbal argumentation and logical expression through assessment activities and tutorial discussion.

• Problem set assignment 1 throughout the semester [25%]
• Problem set assignment 2 throughout the semester [25%]
• Take home exam at the end of the semester [50%]

Hurdle requirement: Students must attend a minimum of 75% of tutorials in order to pass this subject. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.

Note: Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per working day. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked.

'Analyzing grammar: an introduction'. Paul Kroeger. 2005. Cambridge University Press.

An additional package of readings will be available

none

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

• Bachelor of Biomedicine
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Music
• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Engineering

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Students who successfully complete this subject should have:

• acquired skills in critical thinking and analysis;
• acquired skill in thinking in theoretical terms;
• developed skills in thinking creatively in evaluating and formulating analyses;
• developed skills in observation and attention to detail;
• developed skills in communicating knowledge intelligibly and economically.