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This module is designed to introduce students to the systematic analysis of the grammar of English, including how grammatical structures are represented (form) and the role(s) each structure plays (function) in the English language. It aims at developing both students’ English proficiency level and their linguistic knowledge. The topics discussed in this module include syntactic notions such as constituency; hierarchical relationships within phrases and clauses; word classes and lexical categories; and representations of the structures of phrases, clauses and sentences. Students will develop their meta-linguistic awareness by learning basic concepts and tools that are essential for systematic syntactic analyses, and how to apply these concepts and tools in daily English learning. This module focuses on the English language, but as the analytical tools and concepts used in this class are broadly applicable to human language generally, other languages will be briefly discussed from a global perspective.
Upon completion of this module, students should be able to:
a. Describe and write about the forms and functions of English grammatical structures, including word classes, phrases, clauses and sentences.
b. Use systematic linguistic tests to determine grammatical category and constituency.
c. Represent English phrase and clause structures using appropriate linguistic formalisms.
d. Use e-learning platforms, such as the Moodle-based eCampus system, to participate in on-line guided class discussions, together with internet-based electronic tools for academic research.
1. Foundations
1.1 What is grammatical structure (syntax)?
1.2 Descriptive and prescriptive grammar
2 Word Classes
2.1 Parts of speech
2.2 Lexical categories
2.3 Functional categories
3 Constituency and Phrases
3.1 Noun, adjective, adverb, verb and prepositional phrases
4. Basic Clauses
4.1 Predicates and argument roles
4.2 Subjects
4.3 Complements
5. Coordination and Embedding
5.1 Coordination and embedding
5.2 Relative clauses and noun clauses
5.3 Adverbial clauses
5.4 Simple, compound and complex clauses
6. Clausal Variation
6.1 Passives
6.2 Imperatives
6.3 Questions
6.4 Negatives
7. Rules and Principles
7.1 Reflexives
7.2 Pronominalisation
7.3 Substitution
7.4 Ellipsis
1. Essay on a Grammatical or Syntactic topic (30%)
2. Final Test (40%)
3. Presentation (20%)
4. Participation (10%)
1. Greenbaum, S., & Nelson, G. (2009). An introduction to English grammar (3rd ed.). Halow, England: Pearson/Longman.*
2. Matthews, S., & V. Yip. (2011). Cantonese: A comprehensive grammar (2nd ed.). London, England: Routledge.
3. Wardhaugh, R. (2008). Understanding English grammar: A linguistic approach. Malden, MA: Blackwell.
For advanced learners:
1. Greenbaum, S. (1996). The Oxford English grammar. Oxford, English: Oxford University Press.