Course Descriptions

LING 492: Structure of English


Instructor

Janet Cowal

Course Description

This course serves to increase familiarity with the grammatical structures of English andencourage an analytical approach to examining these structures.  Students will be able to demonstrate understanding of the major features of English syntactic structure, including phrasal and clausal structure; recognize traditional grammar terminology as well as formal linguistic terminology; show familiarity with topics like quantifiers, pro-forms, anaphora, verbal inflection, question formation, negation, thematic roles, relative clauses, passive voice, and infinitives; and draw tree structures corresponding to a variety of simple and complex English sentences and phrase types. The differences in syntactic structure across a range of English dialects will also be covered.

Prerequisites
Ling 390
Major Assignments
  1. Regular quizzes
  2. In-class group work
  3. Final exam

Dieterich, T., & Andler, A. (2002). Structure and Theme in English Grammar. Ann Arbor, MI: University of Michigan Press.

  • ISBN-10: 0472066226
  • ISBN-13: 978-0472066223

NOTE:  This book is currently out of print.  Please start shopping online for a used copy as soon as possible, as the bookstore will likely have fewer than the class will require.

Other Relevant Information

Four Credits.

Course Requirements & Weighting

  • In-class group work and participation 35%
  • Take-home quizzes 35%
  • Final exam 30%

Updated: 08-Nov-2009