BENG209
English Language: Morphology and Syntax

ECTS Value: 5 ECTS

Contact Hours: 25

Self Study Hours: 60

Assessment Hours: 40

 

Overall Objectives and Outcomes

This module introduces prospective English teachers to the fundamental principles of morphology and syntax. It explores word structure, including morphemes, affixation, and word formation processes, as well as syntactic structures, sentence patterns, and grammatical relations. Through theoretical discussions and practical analysis, students will develop a deeper understanding of how words and sentences are formed, enhancing their ability to teach English language use effectively. The module also addresses common challenges in teaching these topics and provides strategies for classroom instruction.

By the end of this module, the learner will be able to:

Competences

  • a)Integrate morphological and syntactic knowledge into effective language teaching practices;
  • b)Assess language structures to identify common errors and misconceptions in English grammar;
  • c)Implement lesson plans that incorporate morphology and syntax concepts in meaningful ways;
  • d)Design engaging classroom activities for teaching morphology and syntax;
  • e)Evaluate grammar instruction strategies to meet diverse learner needs.
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Knowledge

  • a)Understand the fundamental concepts of morphology, including morphemes, affixation, compounding, and word formation processes;
  • b)Identify key syntactic structures such as phrase structure rules, sentence types, and grammatical relations;
  • c)Explain the relationship between morphology and syntax in language processing and production;
  • d)Distinguish between prescriptive and descriptive approaches to grammar;
  • e)Identify ethical considerations relating to language structures, including how prescriptive norms, language ideologies, and linguistic bias influence educational practice.
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Skills

  • a)Analyse English words and sentence structures through morphological and syntactic principles;
  • b)Construct and deconstruct syntactic structures using phrase structure rules and tree diagrams;
  • c)Apply linguistic analysis techniques to diagnose and correct syntactic and morphological errors;
  • d)Use corpus-based and other linguistic tools to explore authentic language use and patterns.;
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Assessment Methods

This module will be assessed through: Assignment and Teaching Resource

Suggested Readings

Core Reading List

  1. Brown, K., & Miller, J. (2016). A critical account of English syntax: Grammar, meaning, text. Edinburgh University Press.
  2. Carstairs-McCarthy, A. (2018). An introduction to English morphology: Words and their structure (2nd edition). Edinburgh University Press.
  3. Hamawand, Z. (2011). Morphology in English : word formation in cognitive grammar (1st ed.). Continuum.
  4. Lieber, R. (2022). Introducing morphology. Cambridge University Press.
  5. Valin, J. R. D. V. (2001). An introduction to syntax. Cambridge University Press.

Supplementary Reading List

  1. Carnie, A. (2006). Syntax : A generative introduction. John Wiley & Sons, Incorporated.
  2. Gelderen, E. V. (2017). Syntax : An introduction to minimalism. John Benjamins Publishing Company.
  3. Hilpert, M. (2013). Constructional change in English: Developments in allomorphy, word formation, and syntax. Cambridge University Press.
  4. Levesque, K. C., Breadmore, H. L., & Deacon, S. H. (2021). How morphology impacts reading and spelling: Advancing the role of morphology in models of literacy development.Journal of Research in Reading, 44(1), 10-26. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-9817.12313

 

 

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