Handbook home
Syntax (LING20006)
Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5Dual-Delivery (Parkville)
From 2023 most subjects will be taught on campus only with flexible options limited to a select number of postgraduate programs and individual subjects.
To learn more, visit COVID-19 course and subject delivery.
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 2
Overview
Availability | Semester 2 - Dual-Delivery |
---|---|
Fees | Look up fees |
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.
Intended learning outcomes
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.
Generic skills
At the completion of this subject, students should:
- have acquired skills in critical thinking and analysis;
- have acquired skill in thinking in theoretical terms;
- have developed skills in thinking creatively in evaluating and formulating analyses;
- have developed skills in observation and attention to detail;
- have developed skills in communicating knowledge intelligibly and economically.
Last updated: 11 April 2024
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Recommended background knowledge
It is recommended that students have some prior study in Linguistics & Applied Linguistics (e.g. a first year LING subject) prior to enrolling.
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 11 April 2024
Assessment
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
Problem set assignment 1
| Throughout the semester | 25% |
Problem set assignment 2
| Throughout the semester | 25% |
Exam
| End of 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. | Throughout the teaching period | N/A |
Additional details
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.
Last updated: 11 April 2024
Dates & times
- Semester 2
Coordinator Brett Baker Mode of delivery Dual-Delivery (Parkville) Contact hours 34 hours: 2 x 1 hour lecture and 1 x 1 hour tutorial per week. There will be no tutorials in the first and last weeks of semester. Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 25 July 2022 to 23 October 2022 Last self-enrol date 5 August 2022 Census date 31 August 2022 Last date to withdraw without fail 23 September 2022 Assessment period ends 18 November 2022 Semester 2 contact information
Time commitment details
170 hours
Last updated: 11 April 2024
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
Additional readings will be made available on LMS.
Recommended texts and other resources
- 'Analyzing grammar: an introduction'. Paul Kroeger. 2005. Cambridge University Press.
- 'Syntax: a generative introduction' by Andrew Carnie. 2013. Wiley-Blackwell.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Minor English Language Studies Major Linguistics and Applied Linguistics Informal specialisation English Language - 200 Point Program Informal specialisation Language Testing - 200 Point Program Informal specialisation TESOL - 200 Point Program Informal specialisation Technology in Language Learning - 200 Point Program Breadth Track Linguistics: Language Structure and Analysis - Breadth options
This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:
- Bachelor of Biomedicine
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Design
- Bachelor of Environments
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Animation)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Film and Television)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Production)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Screenwriting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Art)
- Bachelor of Music
- Bachelor of Science
- Links to additional information
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.
Last updated: 11 April 2024