Module manager: Elliot Holmes
Email: e.j.holmes@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
| MODL1060 | Language: Structure and Sound |
This module is approved as a discovery module
Syntax is the component of language grammars that determines how words combine into larger units and how parts of sentences relate to each other. This module introduces students to principles of syntactic theory and trains students to carry out basic practical syntactic analyses with reference to English and other languages. Students gain a better understanding of the language(s) they speak and become aware of the often-surprising structural similarities between languages. The module introduces students to formal systems and develops students’ ability to build an argument and to identify supporting or conflicting evidence. Students are expected to have been introduced to syntax on a Level 1 module in linguistics or English language before enrolling on this module. Having completed this module, students can go on to do a more advanced syntax module at Level 3. Please note this is an optional module and runs subject to enrolments. If a low number of students choose this module, then the module may not run and you may be asked to choose another module.
The module aims to:
1. Introduce students to the terminology and concepts of syntactic description and theory.
2. Explain the principles underlying the study of the structure of language.
3. Demonstrate how to analyse data from English and other languages (with guidance) and enable students to learn to formulate grammatical rules based on such data.
4. Develop students’ ability to write basic grammatical arguments.
5. Foster student’s ability to study more advanced topics in syntactic theory
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of the principles underlying the structural study of grammar, and in particular syntax.
2. Use basic terminology and concepts of syntactic description and theory.
3. Analyse data from English and other languages and formulate grammatical rules based on such data.
4. Construct basic grammatical arguments.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
5. Apply basic scientific reasoning skills in the analysis of real-world data.
6. Communicate analytical findings effectively.
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Seminar | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Private study hours | 180 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 20 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Lecture content is accompanied by self-study homework materials that encourage students to check their understanding of core concepts and command of terminology throughout the module. Seminar activities and supplementary materials are designed to develop students’ skills in all assessed areas of syntactic analysis in a variety of languages (this relates directly to the coursework in particular). Students are given feedback and individual help during seminars where relevant and have the opportunity to complete a mock exam in preparation for the exam.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Analysis Task | 40 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 40 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Open Book exam | 2.0 Hrs 0 Mins | 60 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 60 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 02/05/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team