MA Syntax

Institution University of Essex, Colchester Campus
Method At the institution
Location Colchester
Type Masters
Course fee By request

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MA Syntax

Objectives This graduate programme provides students with the opportunity to: Become familiar with approaches to the study of language adopted in contemporary work in linguistics Become familiar with linguistic approaches to the study of syntax Acquire training in methods of syntactic analysis and description Become familiar with styles of argumentation and evaluation criteria used incontemporary research in syntax Develop a critical appreciation of a selection of recent research in syntax Undertake a small-scale piece of original research Acquire a wide range of transferable cognitive skills, practical skills and key skills Acquire a foundation for further study, employment and lifelong learning
Entry requirements Entry Qualifications A good BA honours (or equivalent) degree (2:1 or above). For non-native speakers of English, an IELTS score of 6.5, or a TOEFL score of 570 (computer based 230). Some prior knowledge of Syntax is useful.
Academic title MA Syntax
Course description
Course Description
The MA in Syntax gives students with little or no previous background in syntactic theory a good grounding in the most influential current models within generative syntax: Chomsky's Minimalist Programme, Lexical-Functional Grammar and Head-Driven Phrase Structure Grammar. Students can take specialised modules that brings them up-to-date with recent research in more specific areas of syntax or in areas which impinge on syntax.

Modules and Options

The lists of modules below represent the range of options available for each year of study. This may not be a complete list of the options you will study, and may be subject to change, so please contact the department for further details.

Stage 1

    Compulsory: INTRODUCTION TO HEAD-DRIVEN PHRASE STRUCTURE GRAMMAR
    Compulsory: INTRODUCTION TO LEXICAL FUNCTIONAL GRAMMAR
    Compulsory: MINIMALISM SYNTAX II
    Compulsory: MINIMALIST SYNTAX I
    Compulsory: TOPICS IN HEAD-DRIVEN PHRASE STRUCTURE GRAMMAR
    Compulsory: TOPICS IN LEXICAL FUNCITIONAL GRAMMAR
    Core: DISSERTATION: MA
    DESCRIPTIVE SYNTAX
    DEVELOPMENTAL SECOND LANGUAGE SYNTAX
    ENGLISH SYNTAX
    MORPHOLOGY
    SEMANTICS
    SENTENCE PROCESSING

Teaching and Assessment Methods

A: Knowledge and Understanding
    Learning Outcomes
    A1 : familiarity with approaches to the study of language adopted in contemporary work in linguistics
    A2 : knowledge of key concepts, issues, ideas, theories, styles of argumentation and evaluation criteria used in contemporary research in syntax
    A3 : knowledge of methods and tools employed in contemporary research in syntax to analyse and present data with the goal of formulating and testing research hypotheses

    Teaching Methods
    A1-3 are addressed in lectures, as well as seminar, class and tutorials discussion. Web and instructional course materials, including library and internet materials are used to achieve A1 and 2. There is also office and email consultation with staff as well as written and oral feedback on work.

    Assessment Methods
    A1-3 are assessed by written coursework in the form of essays (usually a 3000 word essay per course) and exercises. The dissertation is instrumental in the achievement of A3, being the most significant form of assessment with respect to knowledge and understanding acquired in the taught part of the course.

B: Intellectual/Cognitive Skills
    Learning Outcomes
    B1 : Critically evaluate theories, accounts, explanations, approaches, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between theory and data
    B2 : Abstract and synthesise information from a range of sources (lectures/seminars/classes, journals, books, internet etc.) identifying those ideas or findings which are most significant
    B3 : Make observations and generalisations about behaviour (or data, or other materials), and analyse relevant types of behaviour, data, or materials using specialised techniques

    Teaching Methods
    B1 and B3 are developed in seminars, classes and tutorials. B2 is developed in directed reading of library and internet materials, as well as printed instructional course materials. there is also office and email consultation with staff, as well as written and oral feedback on work.

    Assessment Methods
    B1-3 are assessed by written coursework in the form of essays (usually a 3000 word essay per course) and exercises. In its development of advanced intellectual and cognitive skills, the dissertation is central in assessing B2 and B3.

C: Practical Skills
    Learning Outcomes
    C1 : retrieve information from a variety of sources (e.g. Library, WWW, CD-Rom)
    C2 : utilise techniques and tools relevant to the collection, analysis and presentation of materials or data, with a minimum of guidance
    C3 : Propose, plan, undertake, write up and present an independent survey or report (e.g. on research undertaken individually or in collaboration with others, or on a case study), with a minimum of guidance

    Teaching Methods
    Throughout the scheme practical skills C1-3 are developed through independent learning in preparation for classes, seminars, essays and presentations. In particular, these skills are mobilised in preparation for tutorials for the dissertation. Office and email consultation with staff, as well as written/oral feedback on work is provided through both the coursework and dissertation phases of the degree.

    Assessment Methods
    Coursework and essays play an important part in the assessment of all skills C1-3. It is in marking of the dissertation, however, that these skills - particular C2 and C3 - become particularly salient.

D: Key Skills
    Learning Outcomes
    D1 : Communicating complex ideas effectively in writing, writing essays, reports and reviews using the appropriate register and style.
    D2 : Using advanced computational tools and software packages to obtain, store and process information stored in electronic form (e.g. from the Library, WWW or CD-rom), and (where appropriate) to analyse data and results
    D4 : Analysing data, abstracting generalisations and testing hypotheses
    D6 : Under guidance, working independently, demonstrating initiative, self-organisation and time-management, and undertaking a self-critical programme of self-directed study

    Teaching Methods
    The key skills, D1, D2, D4 and D6 are taught throughout the scheme in preparation for lectures, seminars, tutorials and coursework assignments. Oral presentations in class may be used to develop skills of oral communication in parallel with D1; students are also encouraged to collaborate with others to achieve common goals e.g. in project planning, management and presentation. Seminars and tutorials are used to develop D3 and D4. There is also office and email consultation with staff, as well as written/oral feedback on work.

    Assessment Methods
    Coursework essays are used in the development of all key skills D1 to D4 and D6. Coursework exercises specifically develop D3 and D4. The dissertation constitutes an overall assessment of these skills in judging communication, problem solving and independent learning.