lin3syn syntax
SYNTAX: THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MEANING AND STRUCTURE
LIN3SYN
2018
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
Through readings, lectures, tutorials and discussion, students will examine the way that diverse languages enact meaning though structure of morphemes, words and phrases. The course will examine word classes, constituency, structural and semantic relations, using examples from a wide range of languages from across the world -building on one of La Trobe University's areas of acknowledged expertise: the documentation and description of the world's linguistic diversity. The world's extraordinary linguistic diversity is under threat, and the sustainability of the many smaller languages of the world is one of the most urgent issues facing the human population. This subject addresses La Trobe's Sustainability Thinking Essential. Sustainability Thinking entails deep appreciation of how the choices we make affect the natural, economic, social, political and cultural systems - now and in the future.
SchoolSchool of Humanities & Social Sciences
Credit points15
Subject Co-ordinatorJames Walker
Available to Study Abroad StudentsYes
Subject year levelYear Level 3 - UG
Exchange StudentsYes
Subject particulars
Subject rules
Prerequisites LIN1CLC and LIN1IML or Coordinator's approval.
Co-requisitesN/A
Incompatible subjectsN/A
Equivalent subjectsN/A
Special conditions Core subject at third-year for the Linguitics major or minor in the Bachelor of Arts.
Learning resources
Readings
| Resource Type | Title | Resource Requirement | Author and Year | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Readings | 2015 Understanding Syntax (Fourth Edition) | Prescribed | Tallerman, Maggie | ROUTLEDGE |
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. Students are able, independently or in small groups, to present their own views and the views of others in tutorial presentations.
- Activities:
- Assignment 1, Assignment 2, Take Home Exam
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Speaking(Speaking)
02. Students will be able to analyse a data set making reference to relevant linguistic theories. Students will further develop their ability to present their ideas in written form. They will become more sophisticated in articulating and defending their analyses.
- Activities:
- Weekly Homework, Assignment 1, Assignment 2, Take Home Exam
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Writing(Writing)
03. Students will be able to search for and locate information beyond the specific suggestions embodied in subject guides. Students will be familiar with library resources in the field of linguistic study. Students will be able to show independent thinking in their assessment tasks.
- Activities:
- Weekly Homework, Assignment 1, Assignment 2, Take Home Exam
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
04. Students will be able to solve problems of increasing complexity.
- Activities:
- Weekly Homework, Take Home Exam
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
05. Students will expand the domains of linguistics across which they are able to deploy analytical and problem solving techniques.
- Activities:
- Weekly Homework, Assignment 2, Take Home Exam
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
06. Students will work co-operatively on various tasks, and discuss linguistic analyses of particular datasets.
- Activities:
- Weekly Homework, Assignment 1, Assignment 2, Take Home Exam
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Teamwork(Teamwork)
Subject options
Select to view your study options…
Melbourne, 2018, Semester 1, Day
Overview
Online enrolmentYes
Maximum enrolment sizeN/A
Enrolment information
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorJames Walker
Class requirements
TutorialWeek: 10 - 22
One 1.0 hours tutorial per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via blended.
LectureWeek: 10 - 22
One 2.0 hours lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via blended.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assignment 1 (1000 words) | In 1000 words, students will be asked to examine a particular linguistic feature across a range of languages, initially using a specially designed on-line publication that compares a wide range of linguistic features across the languages of the world. This first assignment will help students to become aware of the extent of linguistic diversity, and the range of linguistic structures found across the world. | 20 | 01, 02, 03, 06 |
| Assignment 2 (1500 words) | In 1500 words students will be asked to explain in detail a particular feature of a language that they have never previously encountered # one of the many non-national languages that is facing issues of long term sustainability and retention. Focussing on a particular linguistic feature common to all the languages, this Assignment will be the principle assessment of the students understanding of Sustainable | 20 | 01, 02, 03, 05, 06 |
| Take Home Exam (1500 words) | A final take home exam will text student's knowledge across the whole range of the course, with examples from a range of very diverse languages assembled in data sets for analysis using the tools taught during the course. | 40 | 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06 |
| Weekly Homework (500 words) | Weekly exercises will test the student#s grasp of particular aspects of linguistic analysis | 20 | 02, 03, 04, 05, 06 |