- Code
- ELL 213
- Name
- English Syntax
- Semester
- 3
- Lecture hours
- 3.00
- Seminar hours
- 0.00
- Laborator hours
- 0.00
- Credits
- 3.00
- ECTS
- 5.00
- Description
-
This course deals with the study of the basic characteristics of the syntax of the English language. Grammatical categories, phrases and sentences are discussed in relation to forms and functions. Students will study sentence structures in a variety of contexts. These structures will help students understand and communicate better in different situations.
- Objectives
-
- To equip the student with knowledge of the syntactic structure of the English language. -To guide into the correct use of the language by the student. -Students will discuss a series of examples and exercises, focusing on grammatical and ungrammatical sentences, noun phrases, verb phrases, adverbs, and sentences.
- Java
- Tema
- 1
- Introduction to Syntax; Course Requirements; Students’ Evaluation: In the first week, students will be introduced to the basic concepts of syntax, including an overview of syntactic theory and the study of sentence structure in the English language. Course requirements and evaluation criteria will be explained to ensure students are well-prepared for what to expect. The importance of understanding syntax for effective communication will be emphasized, setting a foundation for the topics that follow. Reference: Syntax: A generative introduction (2006), pp. 1-28
- 2
- Sentence Structure: Constituents and Phrase Structure: The concept of sentence constituents will be introduced, focusing on how sentences are broken down into smaller units called constituents. Students will learn about constituency and the basics of phrase structure, which involves understanding how words combine to form larger syntactic units. Practical in-text exercises will help students identify and analyze the different parts of sentences. Reference: Syntax: A generative introduction (2006), pp. 29-56
- 3
- Sentence Structure: Functions - Subject, Predicate, Noun Phrases, and Verb Phrases: The discussion will center on sentence functions, specifically focusing on the subject and predicate, as well as noun phrases and verb phrases. Students will explore the dependency and functional relations, such as the modifier-head and complement-head relationships. Exercises will help reinforce these concepts through practical analysis of sentence components. Reference: Syntax: A generative introduction (2006), pp. 57-84
- 4
- Sentence Structure: Categories - Parts of Speech and Their Subcategories: Students will explore different parts of speech, including adjectives, adverbs, and prepositions, along with their respective subcategories. The functions of these word classes in sentence formation will be analyzed in depth. This week will focus on understanding how these categories form phrases and how they contribute to overall sentence structure, accompanied by exercises for practice. Reference: Understanding syntax (2020), pp. 20-50
- 5
- Sentence Structure: The Basic Verb Phrase: The basic structure of verb phrases will be discussed, particularly focusing on the complements of lexical verbs. Various verb categories will be examined, and students will be engaged with exercises to better understand how verbs and their complements function within a sentence to convey meaning accurately. Reference: Analyzing sentences: An introduction to English syntax (2016), pp. 75-98
- 6
- More on Auxiliary Verb Phrases: This week, students will examine the role of auxiliary verbs in forming complex verb phrases. Topics will include the distinction between lexical and auxiliary verbs, the different types of auxiliary verbs (such as modal, perfect, progressive, and passive), as well as their functions in tense, aspect, and voice. The role of auxiliaries in passive, negative, and interrogative constructions will also be analyzed, with in-text exercises for further understanding. Reference: Syntax: A generative introduction (2006), pp. 85-114
- 7
- Review and Practice: Students will engage in a comprehensive review and practice session, where they will revisit topics covered from Weeks 1 to 6. Exercises and discussions will reinforce their understanding of sentence constituents, functions, categories, and verb phrases, allowing them to clarify any doubts before the midterm.
- 8
- Midterm exam
- 9
- Adverbials and Other Matters: This week will focus on adverbials, including adjunct adverbials and their role within verb phrases. Topics such as the mobility of adverbials, phrasal verbs, ellipsis, and sentence adverbials will be discussed. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the syntactic positions of adverbials and how they modify verbs, adding depth to meaning in sentences. Reference: Analyzing sentences: An introduction to English syntax (2016), pp. 120-145
- 10
- The Structure of Noun Phrases: The structure of noun phrases (NPs) will be examined in detail, including determiners, pre-determiners, and pre-modifiers. Topics such as quantifying adjectives, participle phrases, and noun modifiers will be discussed, along with post-modifiers. This week aims to help students understand how different elements combine to modify nouns and the syntactic functions they serve. Reference: Understanding syntax (2020), pp. 51-80
- 11
- Sentences Within Sentences - Complementisers and Clauses: Students will learn about the use of complementisers like "that" and "whether," and how they function within sentences. The roles of complement clauses within verb phrases, adjective phrases, noun phrases, and prepositional phrases will be explored. Additionally, adverbial clauses and their functions will be analyzed, helping students understand more complex sentence structures. Reference: Syntax: A generative introduction (2006), pp. 115-140
- 12
- Wh-Movement: This week will focus on the concept of wh-movement, including wh-questions, subordinate wh-clauses, and interrogative clauses. Relative clauses and the distinction between restrictive and non-restrictive clauses will also be covered. Students will analyze the syntactic role of wh-words, and exercises will reinforce these concepts through practical application. Reference: Analyzing sentences: An introduction to English syntax (2016), pp. 146-170
- 13
- Non-Finite Clauses: Non-finite clauses and their forms will be discussed, including how non-finite verbs function within sentences. The various functions of non-finite clauses—as subjects, modifiers in noun phrases, adverbials, and complements of verbs—will be examined. Students will work through exercises to identify and understand the use of non-finite structures in different contexts. Reference: Syntax: A generative introduction (2006), pp. 141-165
- 14
- Students' Presentations: Students will deliver presentations on topics related to English syntax. This will help them consolidate their understanding of course content, as well as develop their analytical skills and ability to explain syntactic concepts effectively. The presentations will serve as a way for students to demonstrate their grasp of the topics discussed throughout the course.
- 15
- Review and Practice: A final review and practice session will be conducted to cover all the key topics discussed in the course. Students will have the opportunity to revisit challenging concepts, practice more exercises, and prepare for the final exam.
- 16
- Final Exam
- 1
- Të përcaktojë dhe shpjegojë terminologjinë bazë të sintaksës dhe argumentimit në gjuhën angleze;
- 2
- Të njohë dhe klasifikojë elementet e strukturës së fjalisë në anglisht: përbërësit, funksionet dhe kategoritë
- 3
- Të analizojë veçoritë e strukturës së fjalisë, nga niveli i fjalës, përmes nivelit të togfjalëshit dhe fjalive
- 4
- Të përcaktojë marrëdhëniet midis strukturave sintaksore të fjalive dhe funksioneve të tyre komunikuese, në mënyrë që të përmirësohet aftësia e tyre e përgjithshme në gjuhën angleze.
- 5
- Të shpjegojë, mbështesë dhe ndërtojë veçori të strukturës së fjalisë në gjuhën angleze.
- Quantity Percentage Total percent
- Midterms
- 1 30% 30%
- Quizzes
- 0 0% 0%
- Projects
- 1 30% 30%
- Term projects
- 0 0% 0%
- Laboratories
- 0 0% 0%
- Class participation
- 0 0% 0%
- Total term evaluation percent
- 60%
- Final exam percent
- 40%
- Total percent
- 100%
- Quantity Duration (hours) Total (hours)
- Course duration (including exam weeks)
- 16 3 48
- Off class study hours
- 14 3 42
- Duties
- 1 14 14
- Midterms
- 1 9 9
- Final exam
- 1 12 12
- Other
- 0 0 0
- Total workLoad
- 125
- Total workload / 25 (hours)
- 5.00
- ECTS
- 5.00