Introduction to English linguistics and grammar (semester 1, 6 ECTS)

Course tutor

Dr Bastien De Clercq: bastien.de.clercq@vub.be, office 5B34. Office hours by appointment.

Course content

The course Introduction to English linguistics and grammar consists of three parts. The first - introductory - part briefly discusses the concepts of linguistics, language and English. The other two parts offer a detailed overview of the structure and characteristics of standard British English (Received Pronunciation). Part 2, Phonetics and Phonology, discusses the sound system of English. Part 3, Morphology, deals with the structure of words in English. It also discusses the formal and functional properties of the word classes (or parts of speech) in English as well as how English words combine to form phrases.

The theoretical discussions are illustrated during the lectures with ample examples and put to practice in the exercise sessions. For detailed information concerning the class schedule, see the 'Course summary' section at the bottom of this page and the Course overview.

The course Introduction to English linguistics and grammar and its follow-up course The morphosyntax of English collectively offer a general introduction to the scientific study of the English language. They aim to provide:

a) a comprehensive overview of key principles and concepts in the scientific study of human language in general and English in particular, including the specialised terminology of linguistics;

b) a detailed overview of the basic structure (or 'grammar') of contemporary standard British English (its phonetics, phonology, morphology and syntax).

Course outcomes

By the end of the course students are expected to be able to use the specialized linguistic terminology to help them describe phonological, morphological and lexical phenomena in the English language and to begin the more advanced study of the English language, its syntax and its varieties.

Course materials

• Printed coursebook Introduction to English linguistics and grammar, developed by Dr Alex Housen (published by VUB Dienst Uitgaven, available at the campus bookshop).
• Slides, video lectures and additional materials from the lectures and exercise sessions will be made available via Modules on Canvas.

Assessment

Calculation of final mark (first and second session):

• final written examination: 100%
• three mid-term tests: ungraded

Important:

• In the correction of the written exam (which consists of multiple-choice questions), a higher pass mark (‘hogere cesuur’) will be applied.
• To pass this course in the first or second session, students need to complete all three mid-term tests in addition to passing the written examination. The final mark for this course is entirely determined by the written examination (100%).