This course, taught by a specialist in the history of English grammar, investigates the elements of the English language and how these elements are organised in such a way as to allow speakers and writers to combine them to convey messages which can be instantly decoded by listeners (readers). The emphasis will be on grammar (syntax and morphology), although we will also explore some of the connections between grammar and semantics. In the first and larger part of the course, students will be introduced to the grammar of Standard Modern English, learning terminology and analytical techniques which linguists use to build on and modify traditional grammar. The structural characteristics of English will be compared with those of other languages where appropriate. The last third of the course will deal with variation in English, including regional, social and stylistic variation.  Special attention will be paid to ‘new Englishes' which have arisen as a result of the learning of English as a second language by people whose first language is not English.  A course website is used which includes unique interactive exercises designed by the lecturer to develop students' analytical skills.

Two analytic assignments worth 20% each and two research papers, one worth 25% and the other worth 35% of the final mark.  The assignments assess students' understanding of key concepts as well as requiring them to extend their understanding by thinking about new material and applying these concepts to it.  One of the essays must be on a structural topic, while the second may be either structural or non-structural (e.g. on the discourse use of the passive voice).  Students choose which paper they wish to be weighted more heavily.  The first assignment will be due about halfway through the course and the second will be due two or three weeks before the end of the semester.  The first paper will be due about two-thirds of the way through the course, while the second will be due during the examination period.  In addition, students will be required to write brief (two page) answers to some questions on four readings to serve as a basis for tutorial discussion.  These answers are not assessed but a small penalty will be applied for non-completion of this essential task.