ATS2668 - Syntax: Exploring linguistic diversity - 2018

6 points, SCA Band 1, 0.125 EFTSL

Undergraduate - Unit




Organisational Unit


Chief examiner(s)

Dr Anna Margetts


Dr Anna Margetts

Unit guides



  • First semester 2018 (On-campus)


ATS1338 and ATS1339




The unit provides an introduction to the grammatical phenomena found in simple and complex sentences in a wide range of languages and to the basic tools for their analysis and description. The unit combines the investigation of morpho-syntax with an enquiry into linguistic typology and universals. It introduces and evaluates different theoretical approaches to morpho-syntactic analysis.


On successfully completing the unit students should be able to:

  1. identify and describe morpho-syntactic phenomena in a variety of different languages;
  2. apply different theoretical approaches to the analysis of sentence structure using the relevant terminology;
  3. read and understand grammatical descriptions of languages and discussions of grammatical phenomena in the linguistic literature;
  4. identify cross-linguistic patterns in morpho-syntax and discuss claims of universality. More generally students are expected to develop their abilities to:

  5. read critically;
  6. use analytic and interpretive skills in dealing with language data;
  7. assess evidence supporting various theories and thereby evaluate these theories;
  8. present logical, coherent arguments both orally and in writing.


Within semester assessment: 65% + Exam: 35%

Workload requirements


See also Unit timetable information

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study