Speakers and writers organise the elements of the English language to convey messages which can be instantly decoded by listeners or by readers. We investigate the elements of grammar (syntax and morphology), as well as exploring connections between grammar and meaning (semantics). We begin with the grammar of Standard Modern English, learning terms and analytical techniques which linguists use to study and describe grammar. The structural characteristics of English are compared with those of other languages. We then examine variation in English, including regional dialects, social and stylistic variation. Special attention is paid to 'new Englishes' which are varieties of English that exist alongside other languages in bi- or multilingual contexts such as in Singapore or India.
Note: While the course is not aimed at improving the English of non-native speakers, students with English as a second language should find that this course will improve their understanding of the workings of the language at a deep level and have practical effects in helping them to eliminate systematic errors in their English. These students as well as native speakers of English will learn metalanguage which will be of assistance to them in understanding and acting on constructive criticisms made by teachers on the language of their essays and other writing.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- analyse a wide range of English syntactic and morphological structures, applying the grammatical terminology and analytical techniques they have learned in the course;
- systematically analyse differences between different varieties of English;
- use the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) Online and demonstrate understanding of the information provided in the entries and also the ability to use the advanced search functions of this dictionary;
- demonstrate their understanding of different approaches to one area of English grammar through a written report which summarises key similarities and differences in assigned readings on this area;
- undertake guided research on a topic in some area relating to issues discussed in the course; and
- demonstrate their understanding of different approaches to one area of English grammar through a written report which summarises key similarities and differences in assigned readings on this area.
Indicative Assessment
- Five tutorial assignments, 1 page each (2% each) (10) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Analytical assignment, 1-2 pages of data; 3-5 pages of answers (25) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- In-class exam, 50 min (30) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Research paper, 2500 words (35) [LO 5,6]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
130 hours of total student learning time made up from:a) 36 hours of contact over 12 weeks: 24 hours of lectures and 12 hours of tutorials, and
b) 94 hours of independent student research, reading and writing.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
See Wattle for readings
Specialisations
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 1
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $4080 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $6000 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3056 | 19 Feb 2024 | 26 Feb 2024 | 05 Apr 2024 | 24 May 2024 | In Person | View |
