Department of Linguistics
Linguistics 204 (LEC A1): Syntax of the World’s languages Fall 2022
Instructor: Dr. Lena Jones (she/her) Office: Assiniboia Hall (ASH) 1-15 E-mail: [email protected]
Office Hours: R, 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Course Webpage: On eClass (use your regular CCID login and password) Course Days & Time: M, W, F 12:00 pm – 12:50 pm
Course Location: T 1-091 (Tory Building, Henry Marshall) LING 204 Teaching Assistant (TA): Ali Talebi Targhi TA e-mail: [email protected]
TA office hours: Details TBA on eClass
The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages, and cultures of the First Nations, Métis, Inuit, and all First Peoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.
Course Information
Students are responsible for the completeness and accuracy of their registration. It is your responsibility as a student to ensure that you have the appropriate prerequisites for the course.
Policy about course outlines can be found in Course Requirements, Evaluation Procedures and Grading of the University Calendar.
Prerequisite: LING 101: Introduction to Linguistic Analysis.
Course Description:
Syntax is the study of the organization and structure of sentences. This course will examine the syntactic structures of English and other languages, and you will be introduced to formalisms used in the description of syntactic structures. The emphasis will be on syntactic variation attested across languages. Topics will include parts of speech systems, clause types, dependency and phrase structure, grammatical relations, and information/communicative structure. The course will introduce syntactic analysis tools and common syntactic terminology.
Course Objectives and Expected Learning Outcomes:
At the completion of this course, you may expect (1) to understand the principles of the structural system underlying human languages, (2) to have some facility in the technical analysis and description of language samples, (3) to understand the strategies used by languages to organize syntax and the ways in which these strategies vary cross- linguistically, (4) to apply linguistic reasoning to novel data and propose plausible solutions to syntactic analysis problems, (4) to use appropriate terminology in analyzing syntactic phenomena, (5) to appreciate the intricacy and elegance of our human communication system.
2 Course Format:
The objectives and outcomes of this course will be learned from a combination of formal lectures, assigned readings, audio-visual materials, and both in-class and homework non-graded practice assignments.
Textbook:
Required Text:
Tallerman, Maggie. (2020). Understanding Syntax (5th Edition). London & New York: Routledge Taylor & Francis Group.
Important Dates:
First Day of Class: September 1, 2022 Add/Delete Date: September 15, 2022 50% Withdrawal Date: October 5, 2022 Withdrawal Date: December 1, 2022 Last Day of Class: December 7, 2022 Final Exam Date: December 14, 2022
Date of Deferred Final Exam: January 4, 2023
Learning Support: (1) The course eClass page contains important information about the course, class meetings, announcements, contact information, extra resources; (2) Teaching Assistant: a please use the TA’s help (office hours/details TBA on eClass); (3) Email for communication with the TA (details TBA on eClass) or instructor (please see top of this page); emails are for quick questions only; tips/email etiquette is posted on eClass, please familiarize yourself with this information; please make sure to indicate your course & section in the subject line when you email me or the TA; I will reply to email within 24 hours during the week; (4) Office Hours:
I’ll be happy to help you with the course during my office hours. Please do the associated readings first and then bring your question(s). The TAs’ office hours will be announced in the first week(s) of the term.
Components of Course Grade:
Component Weighting Date(s)
3 quizzes
(online, open-book) 20% each (60%) Sep. 26; Oct. 24; Nov. 28 Final Exam
(cumulative, in-person, closed-book)
40%
Wednesday, December 14, 2022 9:00 am – 11:00 am
(location: TBA)
*Deferred Final Exam (must be applied for at your Faculty within 2 working days of the missed exam)
Deferred exams are to be written in the Department offices at this time only;
report to 4-32 Assiniboia Hall
Wednesday, January 11, 2023 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
*Please note: Final exam dates are scheduled by the Registrar's office prior to the start of the academic year and cannot be changed. Buying a plane ticket or making other travel arrangements that would require you to leave before the final exam date does NOT constitute a valid excuse for requesting the exam date change or for applying for a deferred exam.
3 Lecture Schedule & Assigned Readings (exact lecture dates for the topics are tentative):
Week Dates Topics and reading
1 Sep. 2 Overview; Syllabus and policies 2 Sep. 5 Labour Day (no class/no office hours)
Sep.
7-9 Introduction: What is syntax? (Ch. 1) 3 Sep.
12-16
Word classes (Ch. 2) 4 Sep.
19- 23 Heads and their Dependents (Ch. 4)
5 Sep. 26 Quiz 1: Intro; Word Classes; Heads and their Dependents
Sep. 28 Looking Inside Sentences (Ch. 3)
Sep. 30 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (no class/no office hours)
6 Oct.
3-7 Looking Inside Sentences (Ch. 3; Ch. 8.2 pp. 285- 293) (Cont.)
7 Oct. 10 Thanksgiving Day (no class/no office hours) Oct.
12 - 14
Grammatical Relations (Ch. 6) 8 Oct.
17-21 Grammatical Relations (Ch. 6) (Cont.)
9 Oct. 24 Quiz 2: Looking Inside Sentences; Grammatical Relations
Oct.
26-28 Syntactic Processes that change grammatical relations (Ch. 7)
10 Oct. 31-
Nov. 4 Syntactic Processes that change grammatical relations (Ch. 7) (Cont.)
Nov.
7-10 Fall Term Reading Week (no classes/no office hours)
Nov. 11 Remembrance Day (no class/no office hours) 11 Nov.
14-18 Wh-Constructions, Questions and Relative Clauses (Ch. 8)
12 Nov.
21-25 Wh-Constructions, Questions and Relative Clauses (Ch. 8) (Cont.)
13 Nov. 28 Quiz 3: Syntactic Processes; Wh-Constructions, Questions and Relative Clauses
Nov. 30- Dec. 2
TBA 14 Dec.
5-7 Course-Wrap Up and Review In this course:
Attendance and active participation will be enormously helpful. You cannot substitute attending lectures by reading the textbook and the lecture notes. Although attendance per se is not a part of your grade, I have seen that students who do not come to class finish the course with a low grade in the end.
Grading:
Final course grades are determined according to the University calendar §23.4: Grades reflect judgments of student achievement made by instructors. These judgments are based on a
4 combination of absolute achievement and relative performance in a class. Please note that marking and grading are done separately. Individual course components will be marked on the basis of raw scores alone. Following the final examination, an overall percentage mark will be calculated for each student and letter grades will then be assigned according to the students’
absolute achievement and their ranking in the class. There is no pre-set curve and no pre- determined scale for converting percentage marks into letter grades. Please talk to me if you have further questions about the ranking grading system used in this course. There is a more detailed explanation of the grading systems provided under General Resources on eClass.
Grading in Undergraduate Courses Descriptor Letter grade Point value Excellent
A+
A A-
4.0 4.0 3.7
Good B+
B B-
3.3 3.0 2.7 Satisfactory C+
C C-
2.3 2.0 1.7 Poor
Minimal Pass D+
D 1.3
1.0
Failure F 0
Representative Evaluative Material:
Sample quiz and final exam questions to be provided on eClass.
Sharing of class materials is not allowed! Posting or sharing any class materials, including lecture slides, lecture notes, exercises outside of this class in any form is a violation of the instructor’s intellectual property rights and privacy and, potentially, the privacy of other course participants. This instructor values her privacy and yours. Do NOT do it! Please check the Copyright statement below on p. 4.
Copyright - Please read carefully
Use of eClass Materials/including lecture notes:
Audio or video recording, digital or otherwise, of lectures, labs, seminars or any other teaching environment by students is allowed only with the prior written consent of the content author(s) or as a part of an approved accommodation plan. Student or instructor content, digital or otherwise, created and/or used within the context of the course is to be used solely for personal study, and is not to be used or distributed for another purpose without prior written consent from the content author(s).
eClass/Communication in this course:
Please note: Students are responsible for keeping track of the information posted on the course eClass page on a regular basis, including class announcements. Outside of class meetings, communication will be during office hours or immediately before or after class for short inquiries, via eClass announcements, eClass messages and your ualberta email. Please check them on a daily basis.
Practice exercises (non-graded):
Your textbook is the main source for problems and practice questions.
1. Your textbook.
5 2. Practice exercises (on eClass).
Learner Support Network (participation is voluntary):
You may want to exchange your contact information (e-mail address, phone #) with at least one or two other students in the class. Time will be given during the first class to meet other students.
The goal is to give you a link with other class members during out-of-class time. This is particularly useful if you miss a class or do not fully understand a concept.
Academic & Personal Conduct:
1) Disruptive behavior during class meetings will not be tolerated.
2) You are expected to attend all classes and are responsible for all the information that occurs during class time.
3) Please be polite and respectful towards other students, the instructor and the TAs during class meetings, office hours, and when communicating by email.
4) Chronic lateness or early leaving are very disruptive for both the instructor and the rest of the students and will not be tolerated. In case there are some circumstances that require you to be late or leave early on a particular day, please try to sit as close to the exit as possible in order to minimize disruption.
5) Cell phones should be turned off for the duration of the class.
6) Laptops (or tablets/iPads) should be used for taking class notes or checking course related materials only. Browsing websites unrelated to the course, social networks, texting or gaming, and checking emails during class should be avoided. Please be respectful and use good judgement.
7) Listening to any kinds of unrelated to the course audio materials (with headphones) during class is not acceptable.
8) Please be patient in case technical glitches happen.
Email correspondence etiquette:
I will be available via email during regular work hours on work days. Generally, allow at least a 24-hour window to get a response to your email. Read “Email guidelines” on eClass carefully and use email accordingly.
Quizzes (3 per term):
Each quiz is an open-book assignment, and it will be made available on eClass 24 hours before the due date. Once you start the quiz, you will have a designated time frame to complete it on eClass in a single session. Please schedule your time accordingly. Note that all 3 quizzes are not cumulative, they test the designated topics/modules outlined in the syllabus on p. 3.
Note that there will be no class meetings nor individual meetings on the days when the Quizzes are scheduled.
Quiz duration:
The duration of each quiz will be determined after it has been time-tested.
Final Exam:
The final exam is cumulative. The final exam will be a closed-book exam, and it will take place in person on December 14, 2022 at 9 am; you will have 2 hours to complete it. The location of the exam will be announced later in the semester.
Attendance:
Regular attendance and participation are essential for optimal performance in this course.
Although you are not going to be graded based on your attendance of class meetings, you are
6 encouraged to attend as many of them as you can. If you miss class, please ask your classmate(s) for lecture notes or any other information that you might have missed. Note that I do not re-lecture during office hours.
Policy for Late Quizzes:
Quizzes must be submitted on the due date until midnight Mountain Standard Time of the due date. Quizzes submitted late without prior arrangement with the instructor will not be accepted.
Barring unforeseeable circumstances, such arrangements must be made and acknowledged by the instructor in writing not later than the day before the assigned due date. Generally extensions will not be granted except for acceptable excuses. Extensions granted for other extenuating circumstances may be liable to a penalty of 10% for each day the quiz is overdue (including weekend days). Under no circumstances will extensions be granted beyond the date of return and review of the graded quiz to the rest of the class.
Missed Quizzes:
Deferral of term work is a privilege and not a right; there is no guarantee that a deferral will be granted. Misrepresentation of Facts to gain a deferral is a serious breach of the Code of Student Behaviour. Students must request approval for missed term work within two working days of the absence (or as soon as possible with due regard for the circumstances) and complete a
“Request for Excused Absence or Deferral of Term Work” form, which you can find on eClass.
Please include your last name in the file name when you send the form. This request should be kept in the class record book for 3 months after the end of classes as it may requested by the Arts Undergraduate Student Services office if the student applies for a deferred final examination or makes a grade appeal. Note that supporting documentation may be requested from students to substantiate the request. I do not require a medical note, but if a student chooses to provide a medical note, the University of Alberta Medical Statement Form may be downloaded from the Online Services section of www.registrarsoffice.ualberta.ca Approval of an excused absence from quiz is at the discretion of the instructor. In cases of potentially excusable absences from term assessments due to incapacitating illness, severe domestic affliction or religious reasons, notify your instructor by e-mail within two days of the missed assessment. Regarding absences that may be excusable and procedures for addressing course components missed as a result, consult the Calendar regarding Attendance and Examinations sections of the Academic Regulations of the University Calendar. Be aware that unexcused absences will result in partial or total loss of the grade for any course components that are not completed as a result, as well as in a zero grade for missed quizzes.
If an excused absence is granted, the missing quiz will be written by the student within the accommodated time frame if the graded quiz has not been returned and reviewed in class.
If the graded quiz has been returned and reviewed in class, the weight of the missing quiz will be evenly distributed among the remaining quizzes. If the last quiz (Quiz 3) is missing, the weight of the third quiz will be transferred on to the final exam if it has been returned and reviewed in class. Note that transferring the weight of missed work to the Final Exam could result in the student not being approved for a deferred final examination as they may not have completed the required 50% of term work.
Deferred Final Examination:
Students who miss final exams must apply for a deferred final exam from the Faculty in which they are registered. Instructors cannot grant deferred final examinations.
For information on how to apply for a deferred exam see “I Missed my Final Exam, Now What?”
7 Student Responsibilities
Academic Integrity: The University of Alberta is committed to the highest standards of academic integrity and honesty. Students are expected to be familiar with these standards regarding academic honesty and to uphold the policies of the University in this respect. Students are particularly urged to familiarize themselves with the provisions of the Code of Student Behaviour (COSB) and avoid any behaviour that could potentially result in suspicions of cheating, plagiarism, misrepresentation of facts and/or participation in an offence. Academic dishonesty is a serious offence and can result in suspension or expulsion from the University. Instructors are required to report suspicion of violations to the COSB where investigation and disciplinary action will follow.
See the Academic Discipline Process.
All students should consult the Academic Integrity website. If you have any questions, ask your instructor.
Students who want to strengthen their academic skills and learn more on topics such as plagiarism are encouraged to explore The Academic Success Centre. It provides professional academic support to help students maximize their academic success and achieve their academic goals. They offer appointments, advising, group workshops, online courses, and specialized programming year-round to students in all university programs, and at all levels of achievement and study.
Additional support is also available from The Centre for Writers (C4W) offers free one-on-one writing support to students, faculty, and staff. Students can request a consultation for a writing project at any stage of development. Instructors can request class visits and presentations.
Recording of Lectures: Audio or video recording, digital or otherwise, of lectures, labs, seminars or any other teaching environment by students is allowed only with the prior written consent of the instructor or as a part of an approved accommodation plan. Student or instructor content, digital or otherwise, created and/or used within the context of the course is to be used solely for personal study, and is not to be used or distributed for any other purpose without prior written consent from the content author(s).
Learning and Working Environment
The Faculty of Arts is committed to ensuring that all students, faculty and staff are able to work and study in an environment that is safe and free from discrimination and harassment. It does not tolerate behaviour that undermines that environment.
If you are experiencing harassment, discrimination, fraud, theft or any other issue and would like to get confidential advice, please contact any of these campus services:
● Office of Safe Disclosure & Human Rights: A safe, neutral and confidential space to disclose concerns about how the University of Alberta policies, procedures or ethical standards are being applied. They provide strategic advice and referral on matters such as discrimination, harassment, duty to accommodate and wrong-doings. Disclosures can be made in person or online using the Online Reporting Tool
● University of Alberta Protective Services: Peace officers dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of U of A campuses and community. Staff or students can contact UAPS to
8 make a report if they feel unsafe, threatened, or targeted on campus or by another member of the university community
● Office of the Student Ombuds: A confidential and free service that strives to ensure that university processes related to students operate as fairly as possible. They offer information, advice, and support to students, faculty, and staff as they deal with academic, discipline, interpersonal, and financial issues related to student programs.
● Sexual Violence Supports: - It is the policy of the University of Alberta that sexual violence committed by any member of the University community is prohibited and constitutes misconduct.
● Discrimination, Harassment and Duty to Accommodate policy, the Office of the Dean of Students coordinates academic accommodations for prospective and current students with documented disabilities affecting mobility, vision, hearing, learning, and physical or mental health. The provision of academic accommodations helps to remove structural barriers that these students encounter in academic environments in order to facilitate equivalent learning opportunities for these students. Academic Accommodations promotes an accessible, inclusive, and universally-designed environment at the University of Alberta.
Student Resources
The Student Service Centre provides students with information and access to services to support academic, financial, mental, and physical well-being.
First Peoples' House provides an environment of empowerment for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit learners to achieve personal and academic growth.
Health and Wellness Support for Students outlines available mental and physical health resources which are offered on-campus and in the community.
The Office of the Student Ombuds is a confidential service that strives to ensure that university processes related to students operate as fairly as possible. They offer information, advice, and support to students, faculty, and staff as they deal with academic, discipline, interpersonal, and financial issues related to student programs.
Need Help Now webpage offers contact information for a variety of supports if you are in immediate need of metal health and wellness support. One can also call the 24-hour Distress Line: 780-482-4357 (HELP)
Disclaimer: Any typographical errors in this syllabus are subject to change and will be announced in class and posted on eClass. The date of the final examination is set by the Registrar and takes precedence over the final examination date reported in this syllabus.
Policy about course outlines can be found in the Evaluation Procedures and Grading System section of the University Calendar.
Copyright: Lena Jones, Faculty of Arts, University of Alberta (2022)
