Linguistic models and theories and their application to the English language

The subject aims to give students a grounding in breadth and depth in Linguistics, by exploring the central features of some of the principal theoretical frameworks, their methodologies, contested areas and uncontested results.

1. Introduction
2. Formal models
2. Functional and Cognitive Grammar models. Construction Grammar.

BASIC:

Acuña-Fariña, Carlos. 2023. The processing of syntax. An overview. Routledge.

Cook, Vivian J., and Mark Newson. 2007 [1996]. Chomsky's Universal Grammar. An introduction. Third edition. Wiley-Blackwell.

Croft, William, and D. Alan Cruse. 2004. Cognitive linguistics. Cambridge University Press.

Goldberg, Adele E. 1995. A Construction grammar approach to argument structure. The University of Chicago Press.

Haegeman, Liliane. 1994. Introduction to government and binding theory. Second edition.Blackwell.

Hilpert, Martin. 2019 [2014]. Construction grammar and its application to English. Second edition. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press.

Radford, Andrew. 1997. Syntax. A minimalist introduction. Cambridge University Press.

Taylor, John R. 2002. Cognitive grammar. Oxford University Press.


COMPLEMENTARY:

Acuña-Fariña, Carlos 2024. Homo Loquens. Cómo habita el lenguaje en la mente. Comares.

Diessel, Holger. 2019. The grammar network: How linguistic structure is shaped by language use. Cambridge University Pres.

Goldberg, Adele E. 2006. Constructions at work: The nature of generalization in language. Oxford University Press.

Goldberg, Adele E. 2019. Explain me this: Creativity, competition, and the partial productivity of constructions. Princeton University Press.

Hay, Jennifer, and Ingo Plag. 2004. What constrains possible suffix combinations? On the interaction of grammatical and processing restrictions in derivational morphology. Natural Language and Linguistic Theory, 22(3), 565–596.

Hilpert, Martin. 2021. Ten lectures on diachronic construction grammar. Brill.

Hoffmann, Thomas. 2022. Construction grammar. The structure of English. Cambridge University Press.

Hoffmann, Thomas, and Graeme Trousdale, eds. 2013. The Oxford handbook of construction grammar. Oxford University
Press.

Radford, Andrew. 2004. Minimalist syntax. Exploring the structure of English. Cambridge University Press.

Traugott, Elizabeth Closs, and Graeme Trousdale. 2013. Constructionalization and constructional changes. Oxford University
Press.

BASIC

CB6 - To possess and understand knowledge that provides a basis or opportunity to be original in the development and / or explanation of ideas, often in a research context.

CB7 - That students know how to apply the knowledge acquired and their ability to solve problems in new or unfamiliar environments within broader (or multidisciplinary) contexts related to their area of study.

CB9 - That students are able to communicate their conclusions and the knowledge and ultimate reasons that support them to specialized and non-specialized audiences in a clear and unambiguous way.

CB10 - That students possess the learning skills that allow them to continue studying in a way that will be largely self-directed or autonomous.

GENERAL

G01 - Ability to delve into those concepts, principles, theories or models related to the various areas of English Studies, as well as to become familiar with the methodology required to solve those problems typical of this field of study.

G02 - Ability to apply the knowledge gained/obtained within the multidisciplinary and mutifaceted/versatile area of English Studies.

G03 - Ability to use the new information and communication technologies (ICTs) efficiently within the realm of English Studies.

G04 - Ability to present experiences, ideas or reports in public, as well as to express informed opinions based on criteria, external rules or personal reflections, for which a sufficient command of the academic and scientific language, both written and oral, will be necessary.

G05 - Abilities to investigate and manage new knowledge and information within the context of English Studies.

G06 - Ability to acquire/achieve critical thinking that will lead students to consider the relevance of the existing research in the fields of study that make up/shape/define English Studies, as well as the relevance of their own investigations.

G07 - Abilities to consolidate and develop the C2 linguistic competence in the spoken and written use of the English language.

G08 - Progressive autonomy in the learning process, personal/individual search for resources and information, by getting access/accessing (to) bibliographical and documentary references on the various areas that make up/define/shape English Studies.

G09 - Ability to carry out research work of an academic nature in the different realms of English Studies.

G10 - Ability to present and defend a research project by making use of the appropriate terminology and resources/tools within the area object of study.

SPECIFIC

E01 - Knowledge of the main methods of linguistic research.

E02 - Knowledge of the main resources, tools and methods for linguistic research.

Lectures and seminars, combined with online coursework.

Attendance to class is compulsory. Percentage: 10% (G01, G02, GO3, G04, G05)

Three course assignments: 90%, to be handed in in November and December 2024, and in January 2025. (CB6, CB7, CB9, CB10, G01, G02, G03, G05, G07, G08, G09, G10, E01, E02)

Assessment in July: three course assignment (100%) (CB6, CB7, CB9, CB10, G01, G02, G03, G05, G06, G07, G08, G09, G10, E01, E02)

In all other cases (students unable to attend classes, students retaking the course, etc.): three course assignment (100%) (CB6, CB7, CB9, CB10, G01, G02, G03, G05, G06, G07, G08, G09, G10, E01, E02)

If fraudulent practices are detected, the Normativa de avaliación do rendemento académico dos estudantes e de revisión de cualificacións will be applied.

Expository classes: 8

Interactive classes: 11

Tutorials (in-person): 2

Debates and fora (virtual platform): 6

Reading activities (virtual platform): 6

Self-assessment on virtual platform: 3

Autonomous work (individually or in group): 16

Essay writing: 30

Activities in the library and search for bibliographical references: 30

Total hours (in-person): 21

Total hours (in-person): 91

Leer la bibliografía básica y recomendada.