Universidad de Jaén

1. Basic structure of the simple sentence

1.1. Introduction

1.2. Different approaches to the study of the sentence: syntactic, semantic, and pragmatic

1.3. Revision of the elements in the clause structure: S, P, O, C, A. Constituent structure and syntactic behaviour of the elements.

1.4. Basic types of clause structure

1.5. Semantic description of the sentence and its elements: events, participants, circumstances

1.6. Syntactic and semantic classification of verbs

2. Operations on the simple sentence

2.1. Introduction

2.2. Negation:

            3.2.1. Definition and characteristics

            3.2.2. Assertive, non-assertive and negative forms; use and constraints

            3.2.3. Scope and focus of negation

            3.2.4. Clause and local negation

            3.2.5. Negation of modal verbs

2.3. Questions:

            3.3.1. Major classes of questions; 'yes'/'no', 'wh-', alternative questions

            3.3.2. Polarity: neutral, positive and negative orientation

            3.3.3. Minor types of questions: exclamatory and rhetorical

            3.3.4. Question tags

2.4. Commands and requests: their realizations.

2.5. Passivization:

            3.5.1. The passive transformation

            3.5.2. Constraints

            3.5.3. Use

            3.5.4. The passive scale.

3. The verb phrase and its complementation

3.1. Introduction

3.2. Logical classification of predicates: 0-place, ..., n-place predicates

3.3. Intensive complementation

3.4. Monotransitive complementation

3.5. Complex-transitive complementation

3.6. Ditransitive complementation

4. The complex noun phrase

4.1. Basic pattern of the complex noun phrase

4.2. The concepts 'restrictive'/ 'non-restrictive', 'temporary'/'permanent' in nominal modification

4.3. Structures of premodification

4.4. Structures of postmodification

            4.4.1. Apposition

5. Adverbials

5.1. Introduction:

            6.1.1. Syntactic characteristics

            6.1.2. Constituent structure

            6.1.3. Grammatical functions

            6.1.4. Semantic roles

5.2. Adjuncts

5.3. Subjuncts

5.4. Disjuncts

5.5. Conjuncts

            5.5.1. Different types of linkers: Conjuncts. Conjunctions: coordinators, subordinators.

The syllabus above will be developed by means of both theoretical and practical lessons. The former will be devoted to lectures on the contents of the programme. Students will also be requested to study a selection of bibliographical references specially chosen because of their relevance to the various subjects of the syllabus. In consequence, bibliography should become an essential, indispensable means to acquire a solid understanding of the concepts under study and gain new insights into them. This will eventually lead students to discover controversial areas which are worth deeper attention and may become the subject of further research.

            Practical lessons will include various tasks: grammatical exercises, analysis, and revision of particular bibliographical references related to each topic. All of these will prove essential instruments to assimilate grammar fully.

            Students are invited to attend tutorial sessions as a follow-up to the work done in the classroom or at home. This will provide them with an opportunity to solve problems, check their progress and organize their assignments.

Students with special educational needs should contact the Student Attention Service (Servicio de Atención y Ayudas al Estudiante) in order to receive the appropriate academic support

The exam paper will be intended to test the student's theoretical knowledge and practical understanding of the syllabus. Consequently, it will consist of the following:

            - Questions on the contents of the bibliographical references: definition with examples of basic grammatical concepts.

            - Grammatical test, including exercises of the type done in class.

                  - Grammatical analysis of an English text.

The evaluation of the students’ theoretical knowledge and practical training will be based on three criteria:

• 15% of the total mark will be obtained on the basis of their regular attendance at and active participation in classes.
• 70% comes from the quality of the final exam taken by the students at the end of the semester.
• 15% corresponds to the work done in the classroom (oral contributions and exercises) and the submission of assignments.