UNIVERSITY OF KENT
MODULE SPECIFICATION TEMPLATE
SECTION 1: MODULE SPECIFICATIONS
1.
Title of the module
Morphology
2.
School which will be responsible for management of the module
SECL
3.
Start date of the module
September 2012
4.
The number of students expected to take the module
40
5.
Modules to be withdrawn on the introduction of this proposed module and consultation
with other relevant Schools and Faculties regarding the withdrawal
None
6.
Level of the module (e.g. Certificate [C], Intermediate [I], Honours [H] or Postgraduate
[M])
[I] Intermediate
7.
The number of credits and ECTS value which the module represents
15 (7.5 ECTS)
8.
Which term(s) the module is to be taught in (or other teaching pattern)
Autumn or Spring
9.
Prerequisite and co-requisite modules
The pre-requisites for this course are Foundations of Language 1 (LL310) and 2
(LL311)
10. The programme(s) of study to which the module contributes
This module will be an option for all students on the BA English Language &
Linguistics degree, and will be available as a wild module to students in the
faculties of Humanities and Social Sciences and to students on the Erasmus
exchange programme
11. The intended subject specific learning outcomes
1. Students will gain knowledge and critical understanding of the fundamentals
of empirical inquiry in morphology and of core concepts in morphology
2. They will develop and consolidate the skill of discovering and describing
patterns in given data sets, from a variety of languages, in a theoreticallyinformed way
3. They will gain critical understanding of the relationship between morphology
and other components of the grammar, such as phonology, syntax and
semantics
4. They will be able to develop lines of argumentation, make informed
judgements on the basis of cross-linguistic evidence, and decide between
competing analyses of data
5. They will understand the relevance and usefulness of the cross-linguistic
method as a tool to better understand the properties of their own native
language (e.g., English), as well as exploring the limitations of their current
understanding of how language works
New module specification approved by Faculty 1 March 2012
UNIVERSITY OF KENT
12. The intended generic learning outcomes
1. They will develop their capacity for critical thought and their ability to express
these thoughts accurately, both orally and in written form
2. They will learn how to assess the extent to which their hypotheses are
validated by new data and problems given to them
3. They will improve on and consolidate their written and spoken fluency
4. They will develop their communicative skills
5. They will develop their time management skills, and undertake any further
training relevant to the furtherance of their academic skills
13. A synopsis of the curriculum
This course is an introduction to morphology and to the practice of morphological
analysis. By focusing on a range of phenomena, including those falling under
inflection, derivation, and compounding (both in English and in other languages),
the course helps students develop tools for pattern observation in data,
description and analysis of word structure, and hypothesis testing. Students will
also gain an understanding of the role of morphology in the grammar and how it
relates to other components, such as phonology, syntax and semantics.
14. Indicative Reading List
Aronoff, M. and Fudeman, K. (2005) What is Morphology?, Blackwell
Bauer, L. (2003) Introducing Linguistic Morphology, Georgetown University Press
Booij, G. (2007) The Grammar of Words: An Introduction to Morphology, Oxford
University Press.
Honda, M and W. O’Neil (2008) Thinking Linguistically. A Scientific Approach to
Language, Blackwell
Lieber, R. (2010) Introducing Morphology, Cambridge University Press
15. Learning and Teaching Methods, including the nature and number of contact hours and
the total study hours which will be expected of students, and how these relate to
achievement of the intended learning outcomes
This module will be taught in two sessions: a one-hour lecture and a one-hour
seminar. The lecture will introduce basic concepts, issues, definitions, etc., and
demonstrate the nature of morphological analysis by discussing, e.g., solutions to
selected seminar exercises (learning outcomes 11.1-5). Through classroom
discussion, pair work and exercises, the seminars will provide for practical work on
given data sets and exercises that are related to the topics introduced in the
lecture, some of which tie in with the assessment of the module (see below)
(learning outcomes 12.1-5).
Total study hours: 150
16. Assessment methods and how these relate to testing achievement of the intended
learning outcomes
This module is assessed through coursework and seminar participation. There will
be a total of 3 essay assignments throughout the term:
Seminar participation: 10%
Essay 1 (1000 words): 25%
Essay 2 (1300 words): 30%
Essay 3 (1500 words): 35%
Each of the assignments will consist of a problem set with data from a variety of
languages. Students will have to modify the theory in order to accommodate the
new data, propose a refinement of a hypothesis considered in class, and/or provide
New module specification approved by Faculty 1 March 2012
UNIVERSITY OF KENT
an analysis that accounts for the data. The assignments will assess students’
knowledge and understanding of the material as well as their ability to recognise
technical issues that arise when analyzing linguistic examples and glosses
(learning outcomes 11.1-5, 12.2). The mark for seminar participation will reflect
students’ ability to engage clearly and effectively in oral discussion and argument
(learning outcomes 12.1, 12.3-5).
17. Implications for learning resources, including staff, library, IT and space
Large seminar rooms with computer facilities and large whiteboard space are
essential.
18. The School recognises and has embedded the expectations of current disability equality
legislation, and supports students with a declared disability or special educational need
in its teaching. Within this module we will make reasonable adjustments wherever
necessary, including additional or substitute materials, teaching modes or assessment
methods for students who have declared and discussed their learning support needs.
Arrangements for students with declared disabilities will be made on an individual basis,
in consultation with the University’s disability/dyslexia support service, and specialist
support will be provided where needed.
19. Campus(es) where module will be delivered 1 Canterbury
SECTION 2: MODULE IS PART OF A PROGRAMME OF STUDY IN A UNIVERSITY
SCHOOL
Statement by the School Director of Learning and Teaching/School Director of
Graduate Studies (as appropriate): "I confirm I have been consulted on the above module
proposal and have given advice on the correct procedures and required content of module
proposals"
................................................................
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Director of Learning and Teaching/Director of Graduate
Studies (delete as applicable)
Date
…………………………………………………
Print Name
Statement by the Head of School: "I confirm that the School has approved the introduction
of the module and, where the module is proposed by School staff, will be responsible for its
resourcing"
.................................................................
..............................................
Head of School
Date
…………………………………………………….
1
Required for information purposes only. Changes of campus will not require re-approval of the
module specification.
New module specification approved by Faculty 1 March 2012
UNIVERSITY OF KENT
Print Name
SECTION 3: MODULE IS PART OF A PROGRAMME IN A PARTNER COLLEGE OR
VALIDATED INSTITUTION
(Where the module is proposed by a Partner College/Validated Institution)
Statement by the Nominated Officer of the College/Validated Institution (delete as
applicable): "I confirm that the College/Validated Institution (delete as applicable) has
approved the introduction of the module and will be responsible for its resourcing"
.................................................................
Nominated Responsible Officer
College/Validated Institution
of
..............................................
Partner
………………………………………………….
Print Name
…………………………………………………..
Post
………………………………………….
Partner College/Validated Institution
Module Specification Template
Last updated November 2011
New module specification approved by Faculty 1 March 2012
Date