For many people, grammar seems like a bad word but really grammar is about the way we group words into recognisable patterns in order to make meaning. In this module we will look at the main patterns of the English language through a functional account of English grammar called systemic functional linguistics. This approach to the description of English can be used within a wide range of applied linguistic contexts.  We will concentrate mainly on grammar for reading and writing and how grammar is used to create meaning.  At all stages we will draw on a variety of texts including texts we write ourselves. Therefore this module will be of particular interest to those who are interested in pursuing a career where writing and reading play an important role, whether this is for example as a teacher, language therapist or as a writer.

• Define key concepts in Systemic Functional Linguistics
• Identify the clause and the functional elements of the clause
• Understand the important role of how we refer to things in our texts
• Describe the role of speaker choice in Systemic Functional Linguistics
• Compare and contrast patterns from different texts
• Summarise and paraphrase relevant literature

Timetabled sessions include 1 lecture and 2 seminars per week. During seminars, you may be required to analyse data, do some writing and/or reading, make presentations, lead discussion, and/or analyse data. Lectures are supplemented with visual support such as PowerPoint slides and handouts. These are made available to students via Learning Central. Handouts which outline the key lecture material will be made available on Learning Central in advance of each lecture. Audio and video content may be used in this module where appropriate to illustrate important concepts. Transcripts are provided where the audio or visual texts are analysed in detail or are a core element of the lecture/seminar.

Traditional intellectual skills:

• Think critically
• Compare and contrast theoretical explanations
• Summarise reading material
• Interpret results
• Refer to the larger body of research available in the literature

Discipline/module specific:

• Analyse language data within a Systemic Functional Linguistics framework
• Illustrate grammatical structure with a diagram
• Critically interpret linguistic data
• Use software for linguistic analysis (time permitting)

The module is also relevant to all the employability pathways.

This module is assessed by coursework (50%) and exam (50%).

The coursework involves a written piece of work of 1600 words which demonstrates the student's ability to analyse and interpret linguistic data within a Systemic Functional Linguistics framework. It also requires students to summarise and refer to the larger body of research available in the literature and to think critically about both the interpretation provided and the literature used in the assignment. The coursework is both formative and summative since the assessment is returned in advance of the examination. Detailed feedback is provided for the coursework. The examination is a 1.5 hour formal exam which will assess the student's ability to define key concepts in Systemic Functional Linguistics, to identify the clause including the functional elements of the clause and the lexical and grammatical basis of these elements, and to explain the difference between the various functions of grammar. 

The module is assessed according to the Assessment Criteria set out in the English Language Undergraduate Student Handbook and Style Guide for coursework and examination.   Otherwise, there are no academic or competence standards which limit the availability of adjustments or alternative assessments for students with disabilities. 

The module will include most of the following topics:

• A functional approach to describing language: Systemic Functional Grammar
• Referring expressions and the nominal group
• Representing Experience (the experiential metafunction): the clause as representation – situations, processes, participants and circumstances
• Interaction and Speech Roles (the interpersonal metafunction): the clause as exchange – mood and modality
• Organising the Message (the textual metafunction): the clause as message – Theme
• Combining situations/clauses (independent and dependent clauses)
• Towards a full functional-structural account of English clauses
• Exploring and analysing texts and text types with a functional grammar

The set textbook is:

Fontaine, L. 2013. Analyzing English Grammar: A systemic-functional introduction.  Cambridge University Press.

Indicative reading list:

Bloor, T. and M. Bloor 2004. The Functional Analysis of English. London: Arnold.

Thompson, G. 2004. Introducing Functional Grammar. London: Arnold.