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LS2EP-English Phonology

Module Provider: Applied Linguistics
Number of credits: 10 [5ECTS credits]
Terms in which taught: Spring
Module Convenor: Dr JE Setter
Pre-requisites: LS1SG
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Module version for: 2008/9

Email: J.E.Setter@reading.ac.uk

Aims:
This module aims to familiarise students with the phonetic and phonological systems within the larger system of the English language; and to provide a basis for evaluating the descriptive adequacy of claims made by linguistic theories. It also aims to impart a high level of competence in the transcription of English sounds, stress, and intonation.

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module it is expected that the student will be able to:

  • identify and explain the major elements and structures of English at the levels of phonetics and phonology
  • transcribe English from a variety of sources using appropriate notation
  • organise their knowledge and articulate their arguments effectively in writing under timed conditions.

    Additional outcomes:
    The module also aims to encourage the development of oral communication skills and the student's effectiveness in group situations. Students will also develop their IT skills by use of relevant web resources and databases.

    Outline content:
    The elements and domains of the English sound system; standard English phonemes (consonants and vowels) and their principal allophones; systems for transcribing these sounds; some sounds of other varieties of English and how they relate to the system of Standard English; principles of assignment of English stress and intonation in words and sentences; methods of transcribing English stress and intonation.

    Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
    Lectures.

    Contact hours:

      Autumn Spring Summer
    Lectures 20 2
    Tutorials/seminars      
    Practicals      
    Other contact (eg study visits)      
    Total hours   20 
    Number of essays or assignments    
    Other (eg major seminar paper)      

    Assessment:
    Coursework
    A dictation of colloquial English to be completed during the final lecture session. Notation to include a segmental and suprasegmental transcription of English using appropriate phonological notation.
    Relative percentage of coursework: 30%
    Examinations:
    One two-hour paper requiring answers to two questions.
    Relative percentage of examinations: 70%
    Requirements for a pass:
    A mark of 40% overall.
    Reassessment arrangements:
    Re-examination in September. Coursework can be carried forward if it bears a mark of 40% or more. Otherwise it must be re-submitted by 1st September.

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