PL1PPH-Phonetics and Phonology

Module Provider: Clinical Language Sciences
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites: Co-requisites: All other BSc Language Science and Psychology Part 1 modules
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2019/0

Module Convenor: Dr Mirjana Sokolovic-Perovic

Email: m.sokolovic@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module introduces students to the principles of phonetics and phonology and the speech sound system of English. 

Aims:

The aim of this module is to introduce the student to the principles of phonetics and phonology. In terms of phonetics, students will be introduced to the articulation, acoustics, perception and transcription of speech sounds. In terms of phonology, students will understand the patterning of speech sounds in English, connected speech processes and the distinction between the segmental and suprasegmental features of English speech. The module provides an overview of typical phonological development and enables students to carry out acoustic analysis of speech using computer software. 

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module it is expected that the students will be able to:

• Understand the difference between phonetic and phonological systems


• Understand articulation and perception of speech sounds


• Have a basic working knowledge of an English phonemic transcription system


• Have a basic knowledge of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription system including cardinal vowels  


• Understand English phonotactics and connected speech processes (assimilation, coalescence, elision, liaison)


• Understand suprasegmental features of speech, including stress and tone


• Understand the stages in speech sound development and phonological processes in typically developing children


• Describe acoustic properties of speech sounds, identify different sounds on a spectrogram and carry out acoustic phonetic analysis

Additional outcomes:

Students will learn how to use computer software for the acoustic analysis of speech. 

Outline content:

Students will be introduced to the concepts of phonetics and phonology, and how the two differ. In terms of phonetics, students will be introduced to the articulation, acoustics, perception and transcription of speech sounds. In terms of phonology, students will understand the patterning of speech sounds in English, connected speech processes (such as assimilation, coalescence, elision, liaison) and the distinction between the segmental and suprasegmental features of English speech. The module will provide students with an understanding of typical phonological development. In lab sessions, students will be introduced to software for acoustic analysis and measurement.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

There will be 22 hours of teaching delivered as lectures and tutorials/lab sessions. Supporting exercises are available on the Blackboard virtual learning environment.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	9	8
Tutorials	3
Practicals classes and workshops		2
Guided independent study:	88	90
Total hours by term	10	10
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	75
Class test administered by School	25

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Exam in the Summer term, worth 75% of the final mark: short-answer questions and small data set analyses.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

A class test in the Autumn term, worth 25% of the final mark: short-answer questions on phonetics and phonology fundamental concepts and IPA.

 

Formative assessment methods:

• Mock tests in the Autumn term and in the Spring term


• Formative feedback provided in practical sessions.


• Supporting exercises (with answers), available on Blackboard.

Penalties for late submission:
The Module Convener will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day[1] (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;

where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

An average of 40% across all assessments.

Reassessment arrangements:
Re-assessment by September.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
1) Required text books:
2) Specialist equipment or materials:
3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:
4) Printing and binding:
5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:
6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

Last updated: 8 April 2019