PLMPP-Phonetics and Phonology

Module Provider: Clinical Language Sciences
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2020/1

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.

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


• Understand English phonological system, including phonotactics, connected speech, and suprasegmentals


• Understand acoustic properties of speech sounds


• Have a basic working knowledge of the I nternational Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription system 


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

Additional outcomes:

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

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


• 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, allophonic variation of English consonants and vowels, connected speech processes and the distinction between the segmental and suprasegmental features of English. Students will a lso be introduced to the acoustic properties of speech sounds and how spectrograms can be interpreted. In practical sessions, students will become familiar with phonetic and phonological transcription. In lab sessions, students will be introduced to software for acoustic analysis and measurement.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
There will be 23 hours of teaching delivered as lectures and tutorials.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Set exercise: continuous assessment. 

Formative assessment methods:

Formative feedback provided in tutorials.

Supporting exercises, available on Blackboard.

Penalties for late submission:
Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx

Assessment requirements for a pass:

50%

Reassessment arrangements:
Reassessment 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: 30 June 2020