LS2EP-English Phonology

Module Provider: English Language and Applied Linguistics
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites: LS1SG Sounds, Grammar and Meaning LS1ELS English Language and Society
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites: LS2EG English Grammar
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Prof Jane Setter
Email: J.E.Setter@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
The module looks at the phonetic and phonological patterning of speech sounds and suprasegmentals in English (near RP accent).

Aims:
This module aims to support the other Part 2 core and optional modules by familiarising students with the phonetic and phonological systems within the larger system of the English language and providing a basis for evaluating the descriptive adequacy of claims made by linguistic theories in other areas of English language study. It also aims to impart a high level of competence in the transcription of English sounds and stress, and introduce the intonation system of English (near-RP accent).

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 his/her knowledge effectively in writing under timed conditions.

Additional outcomes:
The module aims to encourage the development of general analytical skills. Students will also develop their IT skills by use of relevant web resources and experience of programmes used in the description of speech.

Outline content:
The elements and domains of the English sound system (near-RP accent); English phonemes (consonants and vowels) and their principal allophones; systems for describing these sounds; some sounds of other varieties of 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:
Interactive lectures with online support, including technology enhanced learning approaches.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	10
Practicals classes and workshops	10
Guided independent study:	80
Total hours by term	100
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Practical skills assessment	30
Class test administered by School	70

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:
To be completed during the final lecture session:
- A dictation of colloquial English to broad phonetic transcription;
- A quiz on the key terms covered in the module requiring description and exemplification.

Formative assessment methods:
£ Weekly written practice exercises (answers available on Blackboard after a delay of one week);
£ Four audio passages for transcription practice (answers available on Blackboard after a delay of one week);
£ A 'fieldwork' transcription passage reflecting week-by-week classroom content (answers available on Blackboard after a delay of one week;
£ The opportunity to write a Wiki together with other students to support each other's learning;
£ From Week 5 onwards, in-class feedback on the weekly dictation to broad phonetic transcription;
£ Week 8's practice dictation to broad phonetic transcription taken in for individual formative feedback.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres 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 (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: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/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:
A mark of 40% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:

Re-examination by practical skills assessment and class test by 17 August in the year the module is taken.

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: 22 September 2022