PL1PHN1: Phonetics and Phonology 1

Module code: PL1PHN1

Module provider: Clinical Language Sciences; Sch of Psych and CLS

Credits: 20

Level: Level 1 (Certificate)

When you'll be taught: Semester 1 / 2

Module convenor: Dr Mirjana Sokolovic-Perovic, email: m.sokolovic@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2024/5

Available to visiting students: No

Talis reading list: No

Last updated: 23 May 2024

Overview

Module aims and purpose

This module introduces students to the principles of phonetics and phonology and the speech sound system of English, and provides an overview of phonological development in typically developing children. The module also introduces practical phonetic skills and enables students to carry out acoustic analysis of speech. 

The aim of this module is to provide students with an understanding and working knowledge of speech sound production and perception, English phonology, and typical phonological development. Students develop their perception and transcription skills using the symbols form the International Phonetic Alphabet, and learn when it is appropriate to use either phonetic or phonological transcriptions. Students are introduced to the acoustic properties of speech sounds and how visual displays of speech can be generated and interpreted. 

Module learning outcomes

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

1. Understand and explain articulation, perception and acoustic properties of speech sounds 
2. Demonstrate knowledge of the English phonological system and typical phonological development 
3. Use the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription system and an English phonemic transcription system 

Module content

Students will be introduced to the concepts of phonetics and phonology, and how the two differ. In terms of phonetics, students will learn about articulation, acoustics, perception and transcription of speech sounds. The topics include: the vocal tract, the ear, the larynx, articulation of consonants and vowels, acoustic phonetics, visual displays of speech. 

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 in English. The module will provide students with an understanding of typical phonological development. 

Seminars will focus on articulatory description, perception and transcription of sounds from the IPA chart. In lab sessions, students will learn how to use software for acoustic analysis and measurement. 

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

Weekly lectures supplemented with seminars and lab sessions (organised in small groups). Supporting activities are available on the Blackboard virtual learning environment. 

Study hours

At least 30 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.

Please note the independent study hours above are notional numbers of hours; each student will approach studying in different ways. We would advise you to reflect on your learning and the number of hours you are allocating to these tasks.

Semester 1 The hours in this column may include hours during the Christmas holiday period.

Semester 2 The hours in this column may include hours during the Easter holiday period.

Summer The hours in this column will take place during the summer holidays and may be at the start and/or end of the module.

Assessment

Requirements for a pass

Students need to achieve an overall module mark of 40% to pass this module.

Summative assessment

Penalties for late submission of summative assessment

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

Assessments with numerical marks

• 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 three working days;
• the mark awarded due to the imposition of the penalty shall not fall below the threshold pass mark, namely 40% in the case of modules at Levels 4-6 (i.e. undergraduate modules for Parts 1-3) and 50% in the case of Level 7 modules offered as part of an Integrated Masters or taught postgraduate degree programme;
• where the piece of work is awarded a mark below the threshold pass mark prior to any penalty being imposed, and is submitted up to three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline), no penalty shall be imposed;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

Assessments marked Pass/Fail

• where the piece of work is submitted within three working days of the deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): no penalty will be applied;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): a grade of Fail will be awarded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/qap/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.

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is any task or activity which creates feedback (or feedforward) for you about your learning, but which does not contribute towards your overall module mark.

• Mock exam 
• Supporting materials on Blackboard 
• Formative feedback on IPA sound transcription and production is provided in seminars 

Reassessment

Additional costs