PL1PHON1-Phonetics and Phonology 1

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:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

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, 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.

Aims:

To provide students with an understanding and working knowledge of core concepts in phonetics and phonology, typical phonological development and English phonology;

To train students as to when it is appropriate to use either phonetic or phonological transcriptions, and to develop their perception and transcription skills using the symbols form the IPA chart;

To introduce students to the acoustic properties of speech sounds and how visual displays of speech can be generated and interpreted.

Assessable learning outcomes:

1. Understand the difference between phonetic and phonological systems;


2. Understand articulation and perception of speech sounds;


3. Have a basic working knowledge of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription system;


4. Have a basic working knowledge of an English phonemic transcription system;


5. Have a basic working knowledge of English phonological system, including phonotactics and connected speech; 


6. Understand suprasegmental features of speech;


7. Understand the stages in speech sound development and phonological processes in typically developing children;


8. 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 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. The topics include: the vocal tract, the ear, the larynx, articulation of consonants and vowels, the International Phonetic Alphabet, 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 of English speech. The module will provide students with an understanding of typical phonological development.

Tutorials will focus on articulatory description, perception and transcription of sounds from the IPA chart. In lab sessions, students will be introduced to software for acoustic analysis and measurement.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

There will be 28 hours of teaching delivered as lectures and tutorials/lab sessions (organised in small groups). Supporting exercises are available on the Blackboard virtual learning environment.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	10	10
Tutorials		8
Guided independent study:	90	82
Total hours by term	100	100	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	75
Class test administered by School	25

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Written exam worth 75% of the mark

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Class test worth 25% of the mark

Formative assessment methods:

Mock exam;

Formative feedback on transcription of the sounds from the IPA chart is provided in practical sessions;

Supporting exercises on Blackboard.

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:

40% overall and 40% in the class test

Reassessment arrangements:

August resit

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 30 March 2023