PLMPPR-Introduction to Phonetics and Phonology

Module Provider: Clinical Language Sciences
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn 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.

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


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


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


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

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, allophonic variation of English consonants and vowels, connected speech processes and the distinction between the segmental and suprasegmental features of English. Students will also be introduced to the acoustic properties of speech sounds and how spectrograms can be interpreted. In practical sessions, students will be trained as to when it is appropriate to use either phonetic or phonological transcriptions. 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.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	16
Tutorials	7
Guided independent study:	177
Total hours by term	200
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	40
Practical skills assessment	20
Class test administered by School	40

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Class test (worth 40% of the module mark)

Practical skills assessment (worth 20% of the module mark)

Coursework: assignment (worth 40% of the module mark)

Formative assessment methods:

Formative feedback provided in tutorials;

Supporting exercises, available on Blackboard.

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy “Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes”, which can be found here: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmissionpgflexible.pdf
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:

50% in the practical skills assessment and 50% overall 

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 March 2023