General requirements for university studies.
The course can normally be included as part of a general degree at undergraduate level.
Phonetics is an introduction to phonetics and phonology, applied especially to English but with application to any language, producing not only increased awareness of the sound of various accents, but also introducing students to the seminal importance of the notion of difference in the study of language.
Knowledge and understanding
After finishing the module, the student:
- understands the basic principles of phonetics and phonology, in general but also in particular in relation to English;
- will be able to recognize and use standard descriptive terminology for phonetics and English phonology;
- will be able to identify and describe some non-standard varieties of spoken English;
- will understand and be able to use the standard terminology employed to describe metre and other sound patterning in English poetry (rhyme, assonance etc),;
- knows the International Phonetic Alphabet
Skills and ability
After finishing the module, the student:
- can analyse the structure of English phonology;
- can speak English in an accent that is understood by a majority of English speakers in Europe;
- demonstrates ability to work to agreed timetables, manage workloads, and meet deadlines
Critical skills and approach
After finishing the module, the student:
- is able to reflect critically on the role of English pronunciation in contemporary society from perspectives of gender, class, education, group membership etc;
- can think critically about the way any accent of English - including his or her own - facilitates or impedes communication, and inevitably arouses prejudice either positive or negative;
- understands the notion of significant difference, central to any understanding of phonology, and central too to any understanding of the notion of shared culture. Understands too that what is “natural” in the production of one language may not be in another
Learning activities are lectures, seminars, and self-study.
Phonetics is examined by an exam (5 credits) and a paper (2.5 credits) defended in an oral examination.
Beverley S. Collins and Inger M. Mees: Practical Phonetics and Phonology: A Resource Book for Students (Routledge English Language Introductions) Paperback – 28 Jan 2013 Paperback: 352 pages. Publisher: Routledge; 3 edition (28 Jan. 2013). ISBN-13: 978-0415506496
All students are offered an opportunity to give oral and written feedback at the end of the course. A summary of the results will be made available in the school's web-pages.
Student participation takes place through the course council.