Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

A module in basic phonological theory or equivalent background (e.g. a course in general linguistics with an introduction to phonological theory).

Co Requisite Comment

none

Aims

This module explores intermediate to advanced phonological theory, focusing on analysis and argumentation in phonology relative to the topic under study. The specific topics covered will vary from year to year, depending on the current research in the field. They may include one or more of the following: Laboratory Phonology, the phonetics-phonology interface, intonation and prosody, empirical foundations, computational phonology.

Outline Of Syllabus

The specific topics covered will vary from year to year, depending on the current research in the field. They may include one or more of the following: Laboratory Phonology, the phonetics-phonology interface, intonation and prosody, empirical foundations, computational phonology. A detailed schedule will be provided at the start of the module.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

An understanding of the aims, methods, and concepts of the theories studied relative to the issues covered.
A facility with the technical vocabulary of theoretical phonology
An ability to evaluate the empirical content of hypotheses concerning phonological theory and analysis.

Intended Skill Outcomes

Analysis and interpretation of data
Constructive argumentation and critical evaluation of results in a phonological framework
Learning to deal with counterevidence and complex argumentation.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Directed readings help students come to grips with primary literature in phonological theory. Discussion of readings will be expected. Students will also be expected to lead discussion of papers read by the group as a whole. Private study is an important part of the module, requiring close reading of the material both in advance of seminars and as a follow-up to them. In addition to close reading of the papers assigned to the group as a whole, each student will need to spend time reading and understanding literature specifically relevant to the topic of their assessment essay.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Given that the student will be dealing with primary literature, the assessment provides a means for the student to show an understanding of the tools and methods of phonological theorising through either analysing some set of data in a fashion relevant to the topic at hand, or presenting an informed evaluation of particular positions in the literature.

General Notes

N/A