Admission requirements
Introductory (BA-level) courses in phonetics and phonology.
Description
In this course we focus on subsegmental, segmental, and prosodic structure. The first part of the course is devoted to the internal structure of speech sounds. We will evaluate traditional feature-based approaches to segmental structure and compare these to Element Theory, an approach in which segments consist of acoustically based elements. In doing so, we focus in detail on the representation of phonological contrasts, by examining a range of phonological phenomena from a wide variety of languages. In the second part of the course we deepen our knowledge by reading and discussing a number of recent papers. Topics considered include vowel harmony, epenthesis, allophony, strength relations, and constraints on prosodic units such as the syllable.
Course objectives
The student gains insight into several recent developments in theoretical and experimental phonology
The student learns to critically approach scientific literature on phonological phrasing and segmental structure
The student gains insight into the relation between phonetics and phonology
The student gains insight into the relation between phonology and morphology
The student gains insight into the importance of data in phonological theorizing
The student is able to analyse a set of phonological data and propose an analysis using the theoretical frameworks presented in class
The student knows how to communicate the results of their research orally and in writing.
Timetable
The timetables are available through My Timetable.
Mode of instruction
Weekly two-hour seminar
Assessment method
Assessment
Two essays
Two oral presentations
Weighing
Classroom participation and oral presentations (30%: one presentation in the first block and one in the second block)
Midterm essay 1,250-1,500 words (30%)
Final essay 2,000-2,500 words (40%)
The final mark for the course is established by determining the weighted average. To pass the course, a minimum of a 5.5 is required for both essays.
Resit
If the mark for an essay is a 5.49 or lower, a resit essay with a new topic must be submitted during the resit exam period. There is no resit for the oral presentations.
Inspection and feedback
Students are entitled to view their marked essay within a period of 30 days, following publication of the results.
Reading list
Backley, Phillip. (2011). An Introduction to Element Theory. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press.
Additional reading material: several journal articles and book chapters (to be announced).
Registration
Enrolment through MyStudyMap is mandatory.
General information about course and exam enrolment is available on the website.
Contact
For substantive questions, contact the lecturers listed in the right information bar.
For questions about enrolment, admission, etc, contact the Education Administration Office: Reuvensplaats
Remarks
Brightspace will be used for general information pertaining to the course, e.g. the course programme, the presentation schedule, in-term assignments, etc.