Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2006-2007 (archived)

Module LING3301: PHONOLOGY 3

Department: LINGUISTICS AND ENGLISH LANGUAGE

LING3301: PHONOLOGY 3

Type Open Level 3 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2006/07 Module Cap None. Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • Phonology 2 (LING2171).

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To build on and extend the knowledge and understanding of Phonology acquired at level 2.
  • to offer students an advanced module dealing with issues at the forefront of phonological theory.
  • to further develop the students' skills in argumentation.
  • to accustom students to reading primary literature in phonology.
  • to prepare students for research in theoretical phonology.

Content

  • This module extends and deepens the knowledge and understanding of phonological theory gained in Phonology 2 by critically examining emerging theoretical and/or empirical issues in the field.
  • Given the volatile nature of the discipline, the specifics of the topics addressed are fluid, but constant major concerns are the overall composition and operation of the phonological component (e.g. rules vs.
  • constraints) and the characterisation and representation of phonological structure (at both intra- and supra-segmental level) in a variety of generative phonological models.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • At the end of the module students will: have an understanding of a set of issues at the forefront of research in generative phonology.
  • be able to deal with problems, theoretical and empirical, relating to the analysis of data within differing models and/or to a language or group of languages they do not speak.
  • have gained experience in reading primary literature in phonological theory and be able to analyse this literature critically.
  • be able to present their research clearly and coherently.
Subject-specific Skills:
    Key Skills:

      Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

      • The lectures are designed to introduce the students to the topic under discussion and the range of primary literature on the topic.
      • Seminars enable the students to: present, discuss and analyse primary literature, thereby developing critical ability and argumentation skills: develop a wider understanding of the field.
      • prepare a coherent research paper at the end of the module through presentation in class.
      • Student learning will enable students to: build on their knowledge of phonology acquired at Level 2 and develop their knowledge and understanding of up to date developments in the field.
      • become familiar with reading primary literature.
      • present a clear and coherent argument in preparation for presenting their research.
      • Tutorials support student learning and in particular enable students to discuss the development of their own research.
      • The assessment (5,000 word essay) will enable students to demonstrate: their familiarity with the methods and practices of phonological theory.
      • the ability to handle data from languages with which they are initially unfamiliar.
      • their understanding of research in theoretical phonology.
      • critical abilities and written communication/argumentation skills.
      • an understanding of the research process and the skills required.

      Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

      Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
      Lectures 2 Fortnightly for the first two sessions of the module 2 hours 4
      Tutorials 5 Fortnightly 1 hour 5
      Seminars 8 Fortnightly 2 hours 16
      Preparation and Reading 175
      Total 200

      Summative Assessment

      Component: Essay Component Weighting: 100%
      Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
      5000 word essay 100%

      Formative Assessment:

      Class presentation including production of handouts.


      Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University