Advanced topics in phonetics and phonology

Aims

Aims

This course aims to support and foster advanced independent innovative research in phonetics and/or phonology (including laboratory phonology), and to provide you with professional-level research and presentation skills. The particular model of phonetic or phonological theory explored will vary from year to year.

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• Identify and frame a research question in the context of relevant literature
• Analyse data within a current model of phonetic and/or phonological theory
• Present data as evidence in support of a theoretical argument
• Manage workload on an independent research project

Note that a Research Extension module can be taken alongside this module, for students who wish to write a dissertation.

This module will be capped at 35.

Prerequisites

Prerequisites

Students must have successfully completed:

• L09I Intermediate phonetics and phonology (LAN00009I)

Information for visiting students: this module is for students who have already undertaken prior training in both phonetics and phonology to an intermediate (post-beginner) level.

Programme

Programme

Contact hours

1 hour per week.

Teaching programme

The exact programme will vary from year to year, depending on the particular model of phonetics and/or phonology explored. Some or all of the teaching will take place in seminars, which may be student-led. You will be required to read a range of primary literature in phonetics and/or phonology (e.g. journal articles), at least some of which you will have identified yourself as being relevant to the topic of interest.

Assessment and feedback

Assessment and feedback

 Formative work

• Formative tasks will be assigned every two weeks throughout the Spring Term, including a research proposal, due in Week 5, Spring Term.
• Individual feedback will be provided on the formative work within 2 weeks of submission.

Summative assessment and feedback

• A 4000-word research paper
  • Due: Week 5, Summer Term
  • Weight: 100%
  • Written feedback available at the end of the Summer Term.

Skills

Transferable skills developed in this module

All modules provide an opportunity to work on general oral/written communication skills (in class and in assessments) and general self management (organising your studies), alongside the specific skills in language or linguistics that the module teaches.

In addition, this module will allow you to particularly develop skills in:

• the application of data analysis skills: you will read primary sources of literature, and critically evaluate them to formulate your own opinions, both orally and in writing, in collaboration with and gaining feedback from others; you will find different interpretations of data, and come to appreciate the contingent nature of much knowledge: an important part of decision-making.
• self-management: this module is delivered through seminars, and you are expected to plan much of your own work in order to meet deadlines.

Follow this link to hear how past students use transferable skills from their degree in their current jobs.