SEL8698 : Melody in Language
SEL8698 : Melody in Language
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Dr Rory Turnbull
- Co-Module Leader: Dr Niamh Kelly
- Owning School: English Lit, Language & Linguistics
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
Pre Requisite Comment
Some prior knowledge of phonetics, phonology, syntax and semantic - students will address the pre-requisites through their Semester 1 module choices and one-to-one conversation with the DPD at module sign-up in the autumn.
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Co Requisite Comment
N/A
Aims
This module provides a postgraduate-level overview of the functions of prosody and intonation in English and other spoken languages. Students will develop advanced understanding and skills in:
- acoustic approaches to the physical nature of prosody and intonation
- theoretical approaches to the physical nature of prosody and intonation
- theoretical approaches to the syntactic and semantic aspects of prosody and intonation
- practical experimental methods for the investigation of prosody and intonation
Outline Of Syllabus
Topics may include
- phonetics of pitch and f0
- prosodic transcription
- autosegmental-metrical theory
- prosody and syntax
- focus
- information status
- prosodic typology
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
- high-level knowledge of how the human vocal apparatus is able to create intonation
- deep understanding of how languages use prosody to convey meaning
- deep understanding of different kinds of meaning
- advanced and thorough knowledge of current theories and practices in prosodic research
Intended Skill Outcomes
- formal analysis of meaning
- acoustic analysis of speech
- designing and implementing experiments to test hypotheses
- analysing and evaluating data
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 90:00 | 90:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 22 | 1:00 | 22:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 1 | 77:00 | 77:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 11 | 1:00 | 11:00 | N/A |
| Total | 200:00 |
Jointly Taught With
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| SEL2236 | It's not what you say, it's how you say it: Prosody and intonation |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Lectures introduce students to the knowledge and skill outcomes. Seminars consolidate the skill outcomes through discussion and skills practice. Private study is an important part of the programme, requiring close reading of the material both in advance of lectures and as a follow-up to them.
Reading Lists
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written exercise | 2 | A | 75 | 3000 word research project |
| Written exercise | 2 | M | 25 | 1000 word report |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The mid-module written exercise is a short report on the students' work in the seminar, aiding them to hone the skills needed for the final assessment.
The final assessment is a student-led research project, allowing them to demonstrate their mastery of the knowledge and skills developed throughout the semester.
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- SEL8698's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- SEL8698's past Exam Papers
General Notes
N/A
Welcome to Newcastle University Module Catalogue
This is where you will be able to find all key information about modules on your programme of study. It will help you make an informed decision on the options available to you within your programme.
You may have some queries about the modules available to you. Your school office will be able to signpost you to someone who will support you with any queries.
Disclaimer
The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.
In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.
Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.