SEL2236 : It's not what you say, it's how you say it: Prosody and intonation
SEL2236 : It's not what you say, it's how you say it: Prosody and intonation
- Offered for Year: 2026/27
- Module Leader(s): 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
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| SEL1027 | Introduction to the Structure of Language 1: Phonetics, Phonology & Morphology |
Pre Requisite Comment
N/A
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Co Requisite Comment
N/A
Aims
This module provides an overview of the functions of prosody and intonation in English and other spoken languages. Students will develop an understanding of both the abstract theory and practical methods used in investigating this multifaceted aspect of spoken language.
Outline Of Syllabus
Topics may include
- phonetics of pitch and f0
- prosodic transcription
- autosegmental-metrical theory
- prosody and syntax
- focus
- information status
- prosodic typology
- prosody and bilinguals
- sociolinguistic aspects of prosody
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
- knowledge of how the human vocal apparatus is able to create intonation
- understanding of how languages use prosody to convey meaning
- understanding of different kinds of meaning
- 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 |
|---|---|
| SEL8698 | Melody in Language |
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
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written Examination | 75 | 2 | A | 70 | In-person paper examination to test knowledge of the foundational concepts of the module, including (among others) the phonetic, syntactic and semantic aspects of prosody. |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written exercise | 2 | M | 30 | 1200 word research project |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The mid-module written exercise comprises an article review and/or a short speech analysis exercise based on skills learned in the seminars.
The final assessment is a written examination, to test knowledge of the foundational concepts of the module, including (among others) the phonetic, syntactic and semantic aspects of prosody, as well as experimental design. This allows students to demonstrate their mastery of the knowledge and skills developed throughout the semester.
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- SEL2236's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- SEL2236'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 2026 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, staffing changes, and student feedback. Module information for the 2027/28 entry will be published here in early-April 2027. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.