SEL8154 : Issues in Phonological Theory I
SEL8154 : Issues in Phonological Theory I
- Offered for Year: 2026/27
- Module Leader(s): Dr Rory Turnbull
- 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 1 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.
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Co Requisite Comment
no
Aims
This module assumes some prior knowledge of phonetics and phonology and aims to introducing ability in practical phonetic analysis and knowledge of theoretical models of phonology. The aim is for students to investigate a variety of phenomena in order for them to come to an understanding of how data, evidence and argumentation are used in scientific thinking.
Outline Of Syllabus
Topics may include
- Speech production
- Physics of sound
- Acoustic analysis of speech
- Speech perception
- Phonemes and alternations
- Distinctive features
- Rules and derivations
- Constraint-based analysis
- Syllables, stress and tone
- Experimental methods
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
Students that have successfully completed this module:
- understand the mechanisms of speech production and perception
- understand the fundamentals of acoustics as they pertain to speech
- can employ and assess the formalisms necessary for building a grammar of the phonology of a language
- possess an understanding of the structure of sound systems, and the phonological relationships within such systems
- have an appreciation of linguistic diversity
Intended Skill Outcomes
Students that have successfully completed this module:
- are able to perform acoustic analysis of speech
- are able to evaluate phonological analyses
- are able to analyse and interpret different kinds of data from different sources
- are able to utilise data to support linguistic analyses
- are able to write clearly and concisely about phonetic and phonological topics
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 11 | 2:00 | 22:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 167:00 | 167:00 | 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 |
|---|---|
| SEL2000 | Phonetics and Phonological Theory |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Lectures introduce students to knowledge outcomes. Weekly seminars develop this knowledge as well as the skills necessary for phonological analysis. Moreover, the students will be encouraged in the seminars to reflect on their own language (often not English). Private study is an important part of the programme, requiring close reading of the materials both in advance of lectures and as a follow up to them. The assessement essay will require the application of their acquired knowledge to some set of data not dealt with in the lectures.
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 | 1 | A | 80 | 3,000 words or equivalent. |
| Prob solv exercises | 1 | M | 20 | N/A |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The mid-term exercise will contribute to the students' familiarity with phonological analysis.
For the final assessment students will have a choice of multiple assessment options, which allows students to explore and grasp the full range of topics investigated in the module, and gives them the opportunity to demonstrate their full command of the skills practised in the seminars.
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- SEL8154's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- SEL8154's past Exam Papers
General Notes
N/A
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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.