Inside English Words
MODULE CODE
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Module Aims
Aim 1
To study the basic principles of phonology.
Aim 2
To teach students how to carry out analyses on accent variation and help them understand the major differences among English accents.
Aim 3
To understand and appreciate the linguistic diversity in the English-speaking world, especially in Britain.
Aim 4
To have an informed and critical understanding of accent-based social prejudice.
Aim 5
To provide a broad grounding in the description of English morphology.
Module Content
LG2402 takes a descriptive approach to English phonology and morphology.
The phonology component covers (i) the basic principles of phonology, (ii) how to analyse accent variation, (iii) the major differences among English accents, (iv) theoretical issues in the analysis of the composition of the phoneme inventory.
The morphology component covers (i) inflection and derivation, (ii) morphs, morphemes, roots, bases and stems, (iii) allomorphy, (iv) productivity and blocking, (v) affixation and affixes, (vi) non-affixal derivation, (vii) compounding, (viii) suppletion, (ix) clitics.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module, a student will be able to:
Teaching Methods
Learning and Teaching
The module will employ both formal lectures and workshop seminars which will include discussion, question/answer sequences, recordings of data, transcription of recordings, and problem-solving activities, as well as theoretical engagement with, and critical application of the ideas introduced. Students will also learn through doing, and through reflecting on these activities. Teaching and learning on this module may also comprise class and group discussions, class-based group work, and face-to-face feedback with the tutor. There is an expectation that students will engage interactively with the tutor and their peers during the sessions, and undertake additional reading and preparatory work outside of the lecture and seminar sessions.
Assessment
For the phonology component, assessment consists of an analysis of real-language data, and class time will be given over to supervised workshops in which the groundwork for the assignment can be carried out. For the morphology component, assessment consists of an assignment based on a set of analytical exercises.
Since the complexity of the workshops is partly dependent on class-size, for smaller class-sizes some of the workshop hours might be reallocated to guided independent study hours.
Employability/skills
In common with other English modules, this module is designed to foster an active, participatory, independent approach to learning, to develop critical faculties and to consolidate and develop written and oral communication skills. Students will obtain co-operative skills during classroom discussions, including the ability to engage in critical debate while showing respect for others. They will also develop problem-solving skills, the ability to manage time and work to deadlines and will be encouraged to adopt reflective practices.
We keep very clear records of attendance and are keen to encourage you to attend your sessions: attendance at taught sessions will enable you to develop the key skills you need to progress on to the next stage of your career. You should remember that employers expect you to keep to agreed hours in work, and we consider ourselves to be offering you a professional approach to develop good employability skills. Managing your time effectively now will be of significant benefit to you in your future.
Assessment Methods
This module is assessed through one phonology assignment and one morphology assignment.
View The Other Course’s Modules
Compulsory
Optional
