spring 2024
ENG-1016 Introduction to The Sounds of English - 10 ECTS

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Type of course

This course may be taken as a single course. A good command of oral and written English is recommended.

Admission requirements

Higher Education Entrance Qualification (generell studiekompetanse) or prior learning and work experience (realkompetanse).

A good command of oral and written English is recommended.

Admission code: 9199 - Enkeltemner (ikke realfag), lavere grad (Nordic applicants).

Course overlap

If you pass the examination in this course, you will get an reduction in credits (as stated below), if you previously have passed the following courses:

ENG-1011 Introduction to English Language II 10 ects
ENG-1011 Introduction to English Grammar II 10 ects

Course content

This course introduces students to the pronunciation of English and its cognitive underpinnings, that is, the phonetics and phonology of English. Our focus will be on the two major accents, referred to as BBC English (or Received Pronunciation) and Generalized American English, but we will also look at other regional pronunciation variants. In addition, we will study variation which is determined by social factors such as membership of a particular social group/class or by the formality of the situation, including differences related to pragmatic aspects, as well as historical development.

Objectives of the course

The students have the following learning outcomes:

Knowledge

The student has:

  • knowledge of the basic concepts of phonetics and phonology.
  • knowledge of the phonological system of major English variants.
  • an understanding of the ways in which phonological systems can vary and what the reasons might be for this.

Skills

The student is able to / can

  • read and write phonetic transcriptions (IPA).
  • classify sounds and describe how they are produced.
  • analyze ordered sets of phonological data.
  • describe and account for different aspects of variation in pronunciation.

This course provides a foundational set of core skills and knowledge in phonology and phonetics that will prepare students for courses specializing in the different subfields of English linguistics, such as those on language change, psycholinguistics, acquisition, and sociolinguistic variation.

Language of instruction and examination

Language of instruction and examination: English.

Teaching methods

13 weeks of teaching (4 hours of teaching per week).

Quality assurance: The course undergoes a midterm evaluation or an end-of-term evaluation every third year.

Schedule

Schedule

Recommended reading/syllabus

Pensumliste for ENG-1016 Introduction to The Sounds of English (VÅR 2024)

Examination

Examination: Date: Duration: Grade scale:
Off campus exam 13.05.2024 09:00 (Hand out)
13.05.2024 13:00 (Hand in)		 4 Hours A–E, fail F

Coursework requirements:

To take an examination, the student must have passed the following coursework requirements:
Essay Approved – not approved
UiT Exams homepage

More info about the coursework requirements

At the teacher's discretion, either one essay of approx. 2000 words or 6 short practical assignments. Details will be given at the beginning of the semester. Coursework requirements are evaluated with approved/not approved. The obligatory coursework requirements must be approved in order to take the final exam.

Re-sit examination

Students who do not pass the previous ordinary examination can gain access to a re-sit examination.
  • About the course
  • Campus: Tromsø |
  • ECTS: 10
  • Course code: ENG-1016