ENG143N Phonetics and varieties of English
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The course provides a theoretical introduction to English phonetics and phonology, with a particular focus on two standard accents, one British and one American. The student will learn how to apply technical terminology to describe and analyse English pronunciation, and to read and to produce phonemic transcriptions. The course also explores different varieties of English, both present-day and historical.
The course requires the student to possess good spoken English.
In accordance with the national qualifications framework, the student will have achieved the following learning outcomes after completing the course:
Upon completing the course, the student will have knowledge about:
- the English sound system and how the individual sounds are produced
- the sound systems of two standard accents, one British and one American
- the most important differences between British English and American English accents
- structures involved in connected speech
- common pronunciation mistakes among speakers of English as a second or foreign language
- English intonation: patterns and functions
- some important developments in English language history
- geographical, social and diachronic varieties of English
Upon completing the course, the student will be able to:
- identify and pronounce the individual sounds of English
- read phonemic transcriptions in British English (Received Pronunciation) and American English (General American)
- write phonemic transcriptions in either Received Pronunciation or General American
- identify and discuss the most important differences between British and American pronunciation
- identify and analyse structures involved in connected speech
- identify and correct common mistakes in the pronunciation of English as a second or foreign language
- identify and correctly use English intonation patterns
- identify different varieties of English
- identify geographical and historical sound variants
Upon completing the course, the student will be able to:
- use knowledge and skills connected to phonetics and varieties of English in an independent manner
- apply this knowledge and these skills to new language materials and in new situations
- understand different varieties of written English (e-mails, job application letters, academic essays, etc.) and when and how they can be implemented in practice
Teaching takes place online through the Learning Management System Canvas. Lessons are published once or twice a week, and can be accessed by the student in their own time. Each lesson addresses a particular topic and consists of a combination of written material, sound and video files; some lessons have exercises. There are also some non-obligatory live seminars on Zoom. For these seminars, students should have access to a computer microphone and a web-camera.
In order to be eligible to sit the exam, the student must pass one oral and two written assignments within the deadlines posted at the start of the semester. The length of the assignments will depend on the type of tasks set. If an assignment is not approved the first time, the student will be given the opportunity to submit a second time, normally after two working days. All three assignments are to be submitted digitally on Canvas (the oral assignment as a sound file).
The evaluation system complies with the Regulations for admission, studies and exams at Volda University College.
The course will be evaluated in accordance with the University College’s routines for quality assurance.
- English - year course (net-based, part time)
- English one-year course (net-based)
- History - bachelor (net-based)
- Religion and Culture - bachelor (net-based)
| Assessment Form | Grouping | Duration | Grading scale | Proportion | Comment | Support Materials | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Home exam | Individual | 6 Hours | A-F, A is the best grade and E is the lowest passing grade | 100 |