Semesters

ENG143N Phonetics and varieties of English

Course code: 
ENG143N
1 semester
Credits (ECTS): 
15
Level of study: 
Foundation level (bachelor’s degree level)
Teaching semester: 
2019 Spring
Assessment semester: 
2019 Spring
Language of instruction: 
English
Required prerequisite knowledge

None

Course content

The course provides a basic introduction to the English sound system, as well as knowledge about and insight into different varieties of English, present-day and/or historical.

Learning outcome

In accordance with the national qualifications framework, the student will have the following learning outcomes after completed course:

Learning outcome knowledge

After completing the course, the student will possess knowledge about:

- the English sound system and how the individual sounds are produced

- structures involved in connected speech

- English intonation: patterns and functions

- the most important differences between British English and American English accents

- some important developments in English language history

- geographical and social varieties of English

- personal language use with particular focus on register and style

Learning outcome skills

After completing the course, the student will be able to:

- identify and pronounce the individual English sounds

- read phonemic transcriptions in British English and American English

- write phonemic transcriptions in either British English or American English

- identify and correctly use English intonation patterns

- identify and correct common mistakes in the pronunciation of English as a second language

- identify different varieties of English

- identify geographical and historical sound variants

Learning outcome qualification

After completing the course, the student will be able to use independently the knowledge and skills mentioned above and apply them to unfamiliar language material and situations

Working and learning activities

Teaching takes the form of net-lessons. These will involve a combination of written and/or oral lectures. All the material will be posted online for students to access in their own time. The course also includes work requirements with individual feedback.The students must be able to submit sound files: Thus, they need to have access to a computer microphone.

Assessment requirements

Each student shall submit three assignments on English phonetics and varieties of English. All of these must be passed for a student to sit for the final exam. A student whose assignment is not accepted will get one chance to resubmit. The assignments must be submitted within a deadline posted at the start of the semester.

Two of the work requirements are to be handed in with sound files.

Evaluation system

The sensor systen complies with Regulations for admission, studies and exams at Volda University College.

Evaluation

The course will be evaluated in accordance with the University College’s routines for quality assurance.

Maximum number of students: 
120
Person in charge: 
Kjetil Arve Myskja
Vibeke Jensen
Alen Lemajic
Costs

A study fee of NOK 4000 applies. 

If the students applies for and is granted a decentralised exam, an additional NOK 1500 fee per exam applies. Alternatively, the student may sit for the exam at VUC without extra fees.

Used in other programs
  • English - year course (net-based, part time)
  • English one-year course (net-based)
Assessment FormGroupingDurationGrading scaleProportionCommentSupport MaterialsScope
Portfolio
Individual
1 Week
A-F, A is the best grade and E is the lowest passing grade
66
Digital examination
Individual
3 Hours
A-F, A is the best grade and E is the lowest passing grade
34