Programme specification
This programme specification is aimed at prospective students and represents the most current course structure.
SECTION A: DETAILS OF THE COURSE AND AWARD
| Programme: | PHONOLOGY |
|---|---|
| Awarding body: | University of Essex |
| Teaching institution: | University of Essex |
| Department: | Language and Linguistics |
| Final award: | MA |
| NQF Level of Qualification: | Master |
| Full / Part Time | Full-time or part-time |
| QAA Benchmark Group: | None |
| JACS code: | Q132 |
| Publication date: | 26/09/2012 |
| Admission criteria:
if the applicant does not meet the specified criteria, he or she may discuss the application with the Head of Undergraduate or Head of Postgraduate admissions. |
A good BA honours (or equivalent) degree (2:1 or above). For non-native speakers of English, an IELTS score of 6.5, or a TOEFL score of 580 (computer based 230). Some prior knowledge of Phonology is useful. |
SECTION B: PROGRAMME AIMS, OUTCOMES, LEARNING AND ASSESSMENT METHODS
This section provides a concise overview of the programme of study, identifying the aims, learning outcomes and the corresponding methods of learning, teaching and assessment.
Programme: MA PHONOLOGY
Programme aims:
This graduate programme provides students with the opportunity to: Become familiar with approaches to the study of language adopted in contemporary work in phonology Acquire training in methods used to formulate, test and critically evaluate research hypotheses about the nature of language sound Acquire training in data collection, analysis and presentation techniques used in empirical research in language sound Become familiar with styles or argumentation and evaluation criteria used in contemporary research into the phonology of natural languages Develop a critical appreciation of a selection of recent research in phonolgy Undertake a small-scale piece of original research Acquire a wide range of transferable cognitive skills, practical skills and key skills Acquire a foundation for further study, employment and lifelong learning
Programme Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the programme a graduate should demonstrate knowledge and skills as follows:
A: Knowledge and Understanding
|
A1 : familiarity with approaches to the study of language sound adopted in contemporary work in phonology A2 : knowledge of key concepts, issues, ideas, theories, styles of argumentation and evaluation criteria used in contemporary research in phonology A3 : knowledge of methods and tools employed in contemporary research in phonology to collect, analyse and present data with the goal of formulating and testing research hypotheses |
B: Intellectual/Cognitive Skills
|
B1 : Critically evaluate theories, accounts, explanations, approaches, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between theory and data B2 : Abstract and synthesise information from a range of sources (lectures/seminars/classes, journals, books, internet etc.) identifying those ideas or findings which are most significant B3 : Make observations and generalisations about behaviour (or data, or other materials), and analyse relevant types of behaviour, data, or materials using specialised techniques |
C: Practical Skills
|
C1 : retrieve information from a variety of sources (e.g. Library, WWW, CD-Rom) C2 : utilise techniques and tools relevant to the collection, analysis and presentation of materials or data, with a minimum of guidance C3 : Propose, plan, undertake, write up and present an independent survey or report (e.g. on research undertaken individually or in collaboration with others, or on a case study), with a minimum of guidance |
D: Key Skills
|
Communication: D1 : Communicating complex ideas effectively in writing, writing essays, reports and reviews using the appropriate register and style.
IT Skills: D2 : using appropriate computational tools and software packages to obtain, store and process information stored in electronic form (e.g. from the Library, WWW or CD-rom), and (where appropriate) to analyse data and results Numeracy: D3 : Under guidance, interpreting statistical information presented in the form of diagrams, tables and graphs Problem Solving: D4 : Analysing data-sets or behaviour, abstracting generalisations and testing hypotheses Self Learning: D6 : Under guidance, working independently, demonstrating initiative, self-organisation and time-management, and undertaking a self-critical programme of self-directed study |
Learning, Teaching & Assessment Methods or Strategies for the following:
A: Knowledge and Understanding
|
Learning Methods A1-3 are addressed in lectures, as well as seminar, class and tutorials discussion. Web and instructional course materials, including library and internet materials are used to achieve A1 and 2. There is also office and email consultation with staff as well as written and oral feedback on work. Assessment Methods A1-3 are assessed by written coursework in the form of essays (usually a 3000 word essay per course) and exercises. The dissertation is instrumental in the achievement of A3, being the most significant form of assessment with respect to knowledge and understanding acquired in the taught part of the course. |
B: Intellectual/Cognitive Skills
|
Learning Methods B1 and B3 are developed in seminars, classes and tutorials. B2 is developed in directed reading of library and internet materials, as well as printed instructional course materials. there is also office and email consultation with staff, as well as written and oral feedback on work. Assessment Methods B1-3 are assessed by written coursework in the form of essays (usually a 3000 word essay per course) and exercises. In its development of advanced intellectual and cognitive skills, the dissertation is central in assessing B2 and B3. |
C: Practical Skills
|
Learning Methods Throughout the scheme practical skills C1-3 are developed through independent learning in preparation for classes, seminars, essays and presentations. In particular, these skills are mobilised in preparation for tutorials for the dissertation. Office and email consultation with staff, as well as written/oral feedback on work is provided through both the coursework and dissertation phases of the degree. Assessment Methods Coursework and essays play an important part in the assessment of all skills C1-3. It is in marking of the dissertation, however, that these skills - particular C2 and C3 - become particularly salient. |
D: Key Skills
|
Learning Methods The key skills, D1, D2, D4 and D6 are taught throughout the scheme in preparation for lectures, seminars, tutorials and coursework assignments. Oral presentations in class may be used to develop skills of oral communication in parallel with D1; students are also encouraged to collaborate with others to achieve common goals e.g. in project planning, management and presentation. Seminars and tutorials are used to develop D3 and D4. There is also office and email consultation with staff, as well as written/oral feedback on work. Assessment Methods Coursework essays are used in the development of all key skills D1 to D4 and D6. Coursework exercises specifically develop D3 and D4. The dissertation constitutes an overall assessment of these skills in judging communication, problem solving and independent learning. |
SECTION C: COURSE STRUCTURE
Please refer to your option list as issued by the department where necessary,
and view module details in the module directory.
Components
| Component No. | Module Code | Module Title | Status in Award | Status in PG Diploma | Status in PG Certificate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | LG981-7-FY | MA DISSERTATION | Core | Compulsory | Optional |
| 02 | LG404-7-AU | THEORETICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE PHONOLOGY | Compulsory | Optional | Optional |
| 03 | LG405-7-AU | SOCIOPHONOLOGY | Compulsory | Optional | Optional |
| 04 | LG605-7-SP | SOCIOPHONOLOGY RESEARCH | Compulsory | Optional | Optional |
| 05 | LG631-7-SP | CONSTRAINT BASED PHONOLOGY | Compulsory | Optional | Optional |
| 06 | LG421-7-SP | PHONOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT AND PHONOLOGICAL DISORDERS | Compulsory | Optional | Optional |
| 07 | LG472-7-AU | MORPHOLOGY | Compulsory | Optional | Optional |
| 08 | LINGUISTICS OPTION (15 CREDITS) | Optional | Optional | Optional | |
| 09 | LINGUISTICS OPTION (15 CREDITS) | Optional | Optional | Optional |
SECTION D: RULES OF ASSESSMENT
Rules of assessment are here: http://www2.essex.ac.uk/academic/students/pgt/pgrules.htm
Assessment information for individual modules can be found on the Module Directory at http://www.essex.ac.uk/courses/
See also: details of individual modules in the module directory and links to course materials and resources in the Course
Materials Repository.
External Examiner Information
- Name: Prof Mary Dalrymple
- Institution: THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD
- Academic Role: Professor of Syntax
NOTE
The University of Essex Programme Specifications Catalogue is updated annually in April/May. The specifications represent the most current course structures and may be subject to review and change. Should you have any queries about the Catalogue's pages, please contact the Course Records Team, Systems Administration Office, Academic Section; email: crt (non Essex users should add @essex.ac.uk)