Learning outcome

After successfully completing the course, the candidate will have achieved the following learning outcomes:

The candidate

• Is familiar with the basic terminology of English phonetics and phonology, and is able to apply this terminology to linguistic examples
• Is able to recognize the individual sounds in the English language and their articulation; knows how to use phonemic transcription, and explain the main patterns in English stress and intonation
• Can identify the main differences between standard British and standard American pronunciation, as well as some other varieties of English around the world
• Is able to compare Norwegian and English pronunciation so that his/her spoken English has less interference from Norwegian pronunciation and intonation

Course Description

The course provides an introduction to the individual sounds (vowels and consonants) and sound patterns (in particular syllables, stress, rhythm, and intonation) in modern English.

Teaching and Learning Methods

The course is taught every other spring semester. It includes two three-day workshops (held jointly with the course American Literature and Culture 1600-1980 2008N), online lectures and supporting material posted on Fronter. The workshops and online lectures provide background for the topics addressed during the course and will also be used to review the set texts.

Assessment Methods

The final written examination will be assessed on a scale from A to F, where E is the lowest pass mark, and F is a fail.

It is a prerequisite for the completion of the course that the students hand in two written papers. The papers are not graded, but must be approved by the course instructor.

Minor adjustments may occur during the academic year, subject to the decision of the Dean