Schedule of topics

Phonology · Spring 2026

This schedule may be subject to adjustment as needed.

Monday
Wednesday
Friday
[outline] Jan 7
About this course
What is phonology?
[outline] Jan 9
Tongue twisters
Phonology as science
[outline] Jan 12 | rq1: segments
101 review: Phonetics
Describing speech sounds
[outline] Jan 14
Describing and distinguishing segment classes
Jan 16
Quiz: Segments and classes
Jan 19
HOLIDAY
[outline] Jan 21
A phonological model:
Distinctive features
[outline] Jan 23
Applying the model:
Features and segment classes
Jan 26
Weather cancellation
[outline] Jan 28
Applying the model:
Features and segment classes
[outline] Jan 30
Features and segment classes
Feb 2
Weather cancellation
[outline] Feb 4 | rq2: morphemes
Discussion: Skill Check #1
101 review: Morphology
[outline] Feb 6
A phonological model:
URs and processes
Feb 9
WELL-BEING DAY
[outline] Feb 11
Alternating morphemes
Choosing the right analysis
[outline] Feb 13
Alternating morphemes
Making generalizations
[outline] Feb 16
Applying the model:
Alternations, URs, processes
[outline] Feb 18
Making generalizations
Fomalizing phonological rules
[outline] Feb 20
Applying the model:
Allophones and environments
[review guide] Feb 23
Discussion: Skill Check #2
Review for exam
Feb 25
Midterm exam
[outline] Feb 27 | rq3: syllables
Evidence for syllable structure
[outline] Mar 2
Diagnosing syllable structure
[outline] Mar 4
A phonological model:
Representing syllable structure
[outline] Mar 6
Epenthesis / deletion rules
Syllable structure "options"
[outline] Mar 9
Syllable structure "options"
Clusters, diphthongs, sonority
Mar 11
Science ethics: Native speakers
Mar 13
Discussion: Skill Check #3
Glides and vowels
Mar 16
SPRING BREAK
Mar 18
SPRING BREAK
Mar 20
SPRING BREAK
Mar 23 | rq4: processes
Building syllable structure
Phonology with "goals"
Mar 25
A phonological model:
Optimality Theory
Mar 27
Ranking arguments
Useful losers
Mar 30
Markedness and faithfulness
Apr 1
Factorial typology
Syllable-structure universals
Apr 3
HOLIDAY
Apr 6
Review for quiz
Apr 8
Quiz: OT analysis
Apr 10
Child phonology
Rethinking segmental rules
Apr 13
Rules vs. OT:
Complementary distribution
Apr 15
Richness of the Base
Complementary distribution
Apr 17
Factorial typology and segmental distribution
Apr 20
Discussion:
Phonological analysis paper
Apr 22
Science ethics (& methodology):
Phonological productivity
Apr 24
Theories of constraints
Challenges for OT
Apr 27
Revisiting RQs 1-4
Why does phonology matter?

** Final exam: Th May 7, 12-3pm **