1. Goals
This course is a graduate introduction to the theory and practice of generative phonology. Students will develop first-hand experience with phonological analysis and the construction and evaluation of linguistic models through frequent exercises and problem sets. Assigned readings include both introductory materials and articles from the primary phonology literature.
2. Prerequisites
The prerequisite for this course is Linguistics 520 (Linguistic Phonetics) or the equivalent.
Undergraduate students who do not have significant prior background in linguistics or phonological analysis usually enroll in Ling 200, which is the phonology course for undergraduate majors. Students who have completed Ling 200 are not eligible to count Ling 523 toward the undergraduate major — but they are welcome to take Ling 524 (Phonological Theory II) when it is offered!
3. Course requirements
Course requirements are as follows. See the "Course information and policies" handout (available at the beginning of the semester) for details.
- Attendance and active participation in class discussion
- Timely completion of readings (see reading list) and discussion exercises to prepare for class
- Basic phonetics review and phonological distribution quiz
- Three phonological analysis assignments (presentations or write-ups)
- Phonological concepts exam
- Final "squib" (a short, original phonological analysis paper), with presentation
- Hands-on computational phonology lab during final-exam period
4. Textbook?
There is no textbook for this course. Required readings will be distributed in class, available online, and/or placed on reserve at the library.