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ENG1103 - English Phonetics and Intonation, An Introduction

Facts about this course:
Credits:10
Level:Foundation course at bachelor's level
Teaching semester:Spring and autumn
Examination semester:Spring and autumn
Language of instruction:English
Administrated by:Department of Literature, Area Studies and European Languages
Detailed course information - Current and previous semesters:

Course content

The course provides an introduction to English phonetics and intonation as well as insight into the description and comparison of two varieties of English: Received Pronunciation (British English) and General American (American English). The students can choose which variety they want to concentrate on. Comparison between Norwegian and English is also an important component of the course. The course includes components both of knowledge and of practical skills.

Learning outcomes

After completing this course you will have:

  • developed your knowledge and awareness of English phonetics.
  • learned how to apply technical terms to describe and analyse English pronunciation, so that you can read and produce phonemic transcriptions and intonation transcriptions.
  • gained familiarity with basic English intonation patterns and how they carry meaning.
  • acquired a pronunciation less affected by Norwegian articulation and intonation, through insight combined with practice.

Admission

Students who are admitted to study programmes or individual courses at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for by registering a study plan in StudentWeb.

International applicants, if you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures for international applicants.

Only students admitted to the course may take part in instruction and tuition and sit for the examination.

Prerequisites

Formal prerequisites

Admission to the course is required.

Recommended prior knowledge

The course assumes a good proficiency in written and oral English

Teaching

One hour lecture and two hour group sessions per week for 14 weeks, 42 hours in all.

Teaching in Received Pronunciation (British English) and General American (American English) is partly given separately. Students are expected to participate actively through application of the analytical tools to language data, in ear-training from phonemic dictations and through preparations for group activities in general. Students are also expected to make independent use of the Listening Centre (2nd floor HWHus), each week, for practising transcription, ear-training and pronunciation.

Attendance is mandatory (minimum 80%).

In order to be allowed to sit the examination, all students must (a) pass a pronunciation test, (b) pass a test in phonemic dictation, including theoretical questions, and (c) submit one paper approved by their group teacher. Once the course requirements have been fulfilled, they remain valid for the current and the next two semesters that the course is taught.

All assignments handed in for evaluation must be accompanied by an obligatory statement concerning cheating

Teaching takes place throughout the semester.

Exam information

The final assessment is based on a 4-hour written school exam. Candidates must obtain a pass mark on all the exam questions.

Previous exam papers in ENG1101, which the present course replaces, may be found here

Previous exam papers in ENG1103 may be found here

Exam resources

No special exam resources are allowed.

Language of examination

English

Assessment and grading

Course grades are awarded on a descending scale using alphabetic grades from A to E for passes and F for fail. Read more about the grading system .

Explanations and appeals

Students can request an explanation of their grades, and can also appeal against their grades or make a complaint about formal examination errors. Read more about explanations and appeals

Possibility of make-up exams and re-takes

You can usually resit an exam, but the conditions depend on whether you had a valid reason for absence from the regular exam. Read more about resitting an exam .

Withdrawing from exams and limits on re-takes

A student can sit for this exam up to 3 times. If a student wishes to withdraw from the exam, s/he must do this in StudentWeb at least two weeks prior to the first day of the exam. Failure to do so will be counted as one of the three opportunities to sit for the exam.

Exam options for students with special needs

Students may apply for access to alternative exam resources or exam forms on the basis of chronic illness and/or special needs that create a marked disadvantage to other students in the exam situation. Mothers who are breastfeeding may apply for extra time to complete the exam.

Contact us

Department of Literature, Area Studies and European Languages

Visiting address: 
Niels Treschows hus, Level 7

Visiting hours: 
Monday - Friday 12.30-15.00

Postal address: 
P.O. Box 1003 - Blindern
0315 Oslo

Phone: 22856912
Fax: 22856887
E-mail: 
Web: http://www.hf.uio.no/ilos