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Clinical Phonology - LAN00073H

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  • Department: Language and Linguistic Science
  • Module co-ordinator: Prof. Sam Hellmuth
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: H
  • Academic year of delivery: 2023-24

Module summary

In this module, you will consolidate your skills and knowledge of phonological theory and analysis by using them to analyse clinical data from children who have communication disorders. You will learn the principles of a number of different phonological theories and how to use them to analyse clinical data, in order to compare and evaluate the competing theories.

Related modules

Pre-requisite modules

Co-requisite modules

  • None

Prohibited combinations

  • None

Additional information

Pre-requisite modules

Intermediate Phonetics & Phonology (LAN00009I) [in 2023-24]

Acoustic Phonetics & Phonological Analysis (LAN00009I) [from 2024-25]

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 2 2023-24

Module aims

The aim of this module is to provide an opportunity to consolidate your skills in phonological analysis by applying them to real world data, in the form of clinical data from children and/or adults who have communication disorders. In 2023-24 the primary focus of data analysis in the module will be developmental phonological disorders in children.

You will learn the principles of a number of relevant phonological theories, and how to use them to analyse clinical data, so as to be able to compare and evaluate the competing theories. Most data analysed will be in English, from published and unpublished clinical case studies.

This is not a course in clinical phonology, but you will get a taste of the kind of data that clinical phonology deals with, and the tools used by Speech and Language Therapists to assess children's speech. Alongside this, you will enhance your skills and confidence in phonological analysis and broaden your knowledge of the range of current competing theories in phonology.

Module learning outcomes

You will:

  • be able to analyse clinical data in basic feature theory and/or using syllable structure representations

  • have an understanding of the basic principles of two or more further phonological theories

  • be able to analyse clinical and non-clinical data in two or more further phonological theories

  • have an awareness of some common types of data that arise in clinical phonology

  • be able to critically evaluate a theoretical argument on the basis of empirical evidence and/or critically evaluate the gap between phonological theory and clinical practice

Module content

The module is structured into six x two-week blocks:

  • Phonology and speech disorders

  • Structure, system & features: in theory and in practice

  • Rules and markedness: in theory and in practice

  • Processes and constraints: in theory and in practice

  • Gestural & usage-based theories: in theory and in practice

  • Does phonology inform SLT practice?

There are two contact hours in each teaching week:

  • lecture/workshop -> all in one group

  • seminar/practical -> smaller groups

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Essay 1 1500 words		 N/A 50
Essay/coursework
Essay 2 2000 words		 N/A 50

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Essay 2000 words		 N/A 100

Module feedback

Feedback on summative data analysis: class feedback in the last teaching session, plus individual marks and feedback within the University marking turnaround deadline.

Feedback on summative essay within the University marking turnaround deadline.

Indicative reading

Ball, M. J., Muller, N., & Rutter, B. (2014). Phonology for communication disorders. Psychology Press.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.