Phonetics, Phonology, Sociolinguistics, Linguistic Experiments - MA Seminar 1 3301-JFS1ZEM
The seminar aims to prepare students for writing a master's thesis in linguistics in the field of phonetics, phonology, or broadly defined sociolinguistics. It presents techniques for constructing arguments, methods of analyzing and presenting data, and citation techniques used in linguistic papers. The seminar also discusses various theoretical constructs useful in phonological and sociolinguistic research, and presents selected experimental approaches in linguistics.
The first semester focuses on theoretical constructs and issues within the fields of phonetics, phonology, and sociolinguistics. The list of topics to be addressed is not exhaustive and may be adjusted according to the needs of the master's students. The aim of the seminar during this semester is to provide an initial discussion of various aspects related to argumentation techniques and data analysis.
The scope of topics:
- phonological systems in various languages,
- language dialects and jargons,
- interlingual transfer, language stylisation,
- linguistic profiles of language disorders,
- language acquisition,
- language change and evolution,
- aspects of intercultural communication, including inclusive language.
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in the classroom is governed by the rules set forth in Resolution No. 16 of the Teaching Council for the programs English Studies, English Studies – Linguistics, and English Studies – Literature and Culture of 9 December 2025
https://ia.uw.edu.pl/fileadmin/ilustracje/dokumenty/2026/RD_IA_2025_UCHWALA_nr16_narzedzia_AI_nowelizacja_ZAL2_EN.pdf
Course coordinators
Type of course
Learning outcomes
Knowledge: the student has in-depth familiarity with
K_W01 The graduate has in-depth familiarity with advanced terminology, theory and research methods corresponding to the state of the art in the discipline of linguistics in the field of phonetics, phonology, and sociolinguistics.
K_W02 The graduate has in-depth familiarity with advanced principles of linguistic research design, in particular the principles of method and tool selection in formulating research problems and testing hypotheses.
K_W04 The graduate has in-depth familiarity with concepts and principles concerning the protection of intellectual property and copyright.
K_W05 The graduate has in-depth familiarity with economic, legal, ethical and other conditions of the various professional activities related to the field of study.
K_U01 The graduate is able to apply the advanced terminology, theories and methods of linguistic research to solve complex and original research problems within the area of phonetics, phonology, and sociolinguistics.
K_U02 The graduate is able to apply advanced principles of linguistic research design, and in particular is able to:
- select appropriate sources, methods and tools
- critically analyse and synthesise the current state of research in the discipline
- interpret and present the results obtained
using advanced information and communication techniques.
K_U03 The graduate is able to use linguistic structures and vocabulary, and to select language conventions appropriate to the communicative situation—particularly within an academic environment, in a master's thesis, and while conducting research.
K_U04 The graduate is able to apply the concepts and principles of intellectual property protection and copyright law especially in MA dissertation.
K_U05 The graduate is able to apply the knowledge of economic, legal, ethical and other conditions of various professional activities related to the field of study.
K_U07 The graduate is able to use modern technology to acquire knowledge, especially language corpora, and communicate through a variety of communication channels and techniques.
K_U09 The graduate is able to design their own development path and guide others in this regard.
Social competences: the student is ready to
K_K01 The graduate is able to critically appraise their knowledge and content obtained from various sources.
K_K02 The graduate is able to recognise the importance of knowledge in solving cognitive and practical problems; consult experts when required.
Assessment criteria
Credit for the first semester of the seminar is awarded based on the presentation of a master's thesis outline and the completion of short interim assignments focused on thesis-writing skills.
Teaching methods:
Guided discussion, problem-based approach, group work, and individual work on assignments.
During the course, there is a limit of two unexcused absences allowed. Exceeding this limit may result in additional assignments.
Bibliography
Chomsky, N. & Halle, M. 1968. The Sound Pattern of English. New York: Harper and Row. (wybrane rozdziały)
Cohn, A. C., Fougeron, C., Huffman, M. K. 2012. The Oxford Handbook of Laboratory Phonology. New York: OUP.
Kenstowicz, M. 1994. Phonology in generative grammar. Cambridge MA & Oxford: Blackwell. (wybrane rozdziały).
Mesthrie, R. 2018. The Cambridge Handbook of Sociolinguistics. New York: CUP.
Rubach J. 1999. 'The Syllable in Phonological Analysis'. Rivista di Linguistica 11: 273-314
Sagey, E. C. 1986. The representation of features and relations in non-linear
phonology. Ph.D. dissertation. Cambridge, Mass: MIT Press.
Zsiga, E. C. 2013. The Sounds of Language: An Introduction to Phonetics and Phonology. Wiley-Blackwell.