Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2026 - LING 321 B100

Phonology (3)

Class Number: 2357

Delivery Method: Blended

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 11 – Jun 19, 2026: Tue, Thu, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    LING 220.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An overview of theoretical principles in phonology.

COURSE DETAILS:

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

The foundations of phonological theory will be taught through readings and practical work. Data analysis will cover a variety of languages as well as child phonological acquisition. The nature of phonetic and phonological representation, complementation and contrast, and phonological processes will form the overall conceptual focus. The significance of linguistic units such as phoneme, syllable, morpheme, word, and phrase will be considered in the context of phonological theory. Extensive practice with language data will be the focus of the work required in the course. Both examinations and homework problems will require analytical work and the formulation of results in prose. Students’ work will be assessed on measures of careful and logical analysis and clear written expression.

COURSE DELIVERY:

The course will be taught in a blended format during intersession, with in-person meetings Tuesdays and Thursdays 10:30am-12:20pm and an additional two hours of asynchronous instruction each week. Homework assignments will be submitted online; quizzes and exams will take place in person.

Grading

  • grades will be determined on the basis of homework assignments, quizzes, exams, and participation 100%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

 PLATFORMS USED: Zoom and Canvas

TECHNOLOGY REQUIRED: Computer and internet access

REQUIRED READING:

Zsiga, Elizabeth. The Sounds of Language. Malden, MA: Blackwell, 2013. ISBN: 9781405191036 (paperback version). Also available as an e-book.


REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

Students should familiarize themselves with the Department's Standards on Class Management and Student Responsibilities.

Please note that a grade of “FD” (Failed-Dishonesty) may be assigned as a penalty for academic dishonesty.

All student requests for accommodations for their religious practices must be made in writing by the end of the first week of classes or no later than one week after a student adds a course.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.