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Phonetic Transcription and Introduction to Acoustic Phonetics

HCD-551-DL

Course Overview

Training will be provided in using the International Phonetic Alphabet to transcribe sounds of American English, including experience with influences of dialect and speech disorders. An introduction to the fundamentals of the physics of sound and acoustic phonetics will also be provided.

TypeOnline, Semi-synchronous Lecture
FacultyThomas F. Shull, MS, CCC-SLP
Credits3 undergraduate
OfferedFall, Spring, Summer
PrerequisitesNone
Cost$1,635.00 (Fees included)

 

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Summer Registration Open

1/21/26-5/27/26

What to Expect in this Course

Course activities are organized into modules of 1 weeks in length.

There are required activities and deadlines within each module but there are no required course meeting times.  

While instructors make regular course updates to enhance your experience as a learner, the table below provides a general idea of what you can expect from a typical week.

Course Activity Hours Per Week

Self Directed Learning

  • Reading Textbooks, articles
  • Watching mini-lectures, videos
  • Listening to podcasts
 3-4

Self-Assessments

  • Mini quizzes
  • Weekly modules
 2-3

Other Assignments

  • Mastery assignments
  • Case studies
  • Practice application assignments
 2-3

Discussion Boards

  • Initial posting
  • Reading posts
  • Responding to peer posts
 3-4
Total Time 10-14
  • International Phonetic Alphabet including diacritics to encode the details of speech with precision
  • Complete sound inventory of spoken English
  • Anatomy and Physiology of the articulators of speech
  • Parameters to characterize vowel phonemes
  • Place, Manner, and Voicing for the consonants of spoken English
  • How to transcribe typical, disordered, and accented speech
  • Features of connected speech like co-articulation, stress, intonation, and vowel reduction
  • Phonological processes children demonstrate while acquiring spoken language
  • Idiosyncratic processes affecting children with phonological disorders
  • Parameters of acoustic signals as they relate to language transmission
  • Symbols that represent foreign sounds
  • Patterns that characterize various accents and dialects
  • Standard IV-B: Demonstrate knowledge of basic human communication processes including the appropriate biological, neurological, acoustic, physiological, developmental, linguistic and cultural bases.
  • Standard IV-C: The applicant must have demonstrated knowledge of communication disorders and differences, including the appropriate etiologies, characteristics, anatomical/physiological, acoustic, psychological, developmental, linguistic and cultural correlates in the following areas: Articulation; Voice and resonance, including respiration and phonation; Hearing
  • Standard IV-D: For each of the areas specified in Standard IV-C, the applicant must have demonstrated current knowledge of the methods of prevention, assessment, and intervention for people with communication disorders, including consideration of anatomical/physiological, psychological, developmental, and linguistic and cultural correlates.

Course Materials

MaterialUse in Course
D2LRequired
TextbookRequired
Lab Kit / SuppliesNot needed
Web-Based Learning ApplicationNot needed
Standard word/ data processing capabilitiesRecommended
Ability to video conferenceRequired
Ability to upload images/videosRequired

D2L: All of our online prerequisite courses use the learning platform software called Desire2Learn (D2L). D2L integrates text, video, and audio. You can check your system compatibility by reviewing the D2L system recommendations.

Textbook: If a textbook is required, every effort is made to choose high-quality, low-cost materials that students can buy and sell, rent and return, or buy and use again in future courses.

Lab Kit / Supplies: Lab kits/supplies allow students to conduct hands-on experiments at home. Information about ordering lab kits and/or supplies will be provided to registered students approximately 6 weeks before the start of the semester.

Web-Based Learning Application: Web-based applications often serve as an alternative to a traditional textbook or lab kit. Most require students to register for a separate application that will integrate seamlessly with the D2L platform.

Standard word and data processing: Technology that allows the student to create, edit, and save documents and files.

Ability to video conference: Technology that allows live, visual connection between individuals who are in different locations.

Ability to upload photos/videos: Technological capabilities through which a student could record a short video or still image and upload it to an online learning system.

Course Faculty

Tom Shull in striped shirt

Thomas Shull, MS, CCC-SLP

Adjunct Instructor Team Lead for Communication Sciences and Disorders Prerequisites Lecturer, Phonetic Transcription & Introduction to Acoustic Phonetics Online Prerequisites for the Health Professions

Thomas Shull, MS, CCC-SLP

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