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24.901 | Spring 2026 | Undergraduate

# Introduction to Phonology

### Course Meeting Times

Lectures: 2 sessions/week, 1.5 hours/session

Optional recitation: 1 session/week, 1 hour/session

### Prerequisites

24.900 Introduction to Linguistics or 24.9000 Introduction to Linguistics

### Course Description

This is an introduction to the scientific study of phonological grammars, the component of speakers’ knowledge of language that models the system of speech sounds they use to communicate. In class exercises and assignments, students develop grammars that characterize sound inventories, sound distributions, and alternations in a language. They explore systems of phonological representations that allow simple statements of segment inventories, sound distributions, and alternations. The course compares two types of grammatical formalisms, rule-based and constraint-based, and evaluates their success in analyzing different processes that occur in human phonologies. We explore sound laws that govern the structure of all human spoken languages and discuss their significance for the formulation of individual grammars. In the last part of the course, we study the interaction between phonology and other components of a grammar, such as morphology and syntax.

By the end of the term, students will be able to formulate rule-based and constraint-based analyses of extended fragments of a language; they should be able to compare proposed phonological analyses and provide arguments for the selection of one or the other; and they should understand and be able to follow some of the recent research in theoretical phonology.

Students who have successfully taken 24.901 have been able to fully participate in graduate classes in phonology the department offers (24.961 Introduction to Phonology, 24.962 Advanced Phonology, and 24.964 Topics in Phonology), in addition to the undergraduate classes that list 24.901 as a prerequisite (24.909 Field Methods in Linguistics, 24.910 Advanced Topics in Linguistic Analysis, and 24.918 Workshop in Linguistic Research).

### Grading

- 6 problem sets: 40%
- 2 short quizzes (about 15 mins each): total of 20% (all open book)
- Mid-term exam: 15% (open book; data provided in advance)
- Final exam: 20% (open book; data provided in advance)
- Attendance and participation: 5%

### Policy on Attendance

No grade without attendance at minimally 75% of lectures.

### Policies on Assignments

- Upload all your problem set solutions to the class website before class on the due date.
- Problem sets should be unsigned.
- Preferred form: typed, in PDF format. JPGs will not be credited.
- Late problem sets get partial credit; no credit if solution was discussed in class.
- Cooperation on assignments is recommended when you’re exploring solutions. But the actual write-up of the solution must be done individually.
- We answer some questions about upcoming problem sets, by email or in appointments. All answers provided will be posted as announcements, so other students benefit as well. Please note: Copying solutions to assignments from anyone is a form of plagiarism.

### Policy on Use of AI

You may use ChatGPT or equivalent AI-based language models to assist with generating ideas. But it is unlikely that any such tools will help with the problem sets or exam questions in this class. More importantly, the final product must be your original work. What I mean by original work: You must be able to explain in your own words the logic of your solution.

### Student Support Services

If you are dealing with a personal or medical issue that is impacting your ability to attend class, complete work, or take an exam, please contact a dean in Student Support Services (S3). These offices are here to help you. The deans will verify your situation, provide you with support, and help you work with us to determine next steps. In most circumstances, undergraduate students will not be excused from coursework without verification from a dean.

### Disability and Access Services

Students who need disability accommodations are encouraged to speak with Disability and Access Services (DAS), prior to or early in the semester so that accommodation requests can be evaluated and addressed in a timely fashion. Even if you are not planning to use accommodations, it is recommended that you contact DAS staff to familiarize yourself with the services and resources of the office. If you have already been approved for accommodations, please contact DAS early in the semester so that they can work with you to get your accommodation logistics in place.

## Course Info

### Instructor

- Prof. Donca Steriade

### Departments

- Linguistics and Philosophy

### As Taught In

Spring 2026

### Level

Undergraduate

### Topics

- Humanities
  - Linguistics
    - Phonology

### Learning Resource Types

notes Lecture Notes
assignment Problem Sets
auto_stories Readings

Browse Resources

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