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2011/2012  BA-EOK_SE  Sound of English

English Title
Sound of English

Course Information

Language English
Point 7,5 ECTS (225 SAT)
Type Mandatory
Level Bachelor
Duration One Semester
Course Period Spring
2. semester
Time Table Please see course schedule at e-Campus
Study Board
Study Board for BA in English and Organisational Communication
Course Coordinator
  • Inger Mees - Department of International Language Studies and Computational Linquistics
Main Category of the Course
  • Language and Intercultural Studies
Last updated on 29 maj 2012
Learning Objectives
Students must demonstrate that they are able to:
  • read phonemic transcription, i.e. show an understanding of sound/spelling relationships
  • classify and describe the English consonants and vowels
  • explain pronunciation problems that are characteristic of learners, for instance, Danish learners
  • describe and/or identify significant pronunciation differences between British (RP) and American (GA) and possibly one other variety of English
  • describe and/or identify significant pronunciation differences between different generations and/or social classes within one particular accent
  • In addition, students should be able to pronounce English maintaining all sound contrasts and with appropriate intonation, stress and rhythm.
  • Their pronunciation should not merely be intelligible, but be close to the pronunciation used by native speakers of English
Oral examination on the basis of preparation :
Assessment Oral Exam
Marking Scale 7-step scale
Censorship Internal examiners
Exam Period Summer Term
Aids Please, see the detailed regulations below
Duration Please, see the detailed regulations below
Oral examination on the basis of individuel written 48 hour preparation of max.1 standard page

Duration: 20 minutes including assesment

Examination language: English

Re-examination
As the regular examination.
Course Content

The course has both a theoretical and a practical component. Students should acquire a systematic knowledge of the pronunciation of English, which includes developing an understanding of the English sound system and learning to read phonemic transcription in order to improve their own pronunciation. In addition, students should have some knowledge of the most significant differences between the British and American standard varieties and other selected varieties in Great Britain and the USA. The course aims to develop both productive and receptive skills.

Teaching Methods
The course consists of both a theoretical component and web-based exercises, practical pronunciation drills, and exercises in listening and describing varieties of English. Topics are presented using a combination of lectures, seminars, pronunciation training in the Multimedia Lab (with or without a teacher) and short written take-home assignments.
Student Workload
Contact hours 25 hours
Preparation including exercises/assignments 80 hours
Exercises in Multimedia Lab 70 hours
Examination, including preparation for exam 50 hours
Total 225 hours
Further Information

No special prerequisites are required, beyond the ability to follow the course in English.

Literature

For the students who have chosen British English
Mees, Inger M. & Beverley Collins (2000) Sound English (3rd edition), Copenhagen: Copenhagen Business School Press.

For the students who have chosen American English
Mees, Inger M. & Beverley Collins (1992) Sound American, Copenhagen: Copenhagen Business School Press.