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2017/2018  BA-BEOKO1025U  Sound of English

English Title
Sound of English

Course information
Language English
Course ECTS 7.5 ECTS
Type Mandatory
Level Bachelor
Duration One Semester
Start time of the course Spring
Timetable Course schedule will be posted at calendar.cbs.dk
Study board
Study Board for BA in English and Organisational Communication
Course coordinator
  • Inger Mees - Department of Management, Society and Communication (MSC)
Main academic disciplines
  • Language
Last updated on 23-06-2017

Relevant links
Learning objectives
To achieve the grade 12, students should meet the following learning objectives with no or only minor mistakes or errors: 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
  • pronounce English maintaining all sound contrasts and with appropriate intonation, stress and rhythm. The pronunciation should not merely be intelligible, but be close to the pronunciation used by native speakers of English.
Examination
Sound of English:
Exam ECTS 7,5
Examination form Oral exam
Individual or group exam Individual exam
Duration 20 min. per student, including examiners' discussion of grade, and informing plus explaining the grade
Preparation time No preparation
Grading scale 7-step scale
Examiner(s) Internal examiner and second internal examiner
Exam period Summer
Make-up exam/re-exam
Same examination form as the ordinary exam
Description of the exam procedure

Individual oral examination on the basis of at least 48 hours preparation. A text of max. 1 standard page will be used as the basis for the exam questions. Nothing has to be submitted before the actual exam.

 

Examination language: English
Course content and structure

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.

 

English is used not only internationally but also intra-nationally in international commerce. In cross-cultural business communication, it is essential to have strong professional English language skills. Sound of English helps students improve their oral language skills, notably their pronunciation. A good pronunciation will enable them to communicate more effectively with others, as well as enhance their personal credibility. The course also aims at developing students’ perception skills, thereby giving them the tools to understand people speaking with different accents of English.  
Teaching methods
The course consists of both a theoretical component, 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.
Feedback during the teaching period
Students receive oral feedback on their pronunciation in the language lab classes and both written and feedback on their assignments.
Student workload
Contact hours 25 hours
Preparation including exercises/assignments 70 hours
Exercises in Multimedia Lab 62 hours
Examination, including preparation for exam 50 hours
Further Information

No special prerequisites are required, beyond the ability to follow the course in English.
Expected 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.
Last updated on 23-06-2017