UNIVERSITY OF KENT – CODE OF PRACTICE FOR QUALITY ASSURANCE
MODULE SPECIFICATION TEMPLATE
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The title of the module: Speak Proper German: Sprechen Sie Deutsch!
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The level of the module: Certificate [C]
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The intended subject specific learning outcomes and, as appropriate, their relationship to programme
learning outcomes: Students will have a thorough theoretical understanding and practical
command of German pronunciation and how it is notated orthographically and phonetically.
[A1,A3,B1]
The intended generic learning outcomes and, as appropriate, their relationship to programme learning
outcomes: Students will understand how orthographic and phonological systems vary and be
able to apply this knowledge effectively [A1,A3,B1]
Key Skills:
Communication
Students will be able to discuss and demonstrate the need for notational systems and explain
their workings. [A1,A3,B6,C1,C8a,C8b,D1]
Problem Solving
Students will be able to work out the consequences of phonological choice by means of
exercises in transcription and conversion [A1,A2,B1,B2,B4,B6,B7,B8,C1, C8a,C8b),D3,D7].
Working with others
Students will be able to work together on pronunciation and recognition tasks
[B1,B2B3,B4,B6,B7,B8,C8a,C8b,D11].
Information Technology
Students will be able to make purposeful use of Web CT, CAN8 and Intranet
[A1,A3,B2,B3,D5,D6,D14].
Improving one’s own learning and performance
Students will have developed skills of self-evaluation, self-awareness and -criticism as an
intrinsic part of the module. They will be able to express themselves more comprehensibly in
German [A1,A3,B2,B6,B7,B8,C1,C8a,C8b,D2,D7].
Numeracy
N/A
Synopsis of the curriculum: Recognition and correction of standard pronunciation errors made
by English native speaker learners of German. Presentation and contrast of sounds of English
and German, principles of graphemic and phonetic transcription in the two languages.
Indicative Reading List:
Boase-Beier, J. and Lodge, K. (2003) The German Language. Oxford: Blackwell.
Fox, A.(1984) German Intonation. Oxford, Clarendon Press.
Geilfuß- Wolfgang, J. (tba) Über gewisse Fälle von Assoziation mit Fokus Tübingen: Niemeyer.
Gilles, P. & Peters, Jörg (2004) Regional Variation in Intonation Tübingen: Niemeyer.
Hall, C. (2003 ) Modern German Pronunciation: An Introduction for Speakers of English.
Manchester: Manchester University Press.
Peters, Jörg (2006) Intonation deutscher Regionalsprachen. Berlin: Walter de Gruyter.
Johnson, S. (1998) Exploring the German Language. London: Arnold.
Moulton, W.G. (1962) The Sounds of English and German. Chicago: University of Chicago
Press.
Schwitalla, J. (1997) Gesprochenes Deutsch: eine Einführung . Berlin: Erich Schmidt Verlag.
Learning and Teaching Methods, including the nature and number of contact hours and the total study
hours which will be expected of students, and how these relate to achievement of the intended
learning outcomes: A 1hr lecture initially based on error analysis introduces students to the
description of German pronunciation. Weekly 1hr sessions in a language laboratory using
CAN8 give the chance to practise the more difficult sounds of German and improve
pronunciation, intonation and fluency. WebCT exercises will form part of the teaching and
assessment process. At the end of this students will be able to recognize and systematically
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The Department which will be responsible for management of the module: SECL
The Start Date of the Module: September 2007
The number of students expected to take the module: 15
Modules to be withdrawn on the introduction of this proposed module and consultation with other
relevant Departments and Faculties regarding the withdrawal: none
The number of credits which the module represents: 15
Which term(s) the module is to be taught in (or other teaching pattern): Autumn Term
Co-requisite modules: not prescribed but preferably GE301, Learning German 3.
The programmes of study to which the module contributes: Any programme for study in German
with A-level entry requirements.
UNIVERSITY OF KENT – CODE OF PRACTICE FOR QUALITY ASSURANCE
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reproduce the sounds of German Standard German. Total contact hrs 20. Total study hours
150.
Assessment methods and how these relate to testing achievement of the intended learning outcomes:
5 multiple-choice question assignments @ 10% each via CAN8 and WebCT converting
orthographic to phonetic representation and vice-versa [notations, conversions and rhyme
tests] = 50%, 2 oral tests @ 25% each by native speakers and module tutor to test
pronunciation and ability to read transcriptions accurately = 50%.
Implications for learning resources:
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Staff: Module tutor for theory and exposition, native-speaker assistants for practical
sessions.
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Library: acquisition of texts in §14 above if not already stocked.
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IT: implementation of WebCT (and hopefully CAN8).
 Space use of multimedia labs/workstations.
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As far as can be reasonably anticipated, the curriculum, learning and teaching methods and forms of
assessment do not present any non-justifiable disadvantage to students with disabilities:
Statement by the Director of Learning and Teaching: "I confirm I have been consulted on the above
module proposal and have given advice on the correct procedures and required content of module
proposals"
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Director of Learning and Teaching
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Date
Statement by the Head of Department: "I confirm that the Department has approved the introduction of the
module and will be responsible for its resourcing"
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Head of Department
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Date