Languages in Context

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

170 hours

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

The new capstone subject is a research methods subject designed for language graduates. It offers training in both social science and humanities research methods and aims to develop competence in a range of research methodologies useful in various professional contexts in the government and non-government sector, education sector and various creative industries. In addition, it provides students with opportunities to apply their advanced language and research skills to various professional settings.

It consists of four modules:

1 Languages and society

This module surveys various socio-linguistic methods (including bilingualism, languages in contact) and demonstrates them in several contemporary case studies of multilingualism;

2. Language and texts

This module focuses on humanities research methods from the fields of cultural studies, literary studies, film studies and cultural history, and uses contemporary language-specific case studies to gain training in the use of these methods;

3. Language and education

This looks at methods deployed in different educational settings (primary, secondary and tertiary) and canvasses some of their histories;

4. Language and policy

This introduces students to methods used in language policy and their respective settings.

On successful completion of this subject, students should:

• have developed in-depth knowledge of key research methods in four major areas of language use;
• have learned how to apply knowledge, and to communicate effectively, with regards to addressing complex problems to do with languages in society, differing language text types (such as literature, new media and film), diverse educational settings, and institutional policy frameworks;
• be able to engage in meaningful public discourse about languages and be aware of issues around cultural diversity in local and global settings;
• have developed a set of flexible and transferable skills (such as advocacy and innovation) in different settings where languages play a role.

• 4 written assignments (500 words each) on each of the modules due during semester [40%]
• A 3000 word research essay due at the end of semester [60%]

Hurdle Requirement - Students are required to attend a minimum of 80% of classes in order to pass this subject.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Students who successfully complete this subject should:

• be able to develop effective public speaking and written communication skills
• be able to acquire advanced critical thinking and analytical skills
• be able to acquire a deep understanding of knowledge contexts and histories
• be able to develop effective time management and planning skills