Language and Power in Asian Societies

Subject 110-118 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 1 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

Semester 1, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: A 2-hour lecture and 1-hour tutorial per week
Total Time Commitment: 3 contact hours/week , 5 additional hours/week. Total of 8 hours per week.
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

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

Coordinator

Dr Michael Carter Ewing

Contact

Dr Michael Ewing

mce@unimelb.edu.au

Dr Lewis Mayo

lmayo@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview: This subject examines the intimate relationship between language and society in the historical and contemporary contexts of three internationally strategic regions: East Asia, insular Southeast Asia, and the Arabic world. It will explore recurring themes such as the relationship of language to power, hegemony and political struggle; the effect of nationalism on language; language as a means for creating social organisation and hierarchy; the relationship between minority and majority languages and cultures; and the role of the media, popular culture and literacy in contemporary linguistic and social relations.
Objectives:
  • gain an understanding of the political and cultural significance of language in societies of in Asia and the Middle East;
  • master basic level essay writing;
  • develop skills to critically read scholarly literature and synthesise this with information from lectures.
Assessment: Two essays of 2000 words each, 50% each (one due mid-semester, one due during the examination period). Students are required to attend at least 80% of tutorials.
Prescribed Texts: Materials supplied by the Institute.
Breadth Options:

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • acquire written communication skills through essay writing and seminar discussion;
  • show attention to detail through essay preparation and writing;
  • acquire time management and planning skills through managing and organising workloads for recommended reading, essay and assignment completion;
  • acquire public speaking skills through tutorial and seminar discussion and class presentations;
  • learn critical thinking and analysis through recommended reading, essay writing and tutorial discussion, and by determining strength of an argument;
  • be able to research through competent use of the library, and other information sources and the definition of areas of inquiry and methods of research;
  • be able to think in theoretical terms through lectures, tutorial discussions, essay writing and engagement in the methodologies of the humanities and social sciences.
Related Course(s): Bachelor of Arts (Media & Communications) and Bachelor of Laws
Bachelor of Arts(Media and Communications)
Diploma in Arts (Asian Studies)
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Asian Studies
Asian Studies
Asian Studies
Asian Studies Major
Chinese Studies
Chinese Studies Major

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