Sociolinguistics and Language Learning

Subject 175-534 (2009)

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

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
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 seminar per week
Total Time Commitment: Total of 10 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 Barbara Kelly

Contact

Dr Barbara Kelly
b.kelly@unimelb.edu.au
Subject Overview: In this subject, students will gain a systematic understanding of the relation between language and society and culture and its implications for language learning and teaching. The main topics covered include: Social, regional and stylistic variation and their consequences for the learning and teaching of English and other second languages; Bi-/Multilingualism and diglossia; Language, attitudes and identity; Language policy, especially languages-in-education policy; Pidgins and creoles; Cultural values in communication; and Multi-modal communication, both online and non-verbal interactions.
Objectives:
  • understand and be able to identify the ways in which sociocultural factors influence language;
  • be able to appreciate the role of language in different types of societies;
  • be able to reflect on the implications of this for the learning and teaching of second languages;
  • be familiar with the main methods of sociolinguistic research;
  • be able to communicate knowledge intelligibly and economically;
  • be able to form judgements from conflicting evidence.
Assessment: One assignment 3000 words 60% (due after the end of the semester), and two class papers 1000 words each, 20% each (due during the semester).
Prescribed Texts: A set of readings prepared by the Department.
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • develop their research skills;
  • develop their critical thinking and analytic skills;
  • be able to communicate ideas through writing.
Related Course(s): M.A.Applied Linguistics (Advanced Seminars and Shorter Thesis)
Master of Applied Linguistics (English Language)
Master of Applied Linguistics (Language Test&Language Program Evaluation
Master of Applied Linguistics (Technology in Language Learning)
Master of Applied Linguistics(TESOL)
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Language Testing and Language Program Evaluation

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