Second Language Writing

Subject 175-538 (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 is not offered in 2009.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: A 2-hour seminar per week
Total Time Commitment: 2 contact hours/week , 7 additional hours/week. Total of 9 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

Contact

Dr Neomy Storch
neomys@unimelb.edu.au
Subject Overview: This subject is an introduction to the theories of second language writing development and approaches to second language writing instruction. It locates issues related to the development and instruction of second language writing within a broader debate about what it means to be literate in a second language. Topics include theories of second language development, asessing the development of second language writing, changing forms of literacy, particularly media literacy, and different approaches to writing instruction. Students will examine issues relating to identity and second language writing, critical literacy, the efficacy of different approaches to second language writing instruction, and particularly the provision of feedback on writing, and current debates over literacy.
Objectives:
  • gain a broader understanding of key issues in the second language writing theory and pedagogy;
  • gain an appreciation of the issues associated with becoming literate in a second language;
  • develop an interest in particular topics in the field of second language writing development and instruction, and an ability to collect and analyse data to assess the validity of theoretical claims.
Assessment: Two assignments, a report (2000 words) based on an analysis of second language writing samples and an essay (3000 words).
Prescribed Texts: A subject reader will be available from the Bookroom at the beginning of semester
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • develop their skills in research, critical thinking and analysis, thinking in theoretical terms, communicating, and understanding of social, ethical and cultural contexts.
Notes: Previously available as 175-012 First and Second Language Literacies. Students who have completed 175-012 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

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