Language and Identity

Subject 673-304 (2009)

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

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 3 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2009.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Two 1-hour lectures and a 1-hour tutorial per week - no tutorials in the first and last week of semester
Total Time Commitment: 3 contact hours/week , 5.5 additional hours/week. Total of 8.5 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

Prof Tim McNamara
tfmcna@unimelb.edu.au
Subject Overview: This subject introduces students to the ways in which language indexes and constructs identities in social contexts. It introduces students to a range of theoretical approaches, and the distinctive research methodologies associated with each. These include language socialization; studies of language in social interaction using the techniques of conversation analysis and ­discourse analysis (including critical discourse analysis); and poststructuralist approaches to language and subjectivity. Topics covered will include gender-related language use, language and racism, language and sexuality, the negotiation and deployment of identities in face-to-face interaction, and the way language and discourse construct and maintain a sense of 'otherness'. On completion of the subject, students should be able to recognise ways in which language and discourse construct particular social identities of relevance to themselves, and critically analyse ways of thinking about the complex phenomenon of language and identity.
Objectives:
  • think in theoretical terms about possible relationships between language and identity;
  • analyse and critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of a variety of approaches to investigating such relationships;
  • recognise and explain possible relationships between language and the construction of a particular social identity relevant to themselves or their own interests.
Assessment: Two 2000-word essays, 50% each (one due mid-semester, one due at the end of the semester).
Prescribed Texts: A reader will be available.
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:
  • communicate intelligibly and economically their understanding of debates within this area;
  • understand the social and cultural context of the construction of identities in and through language.
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: English Language Studies
English Language Studies Major
European Studies
Linguistics & Applied Linguistics
Linguistics && Applied Linguistics Major

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