Language and Power in Asian Societies

Subject ASIA10001 (2010)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2010.

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

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2010:

Semester 1, Parkville - 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: None.

Coordinator

Dr Michael 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.
Recommended Texts: None.
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.
Notes: None.
Related Course(s): Bachelor of Arts(Media and Communications)
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Asian Studies
Asian Studies
Asian Studies
Asian Studies Major
Chinese Studies
Chinese Studies Major

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