Research in Applied Linguistics

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2012:

On campus and online

2 contact hours/week, 8 additional hours/week.Total of 10 hours per week.

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For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Introduction to the range of approaches to research as practised in applied linguistics. Topics to be covered focus on three main areas: research paradigms, or the philosophical assumptions concerning knowledge and inquiry and the ethical considerations in carrying out research. research strategies, or specific purposes and designs for research, such as experiments, quasi-experiments, ethnography, discourse and conversation analysis, action research and program evaluation. and data collection and analysis techniques, such as tests and surveys, statistical analysis, observation, interviews, introspection, think-aloud protocols, and qualitative data analysis. These topics will be explored with the aim of preparing students to design research projects of their own and critique research of current importance in the field of applied linguistics.

• be able to demonstrate an understanding of various approaches to applied linguistics research.
• be able to develop a proposal for a research project.
• be able to discuss in detail and offer possible solutions to problems in research methodology.
• be able to critically review research studies.

Written work totalling 5000 words, consisting of 5 homeworks 40%,( due over the course of the semester), and a 3000 word research proposal 60%,( due after the end of the semester). Students concurrently enrolled in the minor thesis should discuss the research proposal with the lecturer.

Second Language Research (Mackey, A. & Gass, S.) Mahwah Edbaum (2005)

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

• develop their research skills.
• develop their critical thinking and analytic skills.
• be able to communicate ideas through writing.

Subject offered as both online and on-campus. Some restrictions on student visa holders apply. Please contact the subject coordinator for more information.