Second Language Writing

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2012:

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

Previously available as 175-012 First and Second Language Literacies. Students who have completed 175-012 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

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 Overview, Objectives, 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 the Disability Liaison Unit: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

The subject will introduce students to key theories of second language literacy and composing processes, research and approaches to second language writing instruction. It will focus on issues that are pertinent to second language writing teachers such as assessing writing, the efficacy of different types of feedback on writing, and measures that can be used to investigage development in L2 writing.

At the completion of this subject, students should be able to:

• Identify the key theories that explain how literacy in a second language develops
• Identify how research findings from studies of second language writing may inform L2 pedagogy
• Be able to investigate aspects that may impact on the development of L2 writing and signs of such development

An essay (2000 words) 40%. A report (3000 words) which involves data analysis and interpretation 60%.

A subject reader will be prepared by the subject coordinator.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

At the completion of this subject students should be able to:

• Summarise, synthesize and engage critically with theories and research on a particular topic (related to second language writing)
• Collect and analyse empirical data (identify patterns and variability in L2 written production)
• Be able to eplain findings by reference to relevant L2 writing theory and research