Language Communication and Society

This subject is not offered in 2013.

150 hours

Attendance at all classes (tutorial/seminars/practical classes/lectures/labs) is obligatory. Failure to attend 80% of classes will normally result in failure in the 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 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 HDisability Liaison Unit websiteH: Hhttp://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/H

This subject explores the role of language in communication and the way in which English is used and adapted by different groups in society. It will assist students to develop more flexibility in English and greater sensitivity to variations in register and genre. Topics include language and culture, language functions, language variation, language and social context and linguistic features.

On completion of this subject, students should be able to:

• understand the various functions of language as a tool of communication;
• understand the relationship between language, culture and identity;
• understand the major factors leading to language variation;
• appreciate the way in which context shapes language use;
• be able to identify the linguistic variables in language and register.

Oral Presentation: equivalent to 1,250 words, due mid semester 25%
Journal Articles: 1,250 words, due late semester 25%
Comparative analysis essay: 2,500 words due end semester 50%

EDUC90075 Language Communication and Society Subject Reader

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.