Literacy and Literacy Development

This subject is not offered in 2013.

120 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.

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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 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/

This subject will examine changing definitions and conceptualisations of literacy, and map the development of literacy from the early years through to the end of the middle years of schooling. Topics will include: the relationship of language and literacy; literacy and social practices; literacy, language and cognitive development; oral and written language; literacy, thinking and learning; meeting literacy demands across the years of schooling; in-school and out-of-school literacy practices; literacy and the discipline areas; genre; discourse, literacy and ICTs; multiliteracies.

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

• Understand the range of phenomena covered by the term “literacy”;
• Understand the social nature and functions of language and literacy;
• Demonstrate an awareness of the construction of disciplines through language and literacy;
• Map literacy development through the different levels of schooling;
• Relate literacy curriculum to the literacies used both in and out of school

Two assignments, one of 2,000 words, or equivalent, due halfway through the subject (40%), the other of 3,000 words, or equivalent, due approximately two weeks after the last class (60%).

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This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

This subject aims to develop skills in

• Understanding, discussing and critiquing academic research;
• Reflecting on how theoretical knowledge can improve their own professional practice;
• Articulating knowledge orally and in writing.