Language Communication and Society

This subject is not offered in 2014.

150 hours

To enrol in this subject, you must be admitted in the Master of English in a Global Context. This subject is not available for students admitted in any other courses.

For the purposes of considering requests for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 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 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.