Second Language Writing

Subject LING90020 (2014)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2014.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2014.

Time Commitment: Contact Hours: A 2 hour seminar per week
Total Time Commitment:

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

Prerequisites:

none

Corequisites:

none

Recommended Background Knowledge:

none

Non Allowed Subjects:

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

Core Participation Requirements:

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/

Subject Overview:

The subject will introduce students to key theories of second language writing 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 investigate development in L2 writing.

Learning Outcomes:

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

  • Identify the key theories that explain how writing ability 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
Assessment:

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

Prescribed Texts:

A set of readings will be prepared by the subject coordinator and made available on LMS.

Recommended Texts:

none

Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

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
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: English Language - 100 Point Program
English Language - 200 Point Program
Language Testing - 100 Point Program
Language Testing - 200 Point Program
TESOL - 100 Point Program
TESOL - 200 Point Program
Technology in Language Learning - 100 Point Program
Technology in Language Learning - 200 Point Program

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