Language and Power in Asian Societies

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

Time commitment totals 170 hours.

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For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, 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 Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

This subject examines the intimate relationship between language and society in the historical and contemporary contexts of three internationally strategic regions: East Asia, insular Southeast Asia, and the Arabic world. It will explore recurring themes such as the relationship of language to power, hegemony and political struggle. the effect of nationalism on language. language as a means for creating social organisation and hierarchy. the relationship between minority and majority languages and cultures. and the role of the media, popular culture and literacy in contemporary linguistic and social relations.

On successful completion of this subject, students should:

gain an understanding of the political and cultural significance of language in societies in Asia and the Middle East;
master basic level essay writing;
develop skills to critically read scholarly literature and synthesise this with information form lectures.

• Two essays of 2000 words each, 50% each (one due mid-semester, one due during the examination period)

Hurdle requirement: Class attendance is required for this subject; if you do not attend a minimum of 80% of classes without an approved exemption you will not be eligible for a pass in this subject.

Note: Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per day. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.

Materials supplied by the Institute.

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This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

• Bachelor of Biomedicine
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Music
• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Engineering

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

• acquire written communication skills through essay writing and seminar discussion.
• show attention to detail through essay preparation and writing.
• acquire time management and planning skills through managing and organising workloads for recommended reading, essay and assignment completion.
• acquire public speaking skills through tutorial and seminar discussion and class presentations.
• learn critical thinking and analysis through recommended reading, essay writing and tutorial discussion, and by determining strength of an argument.
• be able to research through competent use of the library, and other information sources and the definition of areas of inquiry and methods of research.
• be able to think in theoretical terms through lectures, tutorial discussions, essay writing and engagement in the methodologies of the humanities and social sciences.

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