Language in Aboriginal Australia

Subject LING20009 (2016)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2016.

Credit Points: 12.5
Level: 2 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

Semester 1, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period 29-Feb-2016 to 29-May-2016
Assessment Period End 24-Jun-2016
Last date to Self-Enrol 11-Mar-2016
Census Date 31-Mar-2016
Last date to Withdraw without fail 06-May-2016


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 34 hours- 2 x 1 hour lectures and 1 x 1 hour tutorial per week. There will be no tutorials in the first and last week of semester.
Total Time Commitment:

170 hours

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

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

Coordinator

Assoc Prof Rachel Nordlinger

Contact

Email: racheln@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

This subject develops an appreciation of the role of language in Aboriginal Australia, traditionally and today. On completion of the subject, students should have a general knowledge of the linguistic features which characterise Australian Aboriginal languages, including characteristics of grammar and pronunciation, and understand the ways in which social factors affect language structure and use in Aboriginal Australia.

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this subject, students should:

  • have developed an appreciation of the role of language in Aboriginal Australia, traditionally and today;
  • have a general knowledge of the linguistic features which characterise Australian languages, including phonological and grammatical characteristics;
  • understand the ways in which social factors affect language structure and use in Aboriginal Australia;
  • appreciate the complexities of Australian indigenous cultures, as they surface in their languages
  • be able to engage within debates and discussions regarding Australia’s indigenous languages and their position within broader Australian society;
  • be able to apply discipline specific research skills using primary and secondary sources and empirical data and develop an awareness of research ethics and intellectual integrity;
  • have honed their academic writing abilities;
  • have deepened their understanding of social and cultural diversity, particularly with respect to Australian indigenous communities.
Assessment:
  • Assignment 1: Problem-solving assignment (1000 words) due during semester [25%]
  • Assignment 2: Murrinhpatha language (1000 words) due during semester [25%]
  • Final essay (2000 words) due at the end of semester [50%]

Hurdle requirement: Students must attend a minimum of 75% of tutorials in order to pass this subject. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.

Note: Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per working day. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked.

Prescribed Texts:

Language and Culture in Aboriginal Australia (Walsh & Yallop) 2005

Breadth Options:

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

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.

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

Students who successfully complete this subject should:

  • be able to step outside their own language and culture;
  • be able to articulate concepts important in other cultures;
  • be able to imagine and get inside the mental world of other cultures.
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Australian Indigenous Studies
Australian Studies
English Language - 200 Point Program
Graduate Certificate in Arts - Australian Indigenous Studies
Graduate Certificate in Arts - Linguistics and Applied Linguistics
Graduate Diploma in Arts - Australian Indigenous Studies
Graduate Diploma in Arts - Linguistics and Applied Linguistics
Language Testing - 200 Point Program
Linguistics and Applied Linguistics
Linguistics and Applied Linguistics
TESOL - 200 Point Program
Technology in Language Learning - 200 Point Program
Related Breadth Track(s): Linguistics: Language in its social and cultural context

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