Language and Society in Europe

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

170 hours

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 relationship between language and society in Europe. It focuses on issues of relevance in an increasingly integrated Europe in which European and other languages are in contact through migration, travel, business, and mass media, and in which English is taking on an important role as a lingua franca. The topics to be covered include: the relationship between majority and minority languages, dialects and the standard language; bilingualism and multilingualism; semi-communication; language planning at state and European levels; politeness and forms of address; and the status and influence of English.

On successful completion of this subject, students should:

• be able to engage critically with different perspectives and issues pertinent to language and society in Europe;
• be able to communicate knowledge effectively about Europe’s complex language situation in oral and well-informed written assignments;
• be able to demonstrate a detailed knowledge of language-related issues in European society;
• have consolidated their research skills in fields of European sociolinguistics;
• be able to demonstrate a broad understanding of the impact of Europe’s social and political development in relation to language issues in Europe today;
• have acquired broad critical insights through their engagement with Europe that prepare them for becoming good global citizens;
• be able to work effectively in groups to meet a shared goal with people whose disciplinary and cultural backgrounds differ from their own.

• A 10 minute class paper (equivalent to 600 words) due throughout semester [15%]
• A mid-semester test (equivalent to 1000 words) due in Week 8 during lecture [25%]
• A 2400 word essay due during the examination period [55%]
• Pre-class preparation and in-class participation throughout the semester [5%]

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 the 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.

A Subject Reader will be made available. Further materials will be on the LMS.

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

• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments

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.

Students who successfully complete this subject should:

• have improved their oral and written communication skills;
• have enhanced skills of critical thinking and analysis;
• be able to communicate intelligibly and economically;
• be able to work productively within a team.

This subject can be counted towards a major in any discipline in the School of Languages and Linguistics.