Sociolinguistics and Language Learning

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

In this subject, students will gain a systematic understanding of the relation between language and society and culture and its implications for language learning and teaching. The main topics covered include: Social, regional and stylistic variation and their consequences for the learning and teaching of English and other second languages; bi-multilingualism and diglossia; language, attitudes and identity; language policy, especially languages-in-education policy; cultural values in communication; and multi-modal communication, both online and non-verbal interactions.

On successful completion of this subject, students should:

• understand and be able to identify the ways in which sociocultural factors influence language;
• be able to appreciate the role of language in different types of societies;
• be able to reflect on the implications of this for the learning and teaching of second languages;
• be familiar with the main methods of sociolinguistic research;
• be able to communicate knowledge intelligibly and economically;
• be able to form judgements from conflicting evidence.

• Assignment (3000 words) due after the end of the semester [60%]
• two class papers (1000 words each) due during the semester [40%]

A set of readings prepared by the Department

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

On successful completion of this subject, students should:

• have developed their research skills;
• have develop their critical thinking and analytic skills;
• be able to communicate ideas through writing.

Subject offered as both online and on-campus. Some restrictions on student visa holders apply. Please contact the course coordinator for more information.