Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

There is a plethora of new journals, books, textbooks, research reports and other audio-visual resources each year in Applied Linguistics and the teaching of second and foreign languages. Most language teachers and language educators find there is insufficient time, away from teaching, to remain abreast of trends and developments. To compensate, language teachers will be given time to review current research articles to give them an overview of developments in TESOL, Applied Linguistics as well as languages other than English (LOTE) and at the same time, to choose one or two personal interest areas to study more deeply.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to provide you with opportunities to build theoretical knowledge and formulate a position in an area of Applied Linguistics that is relevant to your professional context.

Objectives

By completing this unit, you will:

1. be familiar with library search techniques for quickly accessing source materials; [GC:A]



2. understand the different research methods and reporting techniques used in TESOL/LOTE/Applied Linguistics journals; [GC:A,B]



3. develop an overview of current developments in TESOL, LOTE and Applied Linguistics; [GC:A]



4. identify one or two special areas of interest in TESOL, LOTE or Applied Linguistics; [GC:B]



5. read in-depth and report on the special area(s); [GC:A,D]

Content

This unit covers the following topics:

• An overview of trends and developments in a focused area of TESOL, LOTE or Applied Linguistics;



• In-depth reading in the personal interest area(s).

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Regular individual lecturer-student meetings will facilitate the sharing of information and experiences among the students. Emphasis throughout this unit will be on identifying personal areas of interest; in-depth reading in these areas; and interpreting the outcomes of the reading in terms of enhancing learning and teaching of second or foreign languages.in an extended literature review.

Assessment

You will complete one major assignment and one minor assignment. The topic for your major assignment will be developed in discussion with your lecturer. The assignment is due at the end of the semester.Formative feedback will be provided at regular meetings between the lecturer and student, where drafts of the paper are discussed. Summative feedback will be provided through criteria sheets used in marking.

Assessment name: Annotated Bibliography
Description: This will include: rationale for the investigation; purpose statement, content areas to be covered in the investigation, and annotations on key references.

Length: 1,250 words
Relates to objectives: 1 - 4
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Mid-Sem

Assessment name: Literature Review
Description: The paper will present a critical anlysis and synthesis of findings from the literature on a specific issue in TESOL or Applied Linguistics. It should include recommendations and/or implications to inform professional decision making and practice on the focus issue.

Length: 3,750 words
Relates to objectives: 1 - 5
Weight: 60%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week-14

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Journal articles, research reports, books and ERIC documents will be used by students to meet their individual research and reading needs.

Risk assessment statement

There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit. Workplace health and safety protocols in relation to computer use will apply. You should be aware that when using computers, you will need to take care that you are working in a safe and ergonomically-sound enviroment (that is, avoidance of eyestrain, headaches and physical stress on neck, back, arms and hands). Please consider your seating (heights, angles and distances) and the lighting in your work area (to avoid glare). The physical placement and organisation of peripheral devices, cables and extension cords should be managed to reduce danger to persons and property. Do not use unsafe electrical cords.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 29-Oct-2012