Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013

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

Rationale

This unit explores the relationship between language and culture, drawing on theoretical insights from linguistics, sociolinguistics, discourse and cultural theory. It analyses the co-constitutive nature of language and culture, and examines how this theoretical understanding can be translated into classroom practice in the TESOL context.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to provide you with an understanding of the relationship between language and culture. The relationship will be explored through engagement with social and cultural theory, and through the implementation of a small-scale ethnographic study.

Objectives

On completion of this unit, you should be able to:

1. Understand and discuss the relationship between language and culture (GC A)
2. Understand the place of language planning in its cultural context. (GC A and F)
3. Investigate sociocultural aspects of language.(GC C and E)
4. Apply your understanding of the sociocultural contexts of language to your teaching context. (GC B)

Content

Major topics covered in this unit include the relationship between language and culture; language and social interaction: discourse, registers, slang and jargon; language and gender; language ethnicity and identity; language diversity and language planning. In exploring this content, you will enhance your skills in qualitative research methods and text analysis, critical thinking, analytic inquiry, independent and collaborative work, and communication.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Internally, the unit will be undertaken in regular, face-to-face seminar sessions which involve lectures, workshops, individual tasks, group tasks and student-conducted presentations. External students will engage in a range of learning experiences including guided online discussion, direct input via lectures and written materials, group tasks and individual tasks.

Assessment

There are two summative assessment tasks for this unit.Feedback is given via criteria sheets used in marking and via comments on student work. Formative assessment is utilised during class sessions and given as feedback on written assignments.

Assessment name: Project (research)
Description: This task requires you to undertake a small-scale ethnographic project on a topic related to language and culture

Length: 2000 words
Relates to objectives: 1, 2 & 3
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Both
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Mid-Semester

Assessment name: Essay
Description: This assignment requires you to discuss a topic of interest that is related to language and culture. You will need to review relevant literature and discuss the implications for your teaching as a second language teacher.

Length: 3000words
Relates to objectives: 1 - 4
Weight: 60%
Internal or external: Both
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End-Semester

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

Text

You are not required to buy a text book for this unit. A Book of Readings, compiled by your lecturer, will be available for purchase from the Bookshop and some readings will be available on CMD. In addition, you will need to use the QUT Library to find resources for assessment items.

Risk assessment statement

There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit.

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