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

In the context of TESOL teacher education, there is increasing acknowledgement of the importance of studying language in context. This unit provides an introduction to sociolinguistics as the study of language in society. It examines how language shapes and is shaped by society and how social variables such as class, gender and political power impact on language use and policy.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to provide you with the key concepts associated with sociolinguistics and the study of language as social practice with implications for language planning and policy, and everyday use.

Objectives

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

1. Understand the foundational principles underpinning the connection between language and social life [GC: A];
2. Recognise the key social variables impacting on language use [GC: A];
3. Apply sociolinguistic principles to the analysis of language occurring in social situations [GC: A,B];
4. Reflect on the sociolinguistic principles in relation to your own experience as a TESOL educator [GC: A, D].

Content

This unit includes the following topics;

(i) Language functions and varieties;
(ii) Regional and social dialects, styles and registers;
(iii) Pidgin and creole languages;
(iv) Language and social practice: discourse and identity;
(v) Speech communities and linguistic variables associated with (gender, class, generation);
(vi) Global English;
(vii) Sociolinguistics and language teaching.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Lectures, seminars and unassessed student-led discussions will facilitate a collaborative approach to learning in this unit. You will be encouraged to relate your reading and assessment tasks to your experience and home context. Also you will be encouraged to participate actively with others in discussing the theoretical and practical implications of the topics covered.

Assessment

There are two summative assessment tasks in this unit. Ongoing formative assessment is provided through feedback to students and through comments on assignment work.Ongoing formative assessment is provided through feedback to students and through comments on assignment work.

Assessment name: Literature Review
Description: Literature review investigating a key sociolinguistic concept (language and class; pidgin languages) and its application and relevance to TESOL teaching. This assignment is intended to build your knowledge about a sociolinguistic concept and its relationship to your TESOL practice.
Length: 2000 words
Relates to objectives: 1 - 4
Weight: 45%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Mid-Semester

Assessment name: Essay
Description: The discussion and analysis of a topic in naturally-occurring language to be negotiated with the lecturer. This task requires you to apply your understanding of one or more sociolinguistic concepts to naturally-occurring language.
Length: 3000 words
Relates to objectives: 1 - 4
Weight: 55%
Internal or external: Internal
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

Wardhaugh, R. (2010). An introduction to sociolinguistics. (6^th Edition). Malden, MA and Oxford, UK: Wiley-Blackwell.
The book is available for purchase at the QUT Kelvin Grove Bookshop and available for borrowing from the QUT Kelvin Grove Library.

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 environment (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