Students

LING332 – Culture and Language

2015 – S1 Day

General Information

Download as PDF
Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor
Verna Rieschild
Contact via verna.rieschild@mq.edu.au
Credit points Credit points
3
Prerequisites Prerequisites
39cp
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This unit aims to develop students' knowledge of how cultural patterns (beliefs, values and norms) affect or relate to language and language use. It is grounded in an analysis of the theoretical and methodological issues common to linguistics and anthropology. Increasing globalisation, internationalisation and migration provide an imperative to develop awareness and understanding of issues associated with linguistic diversity. One effective approach is driven by a perspective of language as one part of cultural practice, and so focuses on the cultural meanings displayed in language use. Anthropological linguistics is interested in the meaning behind the ways in which language is used.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

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

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the concepts and themes relevant to studying language and culture links.
  • Explain how cultural beliefs and values can influence the communication norms of a group.
  • Apply and adapt anthropological linguistics knowledge to consideration of real world issues.
  • Develop, conduct and report on an ethnography of communication research project.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the different types of ethnographic theories and methods and their appropriate application.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Due
Assessment 1 46% 5/6/2015
Assessment 2 24% various
Assessment 3 30% week 7 and week 13

Assessment 1

Due: 5/6/2015
Weighting: 46%

You will carry out a small ethnography of communication project and write up the results.

For information on late or non submission of assignments, please see LING332 Unit Guide, posted on the LING332 ilearn unit.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the concepts and themes relevant to studying language and culture links.
  • Explain how cultural beliefs and values can influence the communication norms of a group.
  • Apply and adapt anthropological linguistics knowledge to consideration of real world issues.
  • Develop, conduct and report on an ethnography of communication research project.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the different types of ethnographic theories and methods and their appropriate application.

Assessment 2

Due: various
Weighting: 24%

1. Completion Certificate from Macquarie University  Ethical Research Online Module. Due Date: anytime between the start of classes for this unit and when you begin your research project. http://www.mq.edu.au/ethics_training/ Upload by Week 6.  No marks but essential component for passing this unit.

2. Discussion Board -  3 entries: Saturday March 14th, 201      Saturday April    25th, 2015  Saturday May    23rd, 2015. 400-500 words per entry (not counting extracts, etc) (each marked out of 8) The student will focus on one of the prior week’s topics, and post responses to activities’ material; summarize the relevant readings; and provide interesting and relevant  original discussion and insights on the topic.  For information on late or non-submission of assignments, please see LING332 Unit Guide, posted on the LING332 ilearn unit.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the concepts and themes relevant to studying language and culture links.
  • Explain how cultural beliefs and values can influence the communication norms of a group.
  • Apply and adapt anthropological linguistics knowledge to consideration of real world issues.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the different types of ethnographic theories and methods and their appropriate application.

Assessment 3

Due: week 7 and week 13
Weighting: 30%

Two quizzes on ethnography of communication theory and practice. Each quiz will examine your knowledge of unit content. You will have approximately 60 minutes in class to complete the open book quiz.

Arrangements will be made for supplementary quizzes held in the examination period for those who provide a medical certificate for non-attendance on the day of the quiz.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the concepts and themes relevant to studying language and culture links.
  • Apply and adapt anthropological linguistics knowledge to consideration of real world issues.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the different types of ethnographic theories and methods and their appropriate application.

Delivery and Resources

TECHNOLOGIES REQUIRED

Students need to use CIT tools and devices when preparing assignments and in class. Attendance in class is compulsory but there will be additional online opportunities to make up missed classes. The research project involves recording, so students will need to have their own device for recording short snatches of communication or rituals.

ANY CHANGES? Aspects of the assessment tasks vary from year to year. The textbook is the second addition.

TEACHING AND LEARNING STRATEGIES 

The unit is taught in 13 x2 hour hands-on sessions; with large and small group discussions and activities aimed at assisting students’ skills and knowledge acquisition. Each week, students can access pre-recorded lectures, films and weekly preparation activities from the ilearn LING332 unit website, and prepare for the class activities. All assignments are submitted online through the LING332 ilearn website.

REQUIRED AND RECOMMENDED TEXTS AND/OR MATERIALS

Bowe, Heather, Kylie Martin and Howard Manns. 2014. Communication Across Cultures: Mutual Understanding in a global world. Melbourne, VIC. CUP

Duranti, Alexander. 2009.  Linguistic Anthropology: a Reader. John Wiley.

In addition, there are films, articles and book chapter readings available through the library portal.

UNIT WEBPAGE

The LING332 website is a resource for students to use to find class preparation activities, lecture recordings and notes, receive urgent announcements, communicate with convener and class members, and submit all their assignments (online). To log in to the website, go to  http://learn.mq.edu.au

Unit Schedule

 

WEEK 1           5th March 2014            Introduction to Language and Culture

WEEK 2           12th March 2014          Non-Verbal communication across cultures  

WEEK 3           19th March 2014          Ethnography of Communication Research

                                                            1:  Data and methods

WEEK 4           26th March 2014          Culture and Performance

WEEK 5           2nd April 2014               Kinship. Greeting routines

WEEK 6           9th April 2014               Ethnography of Communication  Research

                                                            2. Interviewing  (interview topic: Taboos)                                                       

MID SEMESTER BREAK 13th-26th April 2014

WEEK 7           30th April, 2014            Ethnographic Research 3: Writing ethnography  ASSIGNMENT 3 QUIZ 1

WEEK 8           7th May, 2014               Language and Socialization across Cultures

WEEK 9           14th May, 2014             Language, Culture and health care encounters

WEEK 10         21st May, 2014             Language, culture, knowledge and learning

WEEK 11         28th May 2014              Intercultural communication in business

WEEK 12         4th June, 2014              Living Between cultures  1

WEEK 13           11th June, 2014          Living Between cultures 2 ASSIGNMENT 3 QUIZ 2

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html

Assessment Policy  http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html

Grading Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html

Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html

Grievance Management Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grievance_management/policy.html

Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.

In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/

Results

Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://informatics.mq.edu.au/help/

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Graduate Capabilities

Creative and Innovative

Our graduates will also be capable of creative thinking and of creating knowledge. They will be imaginative and open to experience and capable of innovation at work and in the community. We want them to be engaged in applying their critical, creative thinking.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Explain how cultural beliefs and values can influence the communication norms of a group.
  • Apply and adapt anthropological linguistics knowledge to consideration of real world issues.
  • Develop, conduct and report on an ethnography of communication research project.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the different types of ethnographic theories and methods and their appropriate application.

Assessment tasks

  • Assessment 1
  • Assessment 2

Capable of Professional and Personal Judgement and Initiative

We want our graduates to have emotional intelligence and sound interpersonal skills and to demonstrate discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgement. They will exercise initiative as needed. They will be capable of risk assessment, and be able to handle ambiguity and complexity, enabling them to be adaptable in diverse and changing environments.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the concepts and themes relevant to studying language and culture links.
  • Explain how cultural beliefs and values can influence the communication norms of a group.
  • Apply and adapt anthropological linguistics knowledge to consideration of real world issues.
  • Develop, conduct and report on an ethnography of communication research project.

Assessment tasks

  • Assessment 1
  • Assessment 2
  • Assessment 3

Commitment to Continuous Learning

Our graduates will have enquiring minds and a literate curiosity which will lead them to pursue knowledge for its own sake. They will continue to pursue learning in their careers and as they participate in the world. They will be capable of reflecting on their experiences and relationships with others and the environment, learning from them, and growing - personally, professionally and socially.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the concepts and themes relevant to studying language and culture links.
  • Explain how cultural beliefs and values can influence the communication norms of a group.
  • Apply and adapt anthropological linguistics knowledge to consideration of real world issues.
  • Develop, conduct and report on an ethnography of communication research project.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the different types of ethnographic theories and methods and their appropriate application.

Assessment tasks

  • Assessment 1
  • Assessment 2

Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills

Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the concepts and themes relevant to studying language and culture links.
  • Explain how cultural beliefs and values can influence the communication norms of a group.
  • Apply and adapt anthropological linguistics knowledge to consideration of real world issues.
  • Develop, conduct and report on an ethnography of communication research project.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the different types of ethnographic theories and methods and their appropriate application.

Assessment tasks

  • Assessment 1
  • Assessment 2
  • Assessment 3

Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the concepts and themes relevant to studying language and culture links.
  • Explain how cultural beliefs and values can influence the communication norms of a group.
  • Apply and adapt anthropological linguistics knowledge to consideration of real world issues.
  • Develop, conduct and report on an ethnography of communication research project.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the different types of ethnographic theories and methods and their appropriate application.

Assessment tasks

  • Assessment 1
  • Assessment 2
  • Assessment 3

Problem Solving and Research Capability

Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the concepts and themes relevant to studying language and culture links.
  • Explain how cultural beliefs and values can influence the communication norms of a group.
  • Apply and adapt anthropological linguistics knowledge to consideration of real world issues.
  • Develop, conduct and report on an ethnography of communication research project.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the different types of ethnographic theories and methods and their appropriate application.

Assessment tasks

  • Assessment 1
  • Assessment 3

Effective Communication

We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual communication and communication technologies as appropriate.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the concepts and themes relevant to studying language and culture links.
  • Explain how cultural beliefs and values can influence the communication norms of a group.
  • Apply and adapt anthropological linguistics knowledge to consideration of real world issues.
  • Develop, conduct and report on an ethnography of communication research project.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the different types of ethnographic theories and methods and their appropriate application.

Assessment tasks

  • Assessment 1
  • Assessment 2

Engaged and Ethical Local and Global citizens

As local citizens our graduates will be aware of indigenous perspectives and of the nation's historical context. They will be engaged with the challenges of contemporary society and with knowledge and ideas. We want our graduates to have respect for diversity, to be open-minded, sensitive to others and inclusive, and to be open to other cultures and perspectives: they should have a level of cultural literacy. Our graduates should be aware of disadvantage and social justice, and be willing to participate to help create a wiser and better society.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the concepts and themes relevant to studying language and culture links.
  • Explain how cultural beliefs and values can influence the communication norms of a group.
  • Apply and adapt anthropological linguistics knowledge to consideration of real world issues.
  • Develop, conduct and report on an ethnography of communication research project.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the different types of ethnographic theories and methods and their appropriate application.

Assessment tasks

  • Assessment 1
  • Assessment 2
  • Assessment 3

Socially and Environmentally Active and Responsible

We want our graduates to be aware of and have respect for self and others; to be able to work with others as a leader and a team player; to have a sense of connectedness with others and country; and to have a sense of mutual obligation. Our graduates should be informed and active participants in moving society towards sustainability.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the concepts and themes relevant to studying language and culture links.
  • Explain how cultural beliefs and values can influence the communication norms of a group.
  • Apply and adapt anthropological linguistics knowledge to consideration of real world issues.
  • Develop, conduct and report on an ethnography of communication research project.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the different types of ethnographic theories and methods and their appropriate application.

Assessment tasks

  • Assessment 1
  • Assessment 2

Changes since First Published

Date Description
12/02/2015 small amendment to assessment section
12/02/2015 small changes made in assessments