Students

LING903 – Languages and Cultures in Contact

2017 – S1 External

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor
Jill Murray
Contact via email
C5A 565
email for an appointment
Margaret Wood
Lecturer
Loy Lising
Lecturer
Jean Cho
Lecturer
Della Goswell
Credit points Credit points
4
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Admission to MAppLing or MAppLingTESOL or MAuslEngInt or PGDipAuslEngInt or MTransInter or MTransInterMIntRel or MTransInterMAppLingTESOL or MIntPubDip or MDevStud
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
Based in the field of Anthropological Linguistics, this unit investigates language, society and culture. The content and activities of this unit aim to develop an awareness and understanding of the theories and practical implications associated with linguistic diversity, exploring topic areas which include migration, transnationalism, and identity. The focus is on how worldview influences the language choices of a group and how group values, beliefs and practices generate, maintain, and transform norms of interaction within a culture.

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:

  • Identify, explain and describe regional and social variation within a language
  • Understand and apply, where relevant, theories relevant to language and society links and language and culture links
  • Analyse data in order to identify and differentiate and explain cultural, psychological, and social dimensions of interaction
  • Analyse data in order to identify, interpret and explain culture-specific aspects of vocabulary, interaction norms, and genres.
  • Examine your everyday lives and identify and explain culturally motivated behaviours.
  • Create and produce a range of relevant written genres (blogging; annotated bibliographies; critiques; narrative observations) and a research essay).

General Assessment Information

WRITING, CITING AND REFERENCING

  • This unit uses the APA Style. Guidelines can be found at http://guides.lib.monash.edu/ld.php?content_id=12586146
  •  Macquarie University provides a number of services intended to help students with academic writing.
  • Use print only scholarly books and articles from electronic or print scholarly journals. Do not use Wikipedia or any other generic source.  

ASSIGNMENT SUBMISSION

  • Assignments for this unit will only be accepted if they are submitted via the ONLINE ILEARN UNIT Contact the convenor if you have difficulty with this.  
  • Note that each iLearn Assignment link contains the coversheet material, so by submitting online, you agree to the content of the coversheet.

MISSING OR LATE WORK

Where a student knows ON or BEFORE THE DUE DATE that he/she cannot submit the assignment on the due date because of illness or other certified personal difficulties, the student is entitled to ask for an extension for that piece of work. The extension means that no marks will be deducted for lateness.  In order to receive an extension, we ask students to email a scanned copy of their medical certificate or counselor’s letter to the convener.  In these cases, the student is only entitled to an extension for the period mentioned in the certificate or letter.

LATE SUBMISSIONS:

To help students submit their work in a timely fashion, assignment details are available at least three weeks before the submission date.

If the convener has not granted an extension due to certificated medical problems or to 'unavoidable disruption' prior to the day of submission, a late submission will mean that there will be a 5% deduction for the first day, and a 1% deduction for each subsequent day late, including the day on which the late submission was received.  Weekends and public holidays are included.  For example:

Final Mark        < Raw Mark     < Deduction     < DAYS LATE < Received      < Date Due

58%                 65%                 7%                   3                      Monday 17th   Friday 14th

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Assessment 1 50% No 6/6/17
Assignment 2 20% No ongoing wks 2-13
Assignment 3 30% No wk 7 and wk 13

Assessment 1

Due: 6/6/17
Weighting: 50%

Word limit:  3,000 - 3500  words (excludes references and data extracts)

TOPIC: report on real world or library research project on a topic relevant to the links between language and culture.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Identify, explain and describe regional and social variation within a language
  • Understand and apply, where relevant, theories relevant to language and society links and language and culture links
  • Analyse data in order to identify and differentiate and explain cultural, psychological, and social dimensions of interaction
  • Analyse data in order to identify, interpret and explain culture-specific aspects of vocabulary, interaction norms, and genres.
  • Create and produce a range of relevant written genres (blogging; annotated bibliographies; critiques; narrative observations) and a research essay).

Assignment 2

Due: ongoing wks 2-13
Weighting: 20%

1. Completion Certificate from Macquarie University  Ethical Research Online Module. Due Date: before you begin your research project. For essay assignment (even if you do a library research based essay, the ethics involved in culture and language research is still very important for you to learn) http://www.mq.edu.au/ethics_training/    NO MARKS but you must complete this module to pass this unit.

2. Assessed Discussion Board Posts

Post 1: Week 4: read Chapter 3 “Schemas, Face and Politeness” in Bowe, Martin, and Manns 2014  “Communication Across Cultures”, then in maximum 750 words, answer Question 3.c. on page 68.

Post 2: Week 10: read Chapter 8 “Cultural differences in Writing” in Bowe, Martin and Manns 2014  “Communication Across Cultures”, then in maximum 750 words, answer Question 3.c. on page 181.

3. Non-assessed Discussion Board Posts Students are encouraged to initiate and respond to discussions on any topic related to the weekly lecture content or readings. This activity is not formally graded, but participation is encouraged and noted. Evidence of participation may be used to decide marginal grades. 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Identify, explain and describe regional and social variation within a language
  • Understand and apply, where relevant, theories relevant to language and society links and language and culture links
  • Analyse data in order to identify and differentiate and explain cultural, psychological, and social dimensions of interaction
  • Analyse data in order to identify, interpret and explain culture-specific aspects of vocabulary, interaction norms, and genres.
  • Examine your everyday lives and identify and explain culturally motivated behaviours.
  • Create and produce a range of relevant written genres (blogging; annotated bibliographies; critiques; narrative observations) and a research essay).

Assignment 3

Due: wk 7 and wk 13
Weighting: 30%

Provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate their understanding of unit content.

Any student who misses the quiz for unavoidable reasons (need supporting certificate) will be eligible to do a make up quiz during the examination period.

For information on late or non-completion of assignments, please see LING903 Unit Guide, posted on the LING903 ilearn unit.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Understand and apply, where relevant, theories relevant to language and society links and language and culture links
  • Analyse data in order to identify and differentiate and explain cultural, psychological, and social dimensions of interaction
  • Analyse data in order to identify, interpret and explain culture-specific aspects of vocabulary, interaction norms, and genres.

Delivery and Resources

Technologies required

Students need to use CIT tools and devices when preparing assignments and in class (for on campus students). The research essay may involve analysis of recorded data, so students will need to have their own devices for recording short snatches of communication or rituals.

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Each week, students can access content from the ilearn LING903 unit and prepare for the class activities each week. Online unit module, readings (available through library E-Reserve); video lectures; interactive classes for on-campus students and online tutorials for distance students; interaction with online discussions. Materials are shared by distance and on campus students.

Unit Webpage

The LING903 website has a range of resources, including lecture notes/videos, weekly tasks (to be carried out either independently with Online students or in face to face classes with On-Campus students), and online blogs.

There are also links to advice and assistance in the left column of this web page.

Required and Recommended Texts and/or Materials

Text books

**  Piller , I. 2011. Intercultural Communication: A critical Introduction. Edinburgh: EUP

** Bowe, Heather, Kylie Martin, and Howard Manns 2014   Communication Across Cultures 2nd Edition CUP

 See the LING903 webpage for full details of weekly readings

Unit Schedule

Week 1: Language in Society

Week 2:Language Culture and Thought

Week 3:Culture in everyday interactions

Week 4:Culture and Vocabulary

Week 5:The power of words: Linguistic Taboos

Week 6:Non-Verbal communication

Week 7:Teaching, Learning and access to cultural knowledge

Week 8:Cultural differences in writing

Week 9:Culture and communication in business settings

Week 10Culture and communication in Health provider settings

Week 11:Intercultural communication training

Week 12:Cultural issues in interpreting and translating 1.

Week 13:Cultural issues in interpreting and translating 2. (Auslan)

 

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_2016.html

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

Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/complaint_management/procedure.html​

Disruption to Studies Policy (in effect until Dec 4th, 2017): http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html

Special Consideration Policy (in effect from Dec 4th, 2017): https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/special-consideration

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://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/

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

Graduate Capabilities

PG - Capable of Professional and Personal Judgment and Initiative

Our postgraduates will demonstrate a high standard of discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgment. They will have the ability to make informed choices and decisions that reflect both the nature of their professional work and their personal perspectives.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Identify, explain and describe regional and social variation within a language
  • Understand and apply, where relevant, theories relevant to language and society links and language and culture links
  • Analyse data in order to identify and differentiate and explain cultural, psychological, and social dimensions of interaction
  • Analyse data in order to identify, interpret and explain culture-specific aspects of vocabulary, interaction norms, and genres.
  • Examine your everyday lives and identify and explain culturally motivated behaviours.
  • Create and produce a range of relevant written genres (blogging; annotated bibliographies; critiques; narrative observations) and a research essay).

Assessment tasks

  • Assessment 1
  • Assignment 2
  • Assignment 3

PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills

Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Identify, explain and describe regional and social variation within a language
  • Understand and apply, where relevant, theories relevant to language and society links and language and culture links
  • Analyse data in order to identify and differentiate and explain cultural, psychological, and social dimensions of interaction
  • Analyse data in order to identify, interpret and explain culture-specific aspects of vocabulary, interaction norms, and genres.
  • Examine your everyday lives and identify and explain culturally motivated behaviours.
  • Create and produce a range of relevant written genres (blogging; annotated bibliographies; critiques; narrative observations) and a research essay).

Assessment tasks

  • Assessment 1
  • Assignment 2
  • Assignment 3

PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Identify, explain and describe regional and social variation within a language
  • Understand and apply, where relevant, theories relevant to language and society links and language and culture links
  • Analyse data in order to identify and differentiate and explain cultural, psychological, and social dimensions of interaction
  • Analyse data in order to identify, interpret and explain culture-specific aspects of vocabulary, interaction norms, and genres.
  • Examine your everyday lives and identify and explain culturally motivated behaviours.
  • Create and produce a range of relevant written genres (blogging; annotated bibliographies; critiques; narrative observations) and a research essay).

Assessment tasks

  • Assessment 1
  • Assignment 2
  • Assignment 3

PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability

Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Identify, explain and describe regional and social variation within a language
  • Understand and apply, where relevant, theories relevant to language and society links and language and culture links
  • Analyse data in order to identify and differentiate and explain cultural, psychological, and social dimensions of interaction
  • Analyse data in order to identify, interpret and explain culture-specific aspects of vocabulary, interaction norms, and genres.
  • Examine your everyday lives and identify and explain culturally motivated behaviours.
  • Create and produce a range of relevant written genres (blogging; annotated bibliographies; critiques; narrative observations) and a research essay).

Assessment tasks

  • Assessment 1
  • Assignment 2
  • Assignment 3

PG - Effective Communication

Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Identify, explain and describe regional and social variation within a language
  • Understand and apply, where relevant, theories relevant to language and society links and language and culture links
  • Analyse data in order to identify and differentiate and explain cultural, psychological, and social dimensions of interaction
  • Analyse data in order to identify, interpret and explain culture-specific aspects of vocabulary, interaction norms, and genres.
  • Examine your everyday lives and identify and explain culturally motivated behaviours.
  • Create and produce a range of relevant written genres (blogging; annotated bibliographies; critiques; narrative observations) and a research essay).

Assessment tasks

  • Assessment 1
  • Assignment 2
  • Assignment 3

PG - Engaged and Responsible, Active and Ethical Citizens

Our postgraduates will be ethically aware and capable of confident transformative action in relation to their professional responsibilities and the wider community. They will have a sense of connectedness with others and country and have a sense of mutual obligation. They will be able to appreciate the impact of their professional roles for social justice and inclusion related to national and global issues

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Identify, explain and describe regional and social variation within a language
  • Understand and apply, where relevant, theories relevant to language and society links and language and culture links
  • Analyse data in order to identify and differentiate and explain cultural, psychological, and social dimensions of interaction
  • Analyse data in order to identify, interpret and explain culture-specific aspects of vocabulary, interaction norms, and genres.
  • Examine your everyday lives and identify and explain culturally motivated behaviours.
  • Create and produce a range of relevant written genres (blogging; annotated bibliographies; critiques; narrative observations) and a research essay).

Assessment tasks

  • Assessment 1
  • Assignment 2
  • Assignment 3