Unit Guide

General Information

Unit convenor and teaching staff	Unit convenor and teaching staff Convenor Loy Lising loy.lising@mq.edu.au Co-convenor Jan-Louis Kruger janlouis.kruger@mq.edu.au
Credit points	Credit points 4
Prerequisites	Prerequisites Admission to MAccComm or MAppLing or MAppLingTESOL or MIntComm or MTransInter or MAdvTransInterStud
Corequisites	Corequisites
Co-badged status	Co-badged status
Unit description	Unit description As the foundational core unit for the Master of Accessible Communication program, LING980 provides an overview of linguistic and other barriers to communication, as well as interventions to minimise or remove these barriers to full and equitable access to and participation in communication in society at large. The unit will provide an introduction to the concept of accessibility from a range of disciplinary perspectives including translation and interpreting, language learning, editing and publishing, intercultural communication, media studies, and disability studies. The unit focuses first on the nature of barriers to accessible communication before examining them in detail in specific contexts. Throughout the unit, students are encouraged to explore, research and reflect on language and communication barriers and how these can be overcome to facilitate equitable access to and participation in communication.

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:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of theoretical principles and recent developments in accessible communication in a variety of institutional contexts.
2. Critically evaluate relevant literature in the field of accessible communication.
3. Identify and analyse different language and communication barriers to full and equitable access to social goods.
4. Analyse and report on data relevant to language and communicative aspects of access to socio-economic participation.
5. Communicate to a professional audience advanced knowledge and understanding of socially relevant issues in accessible communication.

General Assessment Information

How to apply for a late submission of an assignment

All requests for special consideration, including extensions, must be submitted via ASK.mq.edu.au and provide suitable supporting documentation

Late Assignment Submission

Late submissions without an extension will receive a penalty of 5% of the total mark available for the assignment per day
Late submission of an assignment without an extension will not be permitted after marks have been released to the rest of the class.
Extensions will only be given in special circumstances, and can be requested by completing the Special Consideration request at ask.mq.edu.au and providing the requisite supporting documentation.
For more information on Special Consideration, see the university website https://students.mq.edu.au/study/my-study-program/special-consideration
Assignments submitted after the deadline, regardless of the reason, will be marked and returned at a date determined by the unit convenor.

Extensions cannot continue beyond the start of the following semester, and students should be aware that long extensions may impact graduation dates.

Moderation of assessment

All assessment is marked by the convenor and is moderated using pre-marking forms of standardisation such as the use of marking rubrics, and post-marking moderation such as sample checking and statistical analysis of the spread of marks to ensure fairness and consistency across the unit. Final marks are subject to ratification at the Faculty of Human Sciences exam meeting at the end of semester.

Assessment Tasks

Name	Weighting	Hurdle	Due
Defining AC	20%	No	Week 4
Literature Review	35%	No	Week 8
Critical Analysis	30%	No	Week 11
Oral Presentation	15%	No	Week 12

Defining AC

Due: Week 4
Weighting: 20%

An essay requiring students to research, define and discuss “accessible communication”.

On successful completion you will be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of theoretical principles and recent developments in accessible communication in a variety of institutional contexts.
2. Critically evaluate relevant literature in the field of accessible communication.

Literature Review

Due: Week 8
Weighting: 35%

A literature review on one of the following intersections: (1) Accessibility & Editing & Publishing, (2) Accessibility & Intercultural Communication, (3) Accessibility & Translation & Interpreting, and (4) Accessibility & Disability Studies.

On successful completion you will be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of theoretical principles and recent developments in accessible communication in a variety of institutional contexts.
2. Critically evaluate relevant literature in the field of accessible communication.

Critical Analysis

Due: Week 11
Weighting: 30%

A critical analysis of a website or other resource through a description and critique of its accessibility.

On successful completion you will be able to:

3. Identify and analyse different language and communication barriers to full and equitable access to social goods.
4. Analyse and report on data relevant to language and communicative aspects of access to socio-economic participation.

Oral Presentation

Due: Week 12
Weighting: 15%

An oral presentation of the outcome of their analysis in task 3.

On successful completion you will be able to:

3. Identify and analyse different language and communication barriers to full and equitable access to social goods.
4. Analyse and report on data relevant to language and communicative aspects of access to socio-economic participation.
5. Communicate to a professional audience advanced knowledge and understanding of socially relevant issues in accessible communication.

Delivery and Resources

Lectures

Lectures begin Week 1 and are on Wednesdays at 11am.

All lectures will not be available on Echo because information presented via lectures will alternate with discussions and group and pair work.

Tutorials

Tutorials begin Week 1 and are on Wednesdays at 2pm.

Tutorial activities serve to expand on concepts introduced in the lectures. This is where you should questions about topics you have not fully understood or want to know more about.

Readings

There is no set textbook for LING980. Instead we will be using unit readings available through the university library home page http://www.mq.edu.au/about/campus-services-and-facilities/library

Unit Schedule

Weeks 1-3

The first three weeks will be spent exploring what 'accessible communication' entails, and how it is best expressed.

Weeks 4-13

These weeks will focus on exploring the interplay between between Accessible Communication and Editing & Publishing, Translation & Interpreting, Intercultural Communication, and Disability Studies.

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Academic Appeals Policy
Academic Integrity Policy
Academic Progression Policy
Assessment Policy
Fitness to Practice Procedure
Grade Appeal Policy
Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
Special Consideration Policy (Note: The Special Consideration Policy is effective from 4 December 2017 and replaces the Disruption to Studies Policy.)

Undergraduate students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/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/study/getting-started/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

1. Demonstrate an understanding of theoretical principles and recent developments in accessible communication in a variety of institutional contexts.
2. Critically evaluate relevant literature in the field of accessible communication.
3. Identify and analyse different language and communication barriers to full and equitable access to social goods.
4. Analyse and report on data relevant to language and communicative aspects of access to socio-economic participation.
5. Communicate to a professional audience advanced knowledge and understanding of socially relevant issues in accessible communication.

Assessment tasks

Defining AC
Literature Review
Critical Analysis
Oral Presentation

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

1. Demonstrate an understanding of theoretical principles and recent developments in accessible communication in a variety of institutional contexts.
2. Critically evaluate relevant literature in the field of accessible communication.
3. Identify and analyse different language and communication barriers to full and equitable access to social goods.
4. Analyse and report on data relevant to language and communicative aspects of access to socio-economic participation.
5. Communicate to a professional audience advanced knowledge and understanding of socially relevant issues in accessible communication.

Assessment tasks

Defining AC
Literature Review
Critical Analysis
Oral Presentation

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

1. Demonstrate an understanding of theoretical principles and recent developments in accessible communication in a variety of institutional contexts.
2. Critically evaluate relevant literature in the field of accessible communication.
3. Identify and analyse different language and communication barriers to full and equitable access to social goods.
4. Analyse and report on data relevant to language and communicative aspects of access to socio-economic participation.
5. Communicate to a professional audience advanced knowledge and understanding of socially relevant issues in accessible communication.

Assessment tasks

Defining AC
Literature Review
Critical Analysis
Oral Presentation

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

2. Critically evaluate relevant literature in the field of accessible communication.
3. Identify and analyse different language and communication barriers to full and equitable access to social goods.
4. Analyse and report on data relevant to language and communicative aspects of access to socio-economic participation.
5. Communicate to a professional audience advanced knowledge and understanding of socially relevant issues in accessible communication.

Assessment tasks

Defining AC
Literature Review
Critical Analysis
Oral Presentation

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

1. Demonstrate an understanding of theoretical principles and recent developments in accessible communication in a variety of institutional contexts.
2. Critically evaluate relevant literature in the field of accessible communication.
3. Identify and analyse different language and communication barriers to full and equitable access to social goods.
4. Analyse and report on data relevant to language and communicative aspects of access to socio-economic participation.
5. Communicate to a professional audience advanced knowledge and understanding of socially relevant issues in accessible communication.

Assessment tasks

Defining AC
Literature Review
Critical Analysis
Oral Presentation

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

3. Identify and analyse different language and communication barriers to full and equitable access to social goods.
4. Analyse and report on data relevant to language and communicative aspects of access to socio-economic participation.
5. Communicate to a professional audience advanced knowledge and understanding of socially relevant issues in accessible communication.

Assessment tasks

Critical Analysis
Oral Presentation