Students
LING332 – Culture and Language
2018 – S1 Day
General Information
Download as PDF
| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Lecturer and Unit Convenor
Dr Nick Wilson
C5A 553
Administration
Margaret Wood
|
|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
3
|
| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
39cp at 100 level or above
|
| 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 an ethnographic research project that focuses on language and culture.
- Critically evaluate existing research on culture and language in the light of ethnographic data.
General Assessment Information
Feedback and Grading
All assessment in LING332 will be graded according to the grades (HD, D, Cr, etc.) described in the Assessment Policy. No numerical mark will be given. For all work, you will receive feedback (usually via turnitin) first, before your grade appears in gradebook. Your grade will not be shown in Turnitin.
This unit uses both formative (aimed to help you develop) and summative (measuring your performance) feedback at various stages. For Assignment 1, you will receive formative feedback from your peers on the content of your research plan in poster form, presented in class, and viewable by peers via iLearn, as well as summative feedback (i.e. a grade) on the effectiveness of your academic communication. You will also submit a written research proposal (submitted via turnitin) that will be marked by the unit convenor with feedback on viability of your research and any changes you should make. This will also be summatively graded in terms of the level of academic communication you demonstrate. The formative feedback from the poster and proposal is intended to be helpful in carrying out the research for Assignment 3.
Assignment 2 will focus on your ability to write an essay based on a synthesis of pre-recorded interview data and relevant academic literature. It will be submitted via turnitin and graded by the unit convenor.
Assignment 3 represents the culmination of the skills and knowledge you have acquired over the duration of the unit. It will be submitted via turnitin and graded by the unit convenor.
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.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research Planning | 30% | No | Week 4 and 5 |
| Cross-cultural pragmatics | 30% | No | Weeks 7 & 10 |
| Ethnographic Research Project | 40% | No | Week 13 |
Research Planning
Due: Week 4 and 5
Weighting: 30%
Design an ethnographic research project that focuses on one of the following topics:
- Taboo Language
- Language and Workplace Culture
- Language and Social Identity
Your proposed project must have a clear focus on the analysis of how language is used, and must involve the ethnographic collection of linguistic data and contextual information.
You will submit your plan in two forms:
- As a digital poster, using the template provided on iLearn. For in-class discussion and on-line peer review. (10%)
- As a written proposal (word limit 1000 words, 20%), providing details of:
- An overview of the aims and specific research question that you will address
- Relevant literature that will inform your project
- A brief description of the research site
- A detailed methodological procedure, including ethical considerations
- A timeline of your project
This assignment is compulsory, and you will not be permitted to submit your final project (assignment 3), without having submitted both a poster and a proposal (unless you have been granted special consideration to do so).
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the concepts and themes relevant to studying language and culture links.
- Develop, conduct and report an ethnographic research project that focuses on language and culture.
Cross-cultural pragmatics
Due: Weeks 7 & 10
Weighting: 30%
By Week 7, you will complete a self-interview using voice-thread, in which you answer questions about your linguaculture.
The interviews completed by the class will be used as a source of data for an essay (1500 words), in which you discuss how examples of cross-cultural difference you find in the interviews relate to existing studies on cross-cultural pragmatics. You should discuss at least one other published study on cross-cultural pragmatics in depth as part of your essay. This essay is due in Week 10.
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.
- Critically evaluate existing research on culture and language in the light of ethnographic data.
Ethnographic Research Project
Due: Week 13
Weighting: 40%
Carry out the project you proposed for assignment 1. This should focus on one of the following three topics:
- Taboo Language
- Language and Workplace Culture
- Language and Social Identity
Your project must have a clear focus on the analysis of how language is used, and must involve the ethnographic collection of linguistic data and contextual information. It should synthesis ethnographic description, linguistic analysis and a critical understanding of relevant academic literature.
It should be written as an ethnographic research report (2000 words).
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 an ethnographic research project that focuses on language and culture.
- Critically evaluate existing research on culture and language in the light of ethnographic data.
Delivery and Resources
Delivery
The unit is taught in 13 x 2 hour seminars; with large and small group discussions and activities aimed at assisting students’ skills and knowledge acquisition. There will be limited "lecture" like content, and the majority of each seminar will be spent in group activities and discussion. This is an interactive unit, and to get the most from the unit, you will be encouraged to participate in the class and bring your own ideas and questions that have arisen from self-directed study.
Time and place: Wednesdays, 9am-11am, C5A 435 (active learning space)
Reading
There are no set weekly readings for this unit. Instead, there are weekly reading questions, and you are expected to use the resources at your disposal, including the unit reading list and the two texts listed below to prepare answers to the reading questions in advance of each seminar.
The strongly recommended texts are:
- Duranti, A. (1997). Linguistic Anthropology. Cambridge: CUP. (only 3 copies in the library - you should buy this as it is a very useful refernce book for this unit)
- Copland, F., & Creese, A. (2015). Linguistic ethnography: Collecting, analysing and presenting data. London: Sage. (available as an e-book through the library)
You may also find the latter chapters of
- Holmes, J. & Wilson, N. (2017) An Introduction to Sociolinguistics. 5th Edition. Abingdon: Routledge.
to be useful. If you have done LING219, you probably already have this, but it is also available as an ebook through the library.
Unit Schedule
This unit covers the following topics (order may be subject to change):
- Ethnographic Linguistics
- Taboo Language
- Language and Social Identity
- Language in the Workplace
- Sociocultural Linguistic Norms and Stereotypes
- Cross-cultural Politeness
- Linguistic and Cultural Relativity
- The Interaction Order
- Analysing Discourse and Interaction
Learning and Teaching Activities
Reading Questions
Seminar Activities
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
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
- Apply and adapt anthropological linguistics knowledge to consideration of real world issues.
- Develop, conduct and report an ethnographic research project that focuses on language and culture.
Assessment tasks
- Research Planning
- Cross-cultural pragmatics
- Ethnographic Research Project
Learning and teaching activities
- Each week there will be a set of seminar activities that require you to work as part of a group. These activities will often be directly linked to your assessment preparation.
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
- 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 an ethnographic research project that focuses on language and culture.
Assessment tasks
- Research Planning
- Cross-cultural pragmatics
- Ethnographic Research Project
Learning and teaching activities
- Each week there will be a set of seminar activities that require you to work as part of a group. These activities will often be directly linked to your assessment preparation.
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 an ethnographic research project that focuses on language and culture.
- Critically evaluate existing research on culture and language in the light of ethnographic data.
Assessment tasks
- Research Planning
- Cross-cultural pragmatics
- Ethnographic Research Project
Learning and teaching activities
- Each week, you will be set one or more reading question. It is your responsibility to use the resources at your disposal (e.g. the library), to prepare a response to this question, which will form the basis of in-class discussion in each seminar, and will determine the direction that each lesson takes. These reading questions take the place of set readings for each week, and are designed to encourage you to take responsibility for your own learning.
- Each week there will be a set of seminar activities that require you to work as part of a group. These activities will often be directly linked to your assessment preparation.
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 an ethnographic research project that focuses on language and culture.
- Critically evaluate existing research on culture and language in the light of ethnographic data.
Assessment tasks
- Research Planning
- Cross-cultural pragmatics
- Ethnographic Research Project
Learning and teaching activities
- Each week, you will be set one or more reading question. It is your responsibility to use the resources at your disposal (e.g. the library), to prepare a response to this question, which will form the basis of in-class discussion in each seminar, and will determine the direction that each lesson takes. These reading questions take the place of set readings for each week, and are designed to encourage you to take responsibility for your own learning.
- Each week there will be a set of seminar activities that require you to work as part of a group. These activities will often be directly linked to your assessment preparation.
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 an ethnographic research project that focuses on language and culture.
- Critically evaluate existing research on culture and language in the light of ethnographic data.
Assessment tasks
- Research Planning
- Cross-cultural pragmatics
- Ethnographic Research Project
Learning and teaching activities
- Each week, you will be set one or more reading question. It is your responsibility to use the resources at your disposal (e.g. the library), to prepare a response to this question, which will form the basis of in-class discussion in each seminar, and will determine the direction that each lesson takes. These reading questions take the place of set readings for each week, and are designed to encourage you to take responsibility for your own learning.
- Each week there will be a set of seminar activities that require you to work as part of a group. These activities will often be directly linked to your assessment preparation.
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
- Apply and adapt anthropological linguistics knowledge to consideration of real world issues.
- Develop, conduct and report an ethnographic research project that focuses on language and culture.
- Critically evaluate existing research on culture and language in the light of ethnographic data.
Assessment tasks
- Research Planning
- Cross-cultural pragmatics
- Ethnographic Research Project
Learning and teaching activities
- Each week there will be a set of seminar activities that require you to work as part of a group. These activities will often be directly linked to your assessment preparation.
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.
- Develop, conduct and report an ethnographic research project that focuses on language and culture.
- Critically evaluate existing research on culture and language in the light of ethnographic data.
Assessment tasks
- Research Planning
- Cross-cultural pragmatics
- Ethnographic Research Project
Learning and teaching activities
- Each week, you will be set one or more reading question. It is your responsibility to use the resources at your disposal (e.g. the library), to prepare a response to this question, which will form the basis of in-class discussion in each seminar, and will determine the direction that each lesson takes. These reading questions take the place of set readings for each week, and are designed to encourage you to take responsibility for your own learning.
- Each week there will be a set of seminar activities that require you to work as part of a group. These activities will often be directly linked to your assessment preparation.
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
- 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 an ethnographic research project that focuses on language and culture.
- Critically evaluate existing research on culture and language in the light of ethnographic data.
Assessment tasks
- Research Planning
- Cross-cultural pragmatics
- Ethnographic Research Project
Learning and teaching activities
- Each week there will be a set of seminar activities that require you to work as part of a group. These activities will often be directly linked to your assessment preparation.
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
- 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 an ethnographic research project that focuses on language and culture.
- Critically evaluate existing research on culture and language in the light of ethnographic data.
Assessment tasks
- Research Planning
- Cross-cultural pragmatics
- Ethnographic Research Project
Learning and teaching activities
- Each week there will be a set of seminar activities that require you to work as part of a group. These activities will often be directly linked to your assessment preparation.
Changes from Previous Offering
Assessment changed to focus more on cross-cultural pragmatics (approved by FSQC).
Learning outcomes have changed (approved by FSQC).
Formative feedback has been increased.
Order of topics has changed.