Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit co-convenor
Nick Wilson
Margaret Wood
Unit co-convenor
Joe Blythe
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Credit points |
Credit points
3
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Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
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Corequisites |
Corequisites
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Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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Unit description |
Unit description
This unit introduces students to live and accessible issues about language that arise in everyday life. We explore and debate whether common conceptions about language in the media are just myths or whether they are grounded in sound linguistic argumentation and analysis. Among topics for discussion are whether it is true that some languages are more primitive than others, or harder to learn than others. Why is it hard to learn a second language? Is it true that being bilingual makes you smarter? Do men and women talk differently? Is it true that we judge people by their accent? The unit aims to breakdown stereotypes and to embrace the diversity of language and its use in Australia and across the globe.
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Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
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
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
Unless described as "peer-evaluated", all assessment is marked by tutors 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.
Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
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Peer reviewed Discussion Task | 15% | No | Week 1 and Week 11 |
Homework Tasks | 45% | No | Weeks 3, 5, 7, 10, 13 |
Major Essay | 40% | No | Week 8 |
Due: Week 1 and Week 11
Weighting: 15%
2 part peer reviewed reflection and discussion task. Involves the posting of reflections, questions and replies, which are peer evaluated.
Due: Weeks 3, 5, 7, 10, 13
Weighting: 45%
Task Description: 5 short tasks to be completed as homework.
Due: Week 8
Weighting: 40%
Word limit: 1500 words
Submit via Turnitin
Task Description: Write a 1000 word essay on the interface between language myths and language reality.
Assessment: This essay is assessed in terms of the clarity of your argument, the structure of the essay, use of sources, academic writing style, and demonstrable knowledge of linguistic topics covered in the unit.
LING121 is taught by 2 one-hour lectures and 1 one-hour tutorial per week.
Lectures
Lectures begin week 1, and are on Thursday at 10am and Friday at 9am.
All lectures are recorded and live-streamed using Echo360 and will be available to view on iLearn. However, the recordings are not a substitute for attending the lectures as they will not capture discussions or question and answer sessions fully. You should use the recordings as a revision and study aid, not as a substitute for class attendance.
Tutorials
Tutorials begin week 1.
Each tutorial is based around a key skill that is linked to the assessment tasks. You will usually be asked to do some sort of preparation for each tutorial.
Tutorials are your opportunity to ask questions about topics you haven’t fully understood, or want to know more about. If you have questions, you should ask them!
Reading
We will aim to provide alternative texts to help with your independent study of linguistics, and these may be in the form of podcasts and videos, but we will specify specific readings on occasion.
There is no required text for this unit, however you may find the following useful:
Bauer, Laurie, Holmes, Janet, and Warren, Paul. (2006) Language Matters. Basingstoke: Palgrave. (BHW)
Bauer, Laurie, and Trudgill, Peter. (1998) Language Myths. London: Penguin. (B & T)
*Kaplan, Abby. (2016) Women Talk More than Men … And Other Myths about Language Explained. Cambridge: CUP.
*Napoli, Donna Jo, and Schoenfeld, Vera-Lee. (2010) Language Matters. (2nd Ed) Oxford: OUP. (N & S)
You should also familiarise yourself with the range of introductory books on linguistics that the library holds.
Those marked with a * are available as e-books from the library.
Weeks 1-7
Myth/Topic 1: "If I could talk to the animals": The nature of language and how meaning is encoded in communication.
Weeks 8-11
Myth/Topic 2: "In the beginning...": The evolution of language and studying language from an historic perspective.
Weeks 11-13
Myth/Topic 3: "Writing equals language": The development and typology of writing systems.
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:
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).
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 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.
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
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.
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Assessment has been changed to include regular homework tasks. (change approved by FSQC)
Minor changes to wording of learning outcomes. (change approved by FSQC)
Focus on historical linguistics and writing systems has been introduced.