Students

EDST2100 – Language and Literacies

2020 – Session 1, Weekday attendance, North Ryde

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

Due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, any references to assessment tasks and on-campus delivery may no longer be up-to-date on this page.

Students should consult iLearn for revised unit information.

Find out more about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and potential impacts on staff and students

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor
Ruth French
Contact via Email
29 Wally's Walk, Room 282
Consultation appointments can be arranged by email (pref.) or phone 9850 8048
Lecturer
Hua-Chen Wang
Lecturer
Emilia Djonov
Tutor and marker
Tingjia Wang
By arrangement via email or iLearn dialogue
Tutor and marker
Jo Fitzgibbon
By arrangement via email or iLearn dialogue
Tutor and marker
Catherine Martin
By arrangement via email or iLearn dialogue
Tutor and marker
Lisa White
By arrangement via email or iLearn dialogue
Tutor and marker
Rosemary Dunn
By arrangement via email or iLearn dialogue
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
80cp including (EDST100 or EDST1000) and admission to (BABEd(Prim) or BA-PsychBEd(Prim) or BABEd(Sec) or BScBEd(Sec) or BTeach(ECE) or BEd(Prim))
Corequisites Corequisites
EDST100 or EDST1000 or EDST101 or EDST1010
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This unit introduces students to language development, and to language and literacy in Australian curriculum documents, policies on literacy instruction, and quality instructional practices. The unit offers a systematic, research-based introduction to foundational knowledge of language and literacies. The unit focuses on developing knowledge of the language system and its uses, purposes, and practices in reading and writing. It stresses the importance of phonological and orthographic knowledge at the beginning of literacy instruction, as well as semantic, syntactic and pragmatic knowledge in developing reading and writing skills of all learners.

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:

  • ULO1: Explain the features of the six language and literacy modes (reading, writing, speaking, listening, viewing and representing) and apply this knowledge to enhance your own and your students’ learning.
  • ULO2: Analyse the features of language systems and communication critical to code breaking and apply this knowledge to enhance teaching and learning.
  • ULO3: Analyse the features of language systems and communication critical to meaning making and how to apply this knowledge to enhance your own and your students’ learning.
  • ULO4: Understand features of language systems, communication practices, and text genres critical for using and producing effective texts to enhance your own and your students’ learning.
  • ULO5: Apply a foundational knowledge of language, images, and communication context to analyse instructional practices and texts, their linguistic features, effectiveness, and social purposes.
  • ULO6: Articulate and apply a developing knowledge of the six language and literacy modes (listening, speaking, reading, writing, viewing, and visually representing) and the structural organisation and scope and sequence of curriculum content, as prescribed by relevant curriculum documents for prior-to-school and K-6 formal education contexts.

Assessment Tasks

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

Assessment details are no longer provided here as a result of changes due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Students should consult iLearn for revised unit information.

Find out more about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and potential impacts on staff and students

General Assessment Information

Assessment Presentation and Submission Guidelines 

Please follow these guidelines when you submit each assignment: 

  • Allow a left and right-hand margin of at least 2cm in all assignments. 
  • Please type all assignments using 12-point font and 1.5 spacing. 
  • All assessments must be submitted through Turnitin in .doc or .pdf format  
  • It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that all assessments are successfully submitted through Turnitin. 
  • Faculty assignment cover sheets are NOT required. (In fact, they just create more scrolling for markers using Turnitin, so please don't use them in EDST2100.)

 

Draft Submissions & Turnitin Originality Reports 

  • Students may use Turnitin’s Originality Report as a learning tool to improve their academic writing if this option is made available in the unit. 
  • Students are strongly encouraged to upload a draft copy of each assessment to Turnitin at least one week prior to the due date to obtain an Originality Report. 
  • The Originality Report provides students with a similarity index that may indicate if plagiarism has occurred. Students will be able to make amendments to their drafts prior to their final submission on the due date. 
  • Generally, one Originality Report is generated every 24 hours up to the due date. 

 

Please note: 

  • Students should regularly save a copy of all assignments before submission, 
  • Students are responsible for checking that their submission has been successful and has been submitted by the due date and time. 

 

Assignment extensions and late penalties 

  • In general, there should be no need for extensions except through illness or misadventure that would be categorised as serious and unavoidable disruption according to the University definition of same, see:  https://students.mq.edu.au/study/my-study-program/special-consideration 
  • Applications for extensions must be made via AskMQ according to the Special Consideration policy. Extensions can only be granted if they meet the Special Considerations policy and are submitted via https://ask.mq.edu.au/. This will ensure consistency in the consideration of such requests is maintained.
  • Late submissions without extension will receive a penalty of 5% reduction of the total possible mark for each day late (including weekends and public holidays). You are reminded that submitting even 1 day late could be the difference between passing and failing a unit. Late penalties are applied by unit convenors or their delegates after tasks are assessed. 
  • No assessable work will be accepted after the return/release of marked work on the same topic. If a student is still permitted to submit on the basis of unavoidable disruption, an alternative topic may be set.  
  • Students should keep an electronic file of all assessments. Claims regarding "lost" assessments cannot be made if the file cannot be produced. It is also advisable to keep an electronic file of all drafts and the final submission on a USB untouched/unopened after submission. This can be used to demonstrate easily that the assessment has not been amended after the submission date. 

 

Requesting a re-assessment of an assignment 

If you have evidence that your task has been incorrectly assessed against the grade descriptors you can request a re-mark. To request a re-mark you need to contact the unit convenor within 7 days of the date of return of the assignment and provide a detailed assessment of your script against the task criteria. Evidence from your assignment must be provided to support your judgements.  

Note: Failed assessments cannot be re-marked as they are all double-marked as a part of the moderation process.  

Please note: The outcome of a re-mark may be a higher/lower or unchanged grade. Grades are standards referenced and effort is NOT a criterion.  

 

University policy on grading 

Criteria for awarding grades for assessment tasks 

Assignments will be awarded grades ranging from HD to F according to guidelines set out in the University's Grading Policy. The following descriptive criteria are included for your information. 

 

Descriptive Criteria for awarding grades in the unit 

In order to meet the unit outcomes and successfully pass this unit, students must make a genuine attempt at all assessment tasks.  Where this requirement is not met you will be awarded an FA grade with a maximum mark of 45. 

 

Students will be awarded grades ranging from HD to F according to guidelines set out in the assessment policy: https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/assessment-in-effect-from-session-2-2016 

 

In order to ensure clear distinctions between grades, final marks of 49, 64, 74 and 84 will not be used. The following generic grade descriptors provide university-wide standards for awarding final grades.

Grade 

Descriptor 

HD 

(High Distinction) 

Provides consistent evidence of deep and critical understanding in relation to the learning outcomes. There is substantial originality and insight in identifying, generating and communicating competing arguments, perspectives or problem solving approaches; critical evaluation of problems, their solutions and their implications; creativity in application as appropriate to the discipline. 

D 

(Distinction) 

Provides evidence of integration and evaluation of critical ideas, principles and theories, distinctive insight and ability in applying relevant skills and concepts in relation to learning outcomes. There is demonstration of frequent originality in defining and analysing issues or problems and providing solutions; and the use of means of communication appropriate to the discipline and the audience. 

Cr 

(Credit) 

Provides evidence of learning that goes beyond replication of content knowledge or skills relevant to the learning outcomes. There is demonstration of substantial understanding of fundamental concepts in the field of study and the ability to apply these concepts in a variety of contexts; convincing argumentation with appropriate coherent justification; communication of ideas fluently and clearly in terms of the conventions of the discipline. 

P 

(Pass) 

Provides sufficient evidence of the achievement of learning outcomes. There is demonstration of understanding and application of fundamental concepts of the field of study; routine argumentation with acceptable justification; communication of information and ideas adequately in terms of the conventions of the discipline. The learning attainment is considered satisfactory or adequate or competent or capable in relation to the specified outcomes 

F 

(Fail) 

Does not provide evidence of attainment of learning outcomes. There is missing or partial or superficial or faulty understanding and application of the fundamental concepts in the field of study; missing, undeveloped, inappropriate or confusing argumentation; incomplete, confusing or lacking communication of ideas in ways that give little attention to the conventions of the discipline. 

 

Withdrawing from this UG Unit 

If you are considering withdrawing from this unit, please seek academic advice via https://ask.mq.edu.au before doing so as this unit may be a co-requisite or prerequisite for units in the following sessions and may impact on your progression through the degree. 

 

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

 

 

Delivery and Resources

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

Any references to on-campus delivery below may no longer be relevant due to COVID-19.

Please check here for updated delivery information: https://ask.mq.edu.au/account/pub/display/unit_status

Prescribed and recommended readings

Compulsory texts:

Fellowes, J. & Oakley, G. (2020). Language, literacy and early childhood education (3rd ed.). Oxford University Press.

Derewianka, B. (2011). A new grammar companion for teachers. Primary English Teaching Association.

Recommended additional texts:

Christie, F. (2005). Language education in the primary years. UNSW Press.

Derewianka, B & Jones, P. (2012). Teaching language in context. Oxford University Press.

Emmitt, M., Zbaracki, M., Komesaroff, L. & Pollard, J. (2015) (6th ed.). Language and learning: An introduction for teaching. Oxford University Press.

Hill, S. (2012). Developing early literacy. Assessment and teaching (2nd ed.). Eleanor Curtain Publishing.

Humphrey, S., Droga, L., & Feez, S. (2012). Grammar and meaning (2nd ed.). Primary English Teaching Association Australia (PETAA).

Kalantzis, M, & Cope, B. (2012). Literacies. Cambridge University Press.

McLeod, S., & McCormack, J. (eds) (2016). Introduction to speech, language and literacy. Oxford University Press.

Moats, L. (2010). Speech to print: Language essentials for teachers (2nd ed.). Paul H. Brookes Pub. Co.

Tompkins, G.; Campbell, R.; Green, D. (2015). Literacy for the 21st Century: A balanced approach. Pearson Education Australia.

Walsh, M. (2011). Multimodal literacy. Researching classroom practice. Primary English Teachers Association.

Winch, G. (2013). The grammar handbook. Oxford University Press.

Winch, G., Johnston, R., March, P., Ljungdahl, L. & Holliday, M. (2020). Literacy: Reading, writing and children’s literature (6th ed.). \ Oxford University Press.

Wing Jan, L. (2015). Write ways. (4th ed.). Oxford University Press.

 

iLearn site    

This unit has a full web presence through iLearn.   

Students will need regular access to a computer and the internet to complete this unit.  

Weekly access to iLearn is compulsory for all students. Important assessment information will be posted there, as will other relevant unit notices and materials. 

Various activities and materials for discussion and critical reflection are included and external students especially are encouraged to use this web component. Electronic links and suggested references will be included in the Resources section. Please check the iLearn unit regularly.  

 

Lectures  

Weekly lectures are available on the web through ECHO360. You must listen to all lectures if you do not attend these ‘live’. PowerPoint slides will be available in the Active Learning Tool.  

 

Support resources 

Macquarie University has a range of services for students. If you are struggling with any aspect of academic life or career trajectory and skills, we have great supports within the university. Please refer to the comprehensive list of support services here

 

Access and technical assistance  

Information for students about access to the online component of this unit is available at ilearn.mq.edu.au/login/MQ/. You will need to enter your student username and password. 

Please do NOT contact the Unit Convenor regarding iLearn technical help.  

No extensions will be given for any technical issues. Allow enough time for your uploading your submissions.  

Assistance is available from IT Helpdesk ph: 1800 67 4357, or log a request at help.mq.edu.au. OneHelp is the online IT support service for both students and staff. 

 

This unit requires students to use several ICT and software skills: 

  • Internet access: The iLearn site contains materials for this unit; it is also required for the online submission of all Assessment Tasks, and for the use of Turnitin submission for ALL tasks.   
  • Word processing, visual representations, and document formatting: You are required to use an appropriate form of software to present your assignments.  
  • Uploading of assessment tasks to iLearn

 

Structure 

The unit will be delivered using a combination of lectures and tutorials. There will be a weekly 1-hour 'live' lecture as well as several recorded, online-only lectures (roughly one per fortnight: 6 across the unit of study). Weekly 1.5 hour tutorials will be held for 'weekday attendance' [internal] students, and two on-campus days for 'infrequent attendance' [external] students.

In tutorials and at on-campus sessions (as relevant to their enrolment), students will discuss issues and questions arising from the lectures and prescribed readings. They are expected to base their arguments/discussions on evidence from published research and other relevant material. Students are required to participate in small group activities and whole class discussion, to read the weekly material in advance, and to complete brief tasks either as individuals or in pairs. Sometimes short 'homework' tasks may be set, which also need to be completed as tutorial preparation. External students may be required to complete these as short online activities. The weekly program for the course with the accompanying readings/ preparation is available on the unit iLearn site. 

 

Attendance Requirements 

Attendance at all tutorials is expected for 'weekday' [internal] students.  Attendance at on-campus days for 'infrequent attendance' [external] students is also expected. Rolls will be marked at all these classes. There will be a supporting website for the unit providing additional readings, links and materials. Lectures will also be available through Echo in iLearn from the following website link: http://ilearn.mq.edu.au  

 

 

Unit Schedule

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

The unit schedule/topics and any references to on-campus delivery below may no longer be relevant due to COVID-19. Please consult iLearn for latest details, and check here for updated delivery information: https://ask.mq.edu.au/account/pub/display/unit_status

Weeks

Content & key information

Week 1

Module 1: Introduction to language and literacies; the ‘four resources’ model

Weeks 2 and 3

Module 2: Code-breaking

Weeks 4 and 5

Module 3: Meaning making

End of Week 4 (March 21): On-campus day #1 for ‘infrequent attendance’ students.

Start of Week 5: Task 1 due.

Weeks 6 and 7

No classes in EDST2100: Most students will be on professional experience placements

April 10 to 26

MQ recess

Week 8

Module 3: Meaning making (continued from before the recess)

End of Week 8 (May 2): On-campus day #2 for ‘infrequent attendance’ students.

Weeks 9 and 10

Module 4: Text use

End of Week 9: Task 2 due.

Weeks 11 and 12

Module 5: Text analyst/text critic

Week 13

Unit conclusion and revision

University exam period

Task 3: Exam (date to be scheduled by the university)

There may be limited variation to this teaching schedule in response to student needs.

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:

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 published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) 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 or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

 

Department Procedures

In addition, the following policies and procedures of the Macquarie School of Education are applicable in this unit. 

Attendance for undergraduate units 

All Internal tutorials begin in Week 1 of Session.  

Activities completed during weekly tutorials (internal) or on-campus days (external) are essential for building the core knowledge and/or skills required to demonstrate the learning outcomes of this unit, and to meet the AITSL Graduate Teacher Standards and/or ACECQA requirements.  

Attendance at all tutorials or on-campus days is expected and the roll will be taken. 

Students are required to attend the tutorial in which they are enrolled. Any changes to tutorial enrolments must be completed officially through e-student. Please do not contact the unit convenor requesting a change. 

  

Unit Expectations

  • Students are expected to read weekly readings before completing tasks and attending tutorials 
  • Students are expected to listen/attend weekly lectures before completing tasks and attending tutorials 
  • Students are required to make a genuine attempt at all assessment tasks to pass the unit. 

Note: It is not the responsibility of unit staff to contact students who have failed to submit assignments.  If you have any missing items of assessment, it is your responsibility to make contact with the unit convenor. 

 

Workload 

In a 10 credit-point unit you should expect to commit nine (9) hours of your time per week to your studies. 

 

Electronic Communication 

It is the student’s responsibility to check all electronic communication on a regular weekly basis.  Communication may occur via: 

  • Official MQ Student Email Address [Note: Please do not email staff from any email account other than your uni email account.] 
  • The Dialogue function on iLearn 
  • Other iLearn communication functions 

 

External Students 

  1. The on-campus sessions on March 21 and May 2 2020 are essential to student engagement and learning, and attendance on all days is expected. Failure to attend, or to have an approved Special Consideration, may result in a Fail grade for the unit. Please see attendance requirements in this unit guide.   
  2. Prior to the on-campus sessions, you should have read the prescribed readings and listened to the lectures. Summarise the main points, and make a note of the key terms and definitions. Prepare any discussion questions of your own that you wish to share. 
  3. Please make effective use of the online component of the unit and access iLearn regularly. Keep up to date with listening to the lectures on a weekly basis. 

 

On campus sessions  

The on campus sessions for this year are on: 

March 21  (9:00-5:00) 

May 2  (9:00-5:00) 

Further specific details and any updates about times and locations will be posted on iLearn as an Announcement during the first half of the semester.

 

 

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 help you improve your marks and take control of your study.

The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources. 

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

If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@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.