Students

LING3386 – Multilingualism

2021 – Session 2, Special circumstances

Session 2 Learning and Teaching Update

The decision has been made to conduct study online for the remainder of Session 2 for all units WITHOUT mandatory on-campus learning activities. Exams for Session 2 will also be online where possible to do so.

This is due to the extension of the lockdown orders and to provide certainty around arrangements for the remainder of Session 2. We hope to return to campus beyond Session 2 as soon as it is safe and appropriate to do so.

Some classes/teaching activities cannot be moved online and must be taught on campus. You should already know if you are in one of these classes/teaching activities and your unit convenor will provide you with more information via iLearn. If you want to confirm, see the list of units with mandatory on-campus classes/teaching activities.

Visit the MQ COVID-19 information page for more detail.

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff
Xin Wang
Margaret Wood
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
50cp at 2000 level or above including 10cp of LING units at 2000 level
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description

This unit focuses on many issues concerning bilingualism and multilingualism including: patterns of acquiring and losing bilingualism; bilingual language processing in both adults and children; linguistic/cognitive consequences of bilingualism/multilingualism; bilingualism/multilingualism in Australia, and Australian language policies and planning. The focus is on discussion of current controversies - for example, the critical age theory; input theories and 'competency'; and the cognitive advantage of bilingualism - based on readings and participants' experiences. It also includes workshopping of bilingual data. This unit is useful for students familiar with bilingual or multilingual situations, or who have experience or plans to be involved in teaching, learning or using a second language, or working in a multicultural workplace.

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: Identify, discuss and critique complex issues surrounding bilingual individuals, states, and education.
  • ULO2: Identify and explain the different cognitive accounts of bilingual language processing
  • ULO3: Critically evaluate literature, theories and methodologies used in bilingual studies
  • ULO4: Explain the impact learning/speaking two or multiple languages can have across one's life span

General Assessment Information

Assessment task late submission policy

Requesting an extension to assignment due date

On occasion, you may be in a situation when you aren't able to submit an assessment task on time. Extensions are only given in special circumstances, by completing a Special Consideration request. For more information on Special Consideration, see https://students.mq.edu.au/study/my-study-program/special-consideration  

Late submission of assignments

If you haven't been approved for an extension and you submit your assessment task late, penalties are applied. You should consult your unit convenor if you are in this position. Late submissions will receive a 5% per day penalty. If you submit the assessment task 10 days or more beyond the due date, without an approved extension, you will be awarded a maximum of 50% of the overall assessment marks. Weekends and public holidays are included.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Critical review of literature 25% No Week 5
An outline for the term essay 5% No Week 10
Term Essay 35% No Week 13
Final Exam 35% No Exam Period

Critical review of literature

Assessment Type 1: Literature review
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: Week 5
Weighting: 25%

 

Students will read a research article and write a review based on a set of questions (1000 words)

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Identify, discuss and critique complex issues surrounding bilingual individuals, states, and education.
  • Critically evaluate literature, theories and methodologies used in bilingual studies

An outline for the term essay

Assessment Type 1: Plan
Indicative Time on Task 2: 5 hours
Due: Week 10
Weighting: 5%

 

Students need to come up with a general idea and organisation of the essay they need to submit (200 words)

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Identify, discuss and critique complex issues surrounding bilingual individuals, states, and education.
  • Identify and explain the different cognitive accounts of bilingual language processing
  • Critically evaluate literature, theories and methodologies used in bilingual studies

Term Essay

Assessment Type 1: Essay
Indicative Time on Task 2: 40 hours
Due: Week 13
Weighting: 35%

 

Students need to choose a topic in Bilingualism/Multilingualism and write an essay about it (2000 words)

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Identify, discuss and critique complex issues surrounding bilingual individuals, states, and education.
  • Identify and explain the different cognitive accounts of bilingual language processing
  • Critically evaluate literature, theories and methodologies used in bilingual studies
  • Explain the impact learning/speaking two or multiple languages can have across one's life span

Final Exam

Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 33 hours
Due: Exam Period
Weighting: 35%

 

Students will be tested on topics covered by the unit

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Identify, discuss and critique complex issues surrounding bilingual individuals, states, and education.
  • Identify and explain the different cognitive accounts of bilingual language processing
  • Critically evaluate literature, theories and methodologies used in bilingual studies
  • Explain the impact learning/speaking two or multiple languages can have across one's life span

1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:

  • the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
  • the Writing Centre for academic skills support.

2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation

Delivery and Resources

Study materials are mostly original articles, available at the library

Students need to have internet access for the Zoom platform and ilearn. 

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

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

To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/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

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.


Unit information based on version 2021.01R of the Handbook