Students
SPHL3300 – Language as Evidence
2025 – Session 2, In person-scheduled-weekday, North Ryde
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Convenor
Mitchell Browne
Mitchell Browne
|
|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
|
| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
50cp at 2000 level or above including 20cp from (LING210-220 or LING2210-2240 OR PSY238 or PSYU2238)
|
| Corequisites |
Corequisites
20cp in LING or SPH or SPHL units at 3000 level
|
| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
|
| Unit description |
Unit description
In this unit, you will integrate material covered in previous units to learn how your program of study fits together. You will explore the use of different types of empirical linguistic data to investigate aspects of language as small as the phoneme or as large as whole texts. The unit is project-based, enabling you to prepare for postgraduate and research studies in speech, hearing and language sciences, or for a wide range of professions in which collection or analysis of language data is relevant. Also covered are topics relating to the research process more generally, including: critical evaluation of the literature; ethical issues in research; defining research questions; collecting, presenting, analysing and interpreting quantitative and qualitative data; providing constructive peer feedback; and effective oral and written presentation skills. |
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 research methods relevant to the study of speech, hearing and language sciences
- ULO2: Describe the strengths and limitations of various speech, hearing and language research techniques
- ULO3: Identify methods for collecting and analysing empirical speech, hearing and language data
- ULO4: Formulate and refine research questions in speech, hearing and language sciences
- ULO5: Develop research protocols for presentation in both oral and written form, and revise proposals in light of peer feedback
- ULO6: Critically evaluate published research
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reflection Portfolio | 25% | No | Part a Week 7 Part b Week 11 |
| Project proposal | 50% | No | Week 13 |
| Oral presentation | 25% | No | Weeks 9/10 |
Reflection Portfolio
Assessment Type 1: Portfolio
Indicative Time on Task 2: 14 hours
Due: Part a Week 7 Part b Week 11
Weighting: 25%
The portfolio will comprise written reflections of research culture and overarching themes of the unit.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Identify research methods relevant to the study of speech, hearing and language sciences
- Describe the strengths and limitations of various speech, hearing and language research techniques
- Identify methods for collecting and analysing empirical speech, hearing and language data
- Formulate and refine research questions in speech, hearing and language sciences
- Critically evaluate published research
Project proposal
Assessment Type 1: Project
Indicative Time on Task 2: 53 hours
Due: Week 13
Weighting: 50%
You will submit a proposal for an individualised research project that you have designed over the course of the unit. The proposal will cover the following aspects: Project Title, Aims and Background (including literature review), Significance and Innovation, Design, Methods, National Benefit.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Identify research methods relevant to the study of speech, hearing and language sciences
- Describe the strengths and limitations of various speech, hearing and language research techniques
- Identify methods for collecting and analysing empirical speech, hearing and language data
- Formulate and refine research questions in speech, hearing and language sciences
- Develop research protocols for presentation in both oral and written form, and revise proposals in light of peer feedback
- Critically evaluate published research
Oral presentation
Assessment Type 1: Presentation
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: Weeks 9/10
Weighting: 25%
You will deliver a 4-minute oral presentation with two (2) accompanying PowerPoint slides in your tutorial class. The oral presentation and PowerPoint slides should provide a summary of the essential aspects of your project proposal under the following headings: Project Title, Aims and Background, Significance and Innovation, Design and Methods, National Benefit.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Identify research methods relevant to the study of speech, hearing and language sciences
- Describe the strengths and limitations of various speech, hearing and language research techniques
- Identify methods for collecting and analysing empirical speech, hearing and language data
- Formulate and refine research questions in speech, hearing and language sciences
- Develop research protocols for presentation in both oral and written form, and revise proposals in light of peer feedback
- Critically evaluate published research
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
This unit is taught through a 1 hour lecture (weeks 1-7) and a 2 hour tutorial (weeks 2-12).
There is no assigned textbook. Instead, for each week you are assigned reading material. Discussions in the tutorials and assessment tasks are expected to be drawn from the readings and the lectures. All readings are available through the Leganto reading list, accessible via the iLearn page.
Enrolment in this unit entails engagement in a range of face-to-face and online learning activities, including lectures and tutorials, pre-tutorial activities, and readings. Resources are available through the iLearn website for this unit. Technologies used include video, Echo360 and other online resources. Active participation in the learning activities throughout the unit will require students to have access to a tablet, laptop or similar device.
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:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Complaints Resolution Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy
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 connect.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
Academic Integrity
At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Academic Success
Academic Success provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.
- Workshops
- Chat with a WriteWISE peer writing leader
- Access StudyWISE
- Upload an assignment to Studiosity
- Complete the Academic Integrity Module
The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources.
Student Services and Support
Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:
- IT Support
- Accessibility and disability support with study
- Mental health support
- Safety support to respond to bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual assault
- Social support including information about finances, tenancy and legal issues
- Student Advocacy provides independent advice on MQ policies, procedures, and processes
Student Enquiries
Got a question? Ask us via the Service Connect Portal, or contact Service Connect.
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 2025.02 of the Handbook