| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit Convenor
Deanna Wong
Contact via deanna.wong@mq.edu.au
C5A414
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| Credit points |
Credit points
3
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
12cp
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
In this leading-edge unit we examine and use social media and explore how language and social practices are changing in the contemporary computer-driven world. Issues surrounding online identity will be explored as well as the challenges of linguistic change for education and business practices. Some issues that we discuss are how women and men communicate online, and how online language may vary according to age, ethnicity or context. The unit explores the collaborative processes involved in contemporary education and media. Some issues that we will consider are:
- Do we know who we are 'talking to' these days?
- What are the ethical issues involved in using new media: what can you say or do in a text message?
- Are young people losing the ability to talk face-to-face?
You can apply your knowledge of other units in linguistics in this unit, but no previous knowledge of linguistics is necessary or expected. The unit will connect with other areas of your University study and your life experience. You will find that the unit is relevant to business and marketing, to media and communications, to education and psychology, as well as to linguistics.
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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:
| Name | Weighting | Due | Groupwork/Individual | Short Extension | AI assisted? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Descriptive Essay | 10% | 21-3-2014 | No | ||
| Tutorial Presentation | 20% | 11-4-2014 (Pt A) WK 7-9 (Pt B) | No | ||
| Essay | 35% | 30-5-2014 | No | ||
| Final Exam | 35% | Formal Examination Period | No |
Due: 21-3-2014
Weighting: 10%
Groupwork/Individual:
Short extension 3: No
AI assisted?:
Write a 500 word essay describing the types of language that you have encountered in online communications.
Your essay should be written following academic conventions. This means that it should have a coherent structure incorporating an introduction, body, and conclusion. Your essay must be your own work, and any text taken from other sources must be correctly referenced using the APA6 format. Given the length of the text, you are should include between 2 and 5 sources.
Note that this assignment has a two-fold purpose. In the first instance, the Macquarie University Assessment Policy requires that all first and second year units include an early task that provides students with timely feedback on their academic progress. For more information, see here: http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html. The second purpose of this task is to provide you with an opportunity to explore your understanding of the types of language used in online communications.
Due: 11-4-2014 (Pt A) WK 7-9 (Pt B)
Weighting: 20%
Groupwork/Individual:
Short extension 3: No
AI assisted?:
The Tutorial presentation will consist of two parts, and all marks will be given on an individual basis.
For Part A: Each student will submit a 500 word written critique of the paper used for their contribution to the group presentation.
For Part B: Groups of three or four students will present a review of the range of academic analyses/ approaches to a selected topic based on their individual reading of specific texts. While the presentation is a collaborative effort, each student will receive an individual mark
Due: 30-5-2014
Weighting: 35%
Groupwork/Individual:
Short extension 3: No
AI assisted?:
The essay topics will focus on the core themes of the unit, requiring students to present a critical analysis of their chosen topic, using relevant data to support their arguments. Essay questions will be posted on iLearn in Week 7.
Due: Formal Examination Period
Weighting: 35%
Groupwork/Individual:
Short extension 3: No
AI assisted?:
The LING248 examination will be held during the formal end of semester exam period. The week 13 tutorials will be used to provide exam preparation materials, and your attendance at these tutorials is strongly encouraged.
There is one 2-hour lecture per week for this unit, for which you are required to read one article per week in advance. You are welcome to participate during the lecture time, and to engage with the issues raised.
Recordings of lectures on Echo 360 will be available on iLearn.
Students attend one 1-hour tutorial per week (no tutorials in first week of classes). 80% tutorial attendance is required.
Tutorials are held in computer labs, and students will participate online and face-to-face in tutorials.
Students are expected to participate in tutorial discussions and to share their thoughts and experiences of online communication and practices.
In order to participate effectively in tutorials you will need to demonstrate that you have done the weekly set reading and followed the lectures
You will need to access the internet during the unit.
There is no textbook for this unit.
CHANGES to LING248 in 2014-
Assessment tasks have been changed to better align with the Macquarie University Assessment Policy.
The Lecture schedule and teaching materials have been updated to represent current research into online communication practices.
The NING social media portal will not be used in 2014.
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Week |
Lecture |
Assessment |
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1 |
Welcome to LING248 |
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2 |
Cybertalk is junk talk- Language innovation and change, a 2000 year perspective |
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3 |
Just because you can access it, doesn’t mean you can use it- Digital Literacy in the CyberAge. |
Assessment 1: Descriptive Essay due via hardcopy and online submission 5pm, 21-3-2014 |
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4 |
‘Whatever’- The impact of cyber-communication on RL |
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5 |
The ‘Creepy Treehouse’- Moderation and control in online environments |
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6 |
Social Networks and social networks- participating and belonging online |
Assessment 2 Part A: Written Critique due via hardcopy and online submission 5pm, 11-4-2014 |
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7 |
who r u? Creating and expressing identity in online environments |
Assessment 2 Part B: Group Presentations in tutorials |
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8 |
Don’t read the comments! Anonymity and social constraints |
Assessment 2 Part B: Group Presentations in tutorials |
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9 |
The Pragmatics of Email Communication Part 1. (Guest lecture by Dr Jan Tent) |
Assessment 2 Part B: Group Presentations in tutorials |
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10 |
The Pragmatics of Email Communication Part 2. (Guest lecture by Dr Jan Tent) |
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11 |
Grumpy Cats and Sceptical Dogs- Internet memes as a form of communication |
Assessment 3: Essay due via hardcopy and online submission 5pm, 30-5-2014 |
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12 |
Can I get a comment? Stimulating responses in an information-saturated age. |
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13 |
Public Holiday- no lectures this week. Tutorials are still on!! |
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Exam Period |
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Final Exam |
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html
Assessment Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html
Grading Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html
Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
Grievance Management Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grievance_management/policy.html
Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.
In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/
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://informatics.mq.edu.au/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
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This graduate capability is supported by:
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This graduate capability is supported by: