Students

LING248 – Social Networking and Cyberlanguage

2014 – S1 Day

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor
Deanna Wong
Contact via deanna.wong@mq.edu.au
C5A414
Credit points Credit points
3
Prerequisites Prerequisites
12cp
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
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.

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:

  • Students will gain an insight into the historical patterns of linguistic innovation and change and how these patterns are evidenced in online communication.
  • Students will gain an understanding of, and a critical approach to, the sociolinguistic theories used to explain and investigate online communication.
  • Students will extend their ability to critically analyse academic material and deliver written and oral presentations of their findings. This will result in an advanced ability to critically assess media and popular discussions of new technologies and online social networking.
  • Students will participate in and engage with others in debates related to online communication, social networking and micro-blogging sites, and new social practices.
  • Students will gain the ability to identify, analyse and apply effective strategies relevant to online community engagement.

Assessment Tasks

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

Descriptive Essay

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. 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Students will participate in and engage with others in debates related to online communication, social networking and micro-blogging sites, and new social practices.
  • Students will gain the ability to identify, analyse and apply effective strategies relevant to online community engagement.

Tutorial Presentation

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


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Students will gain an insight into the historical patterns of linguistic innovation and change and how these patterns are evidenced in online communication.
  • Students will gain an understanding of, and a critical approach to, the sociolinguistic theories used to explain and investigate online communication.
  • Students will extend their ability to critically analyse academic material and deliver written and oral presentations of their findings. This will result in an advanced ability to critically assess media and popular discussions of new technologies and online social networking.
  • Students will participate in and engage with others in debates related to online communication, social networking and micro-blogging sites, and new social practices.
  • Students will gain the ability to identify, analyse and apply effective strategies relevant to online community engagement.

Essay

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.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Students will gain an insight into the historical patterns of linguistic innovation and change and how these patterns are evidenced in online communication.
  • Students will gain an understanding of, and a critical approach to, the sociolinguistic theories used to explain and investigate online communication.
  • Students will extend their ability to critically analyse academic material and deliver written and oral presentations of their findings. This will result in an advanced ability to critically assess media and popular discussions of new technologies and online social networking.
  • Students will participate in and engage with others in debates related to online communication, social networking and micro-blogging sites, and new social practices.
  • Students will gain the ability to identify, analyse and apply effective strategies relevant to online community engagement.

Final Exam

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.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Students will gain an insight into the historical patterns of linguistic innovation and change and how these patterns are evidenced in online communication.
  • Students will gain an understanding of, and a critical approach to, the sociolinguistic theories used to explain and investigate online communication.
  • Students will participate in and engage with others in debates related to online communication, social networking and micro-blogging sites, and new social practices.
  • Students will gain the ability to identify, analyse and apply effective strategies relevant to online community engagement.

Delivery and Resources

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.

 

 

Unit Schedule

Week

Lecture

Assessment

1

Welcome to LING248

 

2

Cybertalk is junk talk- Language innovation and change, a 2000 year perspective

 

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

4

‘Whatever’- The impact of cyber-communication on RL

 

5

The ‘Creepy Treehouse’- Moderation and control in online environments

 

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

7

who r u? Creating and expressing identity in online environments

Assessment 2 Part B: Group Presentations in tutorials

8

Don’t read the comments! Anonymity and social constraints

Assessment 2 Part B: Group Presentations in tutorials

9

The Pragmatics of Email Communication Part 1. (Guest lecture by Dr Jan Tent)

Assessment 2 Part B: Group Presentations in tutorials

10

The Pragmatics of Email Communication Part 2. (Guest lecture by Dr Jan Tent)

 

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

12

Can I get a comment? Stimulating responses in an information-saturated age.

 

13

Public Holiday- no lectures this week. Tutorials are still on!!

 

Exam Period

 

Final Exam

Learning and Teaching Activities

Weekly two hour lectures

Students will attend weekly two hour lectures exploring relevant topics using multi-media resources.

Weekly one hour tutorials

Students will attend weekly one hour tutorials in computer labs where they will examing and text various online communication methods both online and via presentations and debates.

Critical analysis of academic and popular analyses of online communication

Students will actively engage in exploring and challenging descriptions, reviews, and opinions of online communication via popular and academic sources.

Policies and Procedures

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.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/

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 improve your marks and take control of your study.

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

IT Help

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.

Graduate Capabilities

Capable of Professional and Personal Judgement and Initiative

We want our graduates to have emotional intelligence and sound interpersonal skills and to demonstrate discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgement. They will exercise initiative as needed. They will be capable of risk assessment, and be able to handle ambiguity and complexity, enabling them to be adaptable in diverse and changing environments.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Students will gain an insight into the historical patterns of linguistic innovation and change and how these patterns are evidenced in online communication.
  • Students will extend their ability to critically analyse academic material and deliver written and oral presentations of their findings. This will result in an advanced ability to critically assess media and popular discussions of new technologies and online social networking.
  • Students will gain the ability to identify, analyse and apply effective strategies relevant to online community engagement.

Learning and teaching activities

  • Students will attend weekly one hour tutorials in computer labs where they will examing and text various online communication methods both online and via presentations and debates.
  • Students will actively engage in exploring and challenging descriptions, reviews, and opinions of online communication via popular and academic sources.

Commitment to Continuous Learning

Our graduates will have enquiring minds and a literate curiosity which will lead them to pursue knowledge for its own sake. They will continue to pursue learning in their careers and as they participate in the world. They will be capable of reflecting on their experiences and relationships with others and the environment, learning from them, and growing - personally, professionally and socially.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Students will extend their ability to critically analyse academic material and deliver written and oral presentations of their findings. This will result in an advanced ability to critically assess media and popular discussions of new technologies and online social networking.
  • Students will gain the ability to identify, analyse and apply effective strategies relevant to online community engagement.

Learning and teaching activities

  • Students will attend weekly one hour tutorials in computer labs where they will examing and text various online communication methods both online and via presentations and debates.

Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills

Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Students will gain an understanding of, and a critical approach to, the sociolinguistic theories used to explain and investigate online communication.
  • Students will extend their ability to critically analyse academic material and deliver written and oral presentations of their findings. This will result in an advanced ability to critically assess media and popular discussions of new technologies and online social networking.
  • Students will participate in and engage with others in debates related to online communication, social networking and micro-blogging sites, and new social practices.
  • Students will gain the ability to identify, analyse and apply effective strategies relevant to online community engagement.

Learning and teaching activities

  • Students will attend weekly two hour lectures exploring relevant topics using multi-media resources.
  • Students will attend weekly one hour tutorials in computer labs where they will examing and text various online communication methods both online and via presentations and debates.
  • Students will actively engage in exploring and challenging descriptions, reviews, and opinions of online communication via popular and academic sources.

Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Students will gain an insight into the historical patterns of linguistic innovation and change and how these patterns are evidenced in online communication.
  • Students will gain an understanding of, and a critical approach to, the sociolinguistic theories used to explain and investigate online communication.
  • Students will extend their ability to critically analyse academic material and deliver written and oral presentations of their findings. This will result in an advanced ability to critically assess media and popular discussions of new technologies and online social networking.
  • Students will participate in and engage with others in debates related to online communication, social networking and micro-blogging sites, and new social practices.
  • Students will gain the ability to identify, analyse and apply effective strategies relevant to online community engagement.

Learning and teaching activities

  • Students will attend weekly two hour lectures exploring relevant topics using multi-media resources.
  • Students will attend weekly one hour tutorials in computer labs where they will examing and text various online communication methods both online and via presentations and debates.
  • Students will actively engage in exploring and challenging descriptions, reviews, and opinions of online communication via popular and academic sources.

Problem Solving and Research Capability

Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Students will gain an understanding of, and a critical approach to, the sociolinguistic theories used to explain and investigate online communication.
  • Students will extend their ability to critically analyse academic material and deliver written and oral presentations of their findings. This will result in an advanced ability to critically assess media and popular discussions of new technologies and online social networking.
  • Students will participate in and engage with others in debates related to online communication, social networking and micro-blogging sites, and new social practices.
  • Students will gain the ability to identify, analyse and apply effective strategies relevant to online community engagement.

Learning and teaching activities

  • Students will attend weekly one hour tutorials in computer labs where they will examing and text various online communication methods both online and via presentations and debates.

Creative and Innovative

Our graduates will also be capable of creative thinking and of creating knowledge. They will be imaginative and open to experience and capable of innovation at work and in the community. We want them to be engaged in applying their critical, creative thinking.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Students will participate in and engage with others in debates related to online communication, social networking and micro-blogging sites, and new social practices.
  • Students will gain the ability to identify, analyse and apply effective strategies relevant to online community engagement.

Learning and teaching activities

  • Students will attend weekly two hour lectures exploring relevant topics using multi-media resources.
  • Students will attend weekly one hour tutorials in computer labs where they will examing and text various online communication methods both online and via presentations and debates.
  • Students will actively engage in exploring and challenging descriptions, reviews, and opinions of online communication via popular and academic sources.

Effective Communication

We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual communication and communication technologies as appropriate.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Students will gain an understanding of, and a critical approach to, the sociolinguistic theories used to explain and investigate online communication.
  • Students will extend their ability to critically analyse academic material and deliver written and oral presentations of their findings. This will result in an advanced ability to critically assess media and popular discussions of new technologies and online social networking.
  • Students will participate in and engage with others in debates related to online communication, social networking and micro-blogging sites, and new social practices.
  • Students will gain the ability to identify, analyse and apply effective strategies relevant to online community engagement.

Learning and teaching activities

  • Students will attend weekly two hour lectures exploring relevant topics using multi-media resources.
  • Students will attend weekly one hour tutorials in computer labs where they will examing and text various online communication methods both online and via presentations and debates.

Engaged and Ethical Local and Global citizens

As local citizens our graduates will be aware of indigenous perspectives and of the nation's historical context. They will be engaged with the challenges of contemporary society and with knowledge and ideas. We want our graduates to have respect for diversity, to be open-minded, sensitive to others and inclusive, and to be open to other cultures and perspectives: they should have a level of cultural literacy. Our graduates should be aware of disadvantage and social justice, and be willing to participate to help create a wiser and better society.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcome

  • Students will gain the ability to identify, analyse and apply effective strategies relevant to online community engagement.

Learning and teaching activities

  • Students will attend weekly two hour lectures exploring relevant topics using multi-media resources.
  • Students will attend weekly one hour tutorials in computer labs where they will examing and text various online communication methods both online and via presentations and debates.
  • Students will actively engage in exploring and challenging descriptions, reviews, and opinions of online communication via popular and academic sources.

Socially and Environmentally Active and Responsible

We want our graduates to be aware of and have respect for self and others; to be able to work with others as a leader and a team player; to have a sense of connectedness with others and country; and to have a sense of mutual obligation. Our graduates should be informed and active participants in moving society towards sustainability.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcome

  • Students will gain the ability to identify, analyse and apply effective strategies relevant to online community engagement.

Learning and teaching activities

  • Students will attend weekly one hour tutorials in computer labs where they will examing and text various online communication methods both online and via presentations and debates.
  • Students will actively engage in exploring and challenging descriptions, reviews, and opinions of online communication via popular and academic sources.