Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit Convenor
Peter Roger
Contact via peter.roger@mq.edu.au
Flexible - please e-mail to arrange a time
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Credit points |
Credit points
3
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Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
12cp at 100 level or above
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Corequisites |
Corequisites
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Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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Unit description |
Unit description
This unit explores the ways in which globalising forces are shaping the way that language is used in today's world, and examines in detail the shifts in language dominance and patterns of use that continue to occur in the coming decades. Against this broad context, we examine critically the social, cultural, political and ethical dimensions of the spread of English as a global language, and the emergence of a range of Englishes. From their studies in this unit, students gain a deep understanding of the strategic adjustments necessary for effective intercultural communication in both professional and social domains. They also develop a balanced awareness of the risks of linguistic marginalisation and prejudice, as well as the wealth of opportunities for communicative interaction and engagement that accompany the processes of globalisation.
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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:
How to apply for a late submission of an assignment
All requests for special consideration, including extensions, must be submitted via ASK@mq.edu.au and provide suitable supporting documentation.
Late Assignment Submission
Extensions cannot continue beyond the start of the following semester, and students should be aware that long extensions may impact graduation dates.
Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
---|---|---|---|
Assessment 1 | 15% | No | 27 August 2018 at 23.59 PM |
Assessment 2 | 35% | No | 19 October 2018 at 23.59 PM |
Assessment 3 | 10% | No | Aug - Nov 2018 |
Assessment 4 | 40% | No | Exam period |
Due: 27 August 2018 at 23.59 PM
Weighting: 15%
For this assignment, you will be given links to several short news articles. Select one of these articles, and write a 500 word commentary, in which you:
(1) identify the main issues raised by the article and link them to concepts covered so far in LING290
(2) explain your own reaction to the issues raised by the article
You should refer briefly to one or more of the readings associated with the lectures so far. Be sure to use appropriate referencing techniques (see the guidelines later in this outline) and include a reference list that is structured according to the guidelines available through the iLearn site for LING290. You do not need to do extra library research for this assignment, although you may do so if you wish.
Length: 500 words + references (*Please adhere to this word limit)
Grading criteria for Assignment 1
The assessment of this assignment will be based on:
- Identification and description of the linguistic issues (and your reaction to them) raised by the article that you choose
- Discussion of these issues from a linguistic standpoint, drawing on material covered in the unit so far
- The use of appropriate and accurate referencing formats (for in-text references and the reference list at the end)
Due: 19 October 2018 at 23.59 PM
Weighting: 35%
This assignment involves writing short critical reviews of two articles on different areas covered in the first half of the unit, as described below. The goal of this assignment is that you demonstrate your understanding of the concepts and research findings relating to topics covered in the first half of LING 290.
Instructions
For each publication, you are asked to provide the full bibliographic details (following the style used in the guidelines provided in your tutorial) followed by a 800 word summary, commentary and critique. This will include a brief summary of the overall scope and focus of the article, and the author’s principal conclusion(s), followed by your critical reflection on issues such as applications to the 'real' world, the theoretical approach or framework used in the article, the way in which the author's claims are (or are not) supported by the evidence presented. It is also important to refer (even briefly) to other related publications in your review.
Remember that it is well-presented critical commentary that will earn marks, so be sure that you do much more than merely summarise the articles that you select. You should choose your two articles from a list of references that the convenor will provide on iLearn early in the semester.
Length: 1600 words ± 10% (including everything in the body of the assignment text, but excluding the reference list at the end) *Please adhere strictly to this word limit
Grading criteria for Assignment 2
The assessment of this assignment will be based on your ability to:
- demonstrate an understanding of key concepts contained in the articles
- evaluate the arguments (e.g. for support, currency, clarity and relevance)
- make links/comparisons with other published work in the field
You will also be assessed on the degree to which you:
- write clearly and concisely in formal academic style
- clearly organise and structure your work
- demonstrate familiarity with a range of relevant sources from published literature in the field
- demonstrate an understanding of how argumentation and discussion presented in your paper are positioned in relation to the literature
- present in-text and bibliographic references accurately and consistently
Due: Aug - Nov 2018
Weighting: 10%
Five of the marks allocated for tutorial participation will be based on attendance at tutorials as well as participation in discussion and group activities as part of these tutorials. The other five marks will be based on a short (5 minute) individual presentation that each student will do in one of the tutorials during the semester. Tutorial presentation topics will be allocated in Week 3, and detailed instructions will be provided.
Tutorial attendance is expected, and class rolls will be taken. Students who do not attend tutorials may find it difficult to meet the learning outcomes for this unit.
Due: Exam period
Weighting: 40%
This will be scheduled during the examination period, and will involve multiple choice, short answer questions, and questions requiring answers of 1-2 paragraphs in length. It will include questions relating to material covered throughout the unit.
Students are allowed to bring into the examination one A4 page of handwritten or typed notes, printed on one or both sides of the page.
1. GENERAL INFORMATION
Students in this unit should read this unit outline carefully at the start of semester. It contains important information about the unit. If anything in it is unclear, please consult the unit convenor
1a. Teaching Staff in 2018
Convenor: Dr Peter Roger
12 Second Way (formerly C5A) Room 509
Email : peter.roger@mq.edu.au
Telephone: +61 2 9850 9650
The lecturer for each week is named on the unit schedule below.
Peter Roger will lead the tutorials for LING290 in 2018.
1b. General Enquiries
Ms Margaret Wood
Linguistics Undergraduate Office, Room 502, Level 5, Building C5A
Telephone: +61 2 9850 8740
2a. Unit Description
Welcome to LING 290!
This unit explores the ways in which globalising forces are shaping the way that language is used in today's world, and examines in detail the shifts in language dominance and patterns of use that continue to occur in the coming decades. Against this broad context, we examine critically the social, cultural, political and ethical dimensions of the spread of English as a global language, and the emergence of a range of Englishes. From your studies in this unit, you will gain a deep understanding of the strategic adjustments necessary for effective intercultural communication in both professional and social domains. You will also develop a balanced awareness of the risks of linguistic marginalisation and prejudice, as well as the wealth of opportunities for communicative interaction and engagement that accompany the processes of globalisation.
Language is fundamental to human engagement at both local and global levels. The forces of globalisation have brought about large shifts in the languages that are used for communication on a global scale, and immigration to countries such as Australia has seen a great increase in the number of languages spoken within our own societies. One language, English, has taken on a role as a global lingua franca, and second language speakers of this language now outnumber those for whom it is a first language. Through your studies in this unit, we hope that you will acquire a respect for all languages and language varieties spoken around the world, as well developing an awareness of the varieties of English that are used in the broad sphere of international communication. This unit thus seeks to inculcate an understanding of and sensitivity to these issues
3a. Teaching and Learning Strategies
LING 290 involves a weekly lecture session (2 hours), as well as a weekly tutorial (1 hour) which will involve participation in discussions and small group activities. One of the aims of this unit is that students develop skills in searching for research articles relevant to their own interests, and the lecturer will provide guidance in this respect during the course of the semester. Students are strongly advised to attend lectures if they are able to do so. Tutorial attendance is an expected element of the unit. Students should ensure that they have attended the lecture or listened to the recording prior to the tutorial the following week.
3b. Technology and Required Resources
This unit makes use of the iLearn facility, and students will find it useful to have internet and computer access with the capacity to play sound files, in order to listen to recorded lectures.
3c. Required and Recommended Texts and Materials
Prescribed unit materials: There is no set textbook for this unit. Some lectures will be accompanied by 1-2 core readings. These readings will be provided by the unit convenor in hard copy, or made available electronically through links or references that will enable the article to be accessed through the Macquarie University Library.
There is an iLearn site for this unit, where notices about the unit will be posted (www.learn.mq.edu.au), as well as a link to the weekly lecture recordings (Echo) and the lecture notes or PowerPoint slides. Please check this site regularly. There is a range of other resources available to Macquarie students, including electronic access to a variety of book chapters and journal articles:
WEEK |
DATE |
TOPIC |
Week 1 |
31 July |
The linguistic dimensions of globalisation (Peter Roger) |
Week 2 |
07 August |
A brief history of English: From humble beginnings to global language (Peter Roger) |
Week 3 |
14 August |
English as a global language: Dark clouds and blue skies (Peter Roger) |
Week 4 |
21 August |
Globalisation and the world's biggest languages (Peter Roger) |
Week 5 |
28 August |
Endangered languages: A journey around the world (Peter Roger) |
Week 6 |
4 September |
World Englishes Case Study I - Singapore (Peter Roger) |
Week 7 |
11 September |
World Englishes Case Study II - The Philippines (Loy Lising) |
Week 8 |
2 October |
World Englishes Case Study III - Australia (Adam Smith) |
Week 9 |
9 October |
World Englishes Case Study IV - South Korea (Jean Cho) |
Week 10 |
16 October |
Which language? Language rights, laws, and attitudes (Peter Roger) |
Week 11 |
23 October |
World Englishes and English language teaching: A global view (Jill Murray) |
Week 12 |
30 October |
Language and globalisation: Implications for commerce and international diplomacy (Peter Roger) |
Week 13 |
6 November |
Pre-exam Summary: Language, Globalisation and World Englishes (Peter Roger) |
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:
Undergraduate 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).
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 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.
Academic integrity means you submit only your own work, and make it easy for the reader to work out which parts of your assignment are original and which parts come from named sources.
Collusion needs to be avoided
We value students collaborating together as part of their learning experience. Often students form informal study groups, where they share understanding of unit content, and approaches to the assessments. However, it is important to realize that unless you are doing Group Work for an assignment, all of the work you submit for individual assessment should be completely your own independent work. Students are encouraged to form study groups, but this must not involve collusion to present group work as the work of the individual.
How is an informal or formal study group different from engaging in Group Work?
Working in study groups is different from engaging in assessed Group Work. Working in Groups involves a group of students combining their efforts in different ways to produce an evaluated piece of work.
Please see the Macquarie university information on Group Work available at http://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=5&ved=0CEIQFjAE&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.students.mq.edu.au%2Fpublic%2Fdownload.jsp%3Fid%3D55221&ei=plG_U7jIDovHkAWisoDYAg&usg=AFQjCNHNASv9JxEF9vY-q4TcsSuCO2qVog&bvm=bv.70810081,d.dGI
What is collusion?
This is the unauthorised presentation of group work as your own. It may involve
How can you avoid collusion?
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.
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This graduate capability is supported by:
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This graduate capability is supported by:
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This graduate capability is supported by:
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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: