Students

APPL910 – Exploring Discourse in Context and Action

2018 – S2 External

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff
Stephen Moore
Contact via 9850-8742
C5A 508
Arranged by email
Margaret Wood
Margaret Wood
Margaret Wood
Credit points Credit points
4
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Admission to MAppLing or PGDipAppLing or MAppLingTESOL or MTransInterMAppLingTESOL
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
APPL710 follows the same material but the assessments are different.
Unit description Unit description
This unit focuses on the analysis of spoken, written and multimodal discourses in a range of real-life settings and domains. It locates such discourses in their historical, institutional, and local contexts and presents a range of methodologies associated with key questions raised by scholars and researchers in discourse analysis research and practice, focusing on descriptive, interpretive and explanatory analysis.

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:

  • An understanding of discourse as a rich, complex phenomenon with qualities that can be understood through a wide range of different theoretical approaches.
  • An understanding of how discourse functions in everyday and professional encounters, emphasising the links to be made between social and institutional practices, and discursive practices.
  • A basic theoretical and practical foundation for carrying out your own discourse-related research.
  • An understanding of how to combine different research methodologies in a multi-perspectival approach.
  • An understanding of how to work cooperatively with professionals in different contexts who wish to explore the discourses of their communities.
  • In addition to these discipline-based learning outcomes, academic programs at Macquarie seek to develop students’ generic skills, that is, skills that are generally applicable to study and workplace requirements in a range of areas.

General Assessment Information

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

  • Late submissions without an extension will receive a penalty of 5% of the total mark available for the assignment per day
  • Late submission of an assignment without an extension will not be permitted after marks have been released to the rest of the class.
  • Extensions will only be given in special circumstances, and can be requested by completing the Special Consideration request at ask.mq.edu.au and providing the requisite supporting documentation.
  • For more information on Special Consideration, see the university website https://students.mq.edu.au/study/my-study-program/special-consideration
  • Assignments submitted after the deadline, regardless of the reason, will be marked and returned at a date determined by the unit convenor.

Extensions cannot continue beyond the start of the following semester, and students should be aware that long extensions may impact graduation dates.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Discourse Analysis Task 45% No 16 September 2018
Critical Review Essay 50% No 16 November 2018
Class/Group Participation 5% No Ongoing

Discourse Analysis Task

Due: 16 September 2018
Weighting: 45%

This assignment is a task which is related directly to the course notes and requires data analysis drawing on appropriate methodologies. 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • An understanding of discourse as a rich, complex phenomenon with qualities that can be understood through a wide range of different theoretical approaches.
  • An understanding of how discourse functions in everyday and professional encounters, emphasising the links to be made between social and institutional practices, and discursive practices.
  • A basic theoretical and practical foundation for carrying out your own discourse-related research.
  • An understanding of how to combine different research methodologies in a multi-perspectival approach.
  • An understanding of how to work cooperatively with professionals in different contexts who wish to explore the discourses of their communities.
  • In addition to these discipline-based learning outcomes, academic programs at Macquarie seek to develop students’ generic skills, that is, skills that are generally applicable to study and workplace requirements in a range of areas.

Critical Review Essay

Due: 16 November 2018
Weighting: 50%

You will write an extended critical review essay integrating three (3) academic articles or book chapters related to a particular Theme from APPL910.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • An understanding of discourse as a rich, complex phenomenon with qualities that can be understood through a wide range of different theoretical approaches.
  • An understanding of how discourse functions in everyday and professional encounters, emphasising the links to be made between social and institutional practices, and discursive practices.
  • An understanding of how to combine different research methodologies in a multi-perspectival approach.
  • An understanding of how to work cooperatively with professionals in different contexts who wish to explore the discourses of their communities.
  • In addition to these discipline-based learning outcomes, academic programs at Macquarie seek to develop students’ generic skills, that is, skills that are generally applicable to study and workplace requirements in a range of areas.

Class/Group Participation

Due: Ongoing
Weighting: 5%

Your participation in classroom-based discussions and activities (internal students) or online group discussions (external students) will be noted, but the content of your contributions will not be evaluated.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • An understanding of discourse as a rich, complex phenomenon with qualities that can be understood through a wide range of different theoretical approaches.

Delivery and Resources

The learning and teaching strategies used in this Unit involve listening to recordings of on-campus lecture sessions; interaction with materials on iLearn; group discussion in iLearn discussion forum; and self-study of course readings.

The course text book forms the backbone of this Unit, and nominated chapters should be read in advance of each lecture session.

It is also expected that students in this Unit will read many of the set readings, participate in all group discussions, and go beyond the recommended readings to follow areas of specific interest to them in the academic literature.

The course lecturer will be contactable through email to answer any queries that might arise.

Unit Schedule

The Unit Schedule is available through iLearn.

Policies and Procedures

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).

Student Code of Conduct

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

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.

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://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.

Graduate Capabilities

PG - Capable of Professional and Personal Judgment and Initiative

Our postgraduates will demonstrate a high standard of discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgment. They will have the ability to make informed choices and decisions that reflect both the nature of their professional work and their personal perspectives.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • An understanding of how discourse functions in everyday and professional encounters, emphasising the links to be made between social and institutional practices, and discursive practices.
  • A basic theoretical and practical foundation for carrying out your own discourse-related research.
  • An understanding of how to combine different research methodologies in a multi-perspectival approach.
  • An understanding of how to work cooperatively with professionals in different contexts who wish to explore the discourses of their communities.

Assessment tasks

  • Discourse Analysis Task
  • Critical Review Essay
  • Class/Group Participation

PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills

Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • An understanding of discourse as a rich, complex phenomenon with qualities that can be understood through a wide range of different theoretical approaches.
  • An understanding of how discourse functions in everyday and professional encounters, emphasising the links to be made between social and institutional practices, and discursive practices.
  • A basic theoretical and practical foundation for carrying out your own discourse-related research.
  • An understanding of how to combine different research methodologies in a multi-perspectival approach.
  • An understanding of how to work cooperatively with professionals in different contexts who wish to explore the discourses of their communities.

Assessment tasks

  • Discourse Analysis Task
  • Critical Review Essay
  • Class/Group Participation

PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • An understanding of discourse as a rich, complex phenomenon with qualities that can be understood through a wide range of different theoretical approaches.
  • A basic theoretical and practical foundation for carrying out your own discourse-related research.
  • An understanding of how to combine different research methodologies in a multi-perspectival approach.
  • An understanding of how to work cooperatively with professionals in different contexts who wish to explore the discourses of their communities.
  • In addition to these discipline-based learning outcomes, academic programs at Macquarie seek to develop students’ generic skills, that is, skills that are generally applicable to study and workplace requirements in a range of areas.

Assessment tasks

  • Discourse Analysis Task
  • Critical Review Essay
  • Class/Group Participation

PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability

Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • A basic theoretical and practical foundation for carrying out your own discourse-related research.
  • An understanding of how to combine different research methodologies in a multi-perspectival approach.
  • An understanding of how to work cooperatively with professionals in different contexts who wish to explore the discourses of their communities.
  • In addition to these discipline-based learning outcomes, academic programs at Macquarie seek to develop students’ generic skills, that is, skills that are generally applicable to study and workplace requirements in a range of areas.

Assessment tasks

  • Discourse Analysis Task
  • Class/Group Participation

PG - Effective Communication

Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • An understanding of discourse as a rich, complex phenomenon with qualities that can be understood through a wide range of different theoretical approaches.
  • An understanding of how discourse functions in everyday and professional encounters, emphasising the links to be made between social and institutional practices, and discursive practices.
  • A basic theoretical and practical foundation for carrying out your own discourse-related research.
  • An understanding of how to combine different research methodologies in a multi-perspectival approach.
  • An understanding of how to work cooperatively with professionals in different contexts who wish to explore the discourses of their communities.
  • In addition to these discipline-based learning outcomes, academic programs at Macquarie seek to develop students’ generic skills, that is, skills that are generally applicable to study and workplace requirements in a range of areas.

Assessment tasks

  • Discourse Analysis Task
  • Critical Review Essay
  • Class/Group Participation

PG - Engaged and Responsible, Active and Ethical Citizens

Our postgraduates will be ethically aware and capable of confident transformative action in relation to their professional responsibilities and the wider community. They will have a sense of connectedness with others and country and have a sense of mutual obligation. They will be able to appreciate the impact of their professional roles for social justice and inclusion related to national and global issues

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • An understanding of how discourse functions in everyday and professional encounters, emphasising the links to be made between social and institutional practices, and discursive practices.
  • A basic theoretical and practical foundation for carrying out your own discourse-related research.
  • An understanding of how to combine different research methodologies in a multi-perspectival approach.
  • An understanding of how to work cooperatively with professionals in different contexts who wish to explore the discourses of their communities.

Assessment tasks

  • Discourse Analysis Task
  • Class/Group Participation

Changes from Previous Offering

There is now a required text book for this Unit: Exploring Discourse in Context and in Action, Candlin, C. N., Crichton, J. & Moore, S. H. (2017). This book replaces the course notes previously provided.