Course Outline

LNG210 Languages and Linguistics: Understanding human communication

Course Coordinator:Levi Durbidge (ldurbidge@usc.edu.au) School:School of Business and Creative Industries

2024Semester 2

UniSC Sunshine Coast

Blended learning Most of your course is on campus but you may be able to do some components of this course online.

Online

Online You can do this course without coming onto campus.

Please go to usc.edu.au for up to date information on the
teaching sessions and campuses where this course is usually offered.

What is this course about?

Description

Join this course to explore the dynamic role of human language and its impact on our perception of the world and communication. We will delve into the connections between language, culture, and identity, analysing the reasons why language evolves over time and across different contexts. Discover how online communication influences language and explore the factors that impact language learning, growth, and endangerment in our communities. Gain insight into the essential role of language in making positive social change, and why having a deep understanding of language is crucial.

How will this course be delivered?

Activity Hours Beginning Week Frequency
Blended learning
Learning materials – Online learning materials 1hr Week 1 12 times
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – Scheduled face to face workshops. 2hrs Week 1 12 times
Online
Learning materials – Online learning materials 1hr Week 1 12 times
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – Scheduled synchronous online workshops 2hrs Week 1 12 times

Course Topics

  1. What is language / What is linguistics?
  2. Language as social action
  3. Multilingualism and linguistic landscapes
  4. Identity and language
  5. Language online
  6. Language variation and change
  7. Language learning and teaching
  8. Language and power
  9. Ecolinguistics
  10. Intercultural communication
  11. Language endangerment and revival
  12. English(es) as an international language

What level is this course?

200 Level (Developing)

Building on and expanding the scope of introductory knowledge and skills, developing breadth or depth and applying knowledge and skills in a new context. May require pre-requisites where discipline specific introductory knowledge or skills is necessary. Normally, undertaken in the second or third full-time year of an undergraduate programs.

What is the unit value of this course?

12 units

How does this course contribute to my learning?

Course Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this course, you should be able to... Graduate Qualities Mapping Completing these tasks successfully will contribute to you becoming... Professional Standard Mapping * Education for Sustainable Development Goals
1 Demonstrate how language affects the way we understand our world and our place in it. Knowledgeable
Empowered
Ethical
4, 5, 10, 16
2 Apply linguistic concepts to understand their own learning and use of language Creative and critical thinker
Empowered
Engaged

                                    
3 Discuss the importance of language to way our communities and society thinks, understands and communicates. Creative and critical thinker
Ethical
Sustainability-focussed
4, 5, 10, 16
4 Analyse how linguistic knowledge can be applied to address social issues and/or enhance future professional practice. Empowered
17

* Competencies by Professional Body

CODE COMPETENCY
Education for Sustainable Development Goals
4 Quality Education: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
5 Gender Equality: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
10 Reduced Inequalities: Reduce inequality within and among countries
16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels
17 Partnerships for the Goals: Strengthen the implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development

Am I eligible to enrol in this course?

Refer to the UniSC Glossary of terms for definitions of “pre-requisites, co-requisites and anti-requisites”.

Pre-requisites

Not applicable

Co-requisites

Not applicable

Anti-requisites

Not applicable

Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)

Not applicable

How am I going to be assessed?

Grading Scale

Standard Grading (GRD)

High Distinction (HD), Distinction (DN), Credit (CR), Pass (PS), Fail (FL).

Details of early feedback on progress

Formative feedback will come through online quizzes on weekly readings.

Assessment tasks

Delivery mode Task No. Assessment Product Individual or Group Weighting % What is the duration / length? When should I submit? Where should I submit it?
All 1 Report Individual 30%
800 words +/- 10%
Week 7 Online Submission
All 2 Oral Group 30%
In a groups you will produce an edited video presentation of up to 6 mins on one of the topics in the course. You will also include an activity or discussion prompt which your peers can engage with in tutorials/online which relates to the video.
Throughout teaching period (refer to Format) In Class
All 3 Essay Individual 40%
1500 words
Week 13 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All - Assessment Task 1:Linguistic Landscape Report
Goal:
Photograph instances of language in the urban environment visible to the public, including things like shop signs, street signs, posters, graffiti, notices, ect. Then, reflecting on the images you have captured, and the topics covered in the unit, identify the ways that language use both influences and is influenced by the surrounding social and cultural environment.
Product: Report
Format:
A multimodal word document that may include images, video, hyperlinks or other media along with your written reflections.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Demonstrates understanding relevant linguistic concepts.
4
2
Can identify appropriate examples of language use in the public sphere
1 3
3
Identify and describe links between public language use and wider social and cultural norms
2 3 4
All - Assessment Task 2:Topic presentation video
Goal:
You will develop your presentation and editing skills by producing a scholarly and engaging video presentation on one of the topics for this course. The aim is to provide a student-led exploration of questions related to the topic which can be shared with and discussed by fellow classmates.
Product: Oral
Format:
Videos and discussion prompts will be presented in workshops for the relevant week of that topic. Presentations will begin from week 6 of semester A reference list formatted in APA 7th style to be submitted with the video.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Description and application of linguistic concepts
1
2
Presentation- oral (communication features, organisation of ideas, using the oral genre)
2
3
Reflexivity – (quality and quantity of contributions to creating a collaborative community of learning and scholarship)
2
4
Application of linguistic theory to social, cultural and intercultural communication issues.
4
All - Assessment Task 3:Essay
Goal:
The goal of this task is to produce a reflective essay on your own experiences with and knowledge of language and how this knowledge can be applied to address social issues and/or enhance your future professional practice.
Product: Essay
Format:
Academic Format 

The final essay should be a 1500-word critical reflective essay using formal academic language and structure. The essay should be well researched and reference academic sources.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Demonstrate an understanding of concepts introduced in the course.
1
2
Relate linguistic concepts to to social, cultural and intercultural communication issues
4
3
Provide relevant examples of linguistic examples from everyday communicative settings
1 2
4
Demonstrate ability to support ideas with research from empirical scholarship.
1

Directed study hours

A 12-unit course will have total of 150 learning hours which will include directed study hours (including online if required), self-directed learning and completion of assessable tasks. Student workload is calculated at 12.5 learning hours per one unit.

What resources do I need to undertake this course?

Please note: Course information, including specific information of recommended readings, learning activities, resources, weekly readings, etc. are available on the course Canvas site– Please log in as soon as possible.

Prescribed text(s) or course reader

There are no required/recommended resources for this course.

Specific requirements

Not applicable

How are risks managed in this course?

Health and safety risks for this course have been assessed as low. It is your responsibility to review course material, search online, discuss with lecturers and peers and understand the health and safety risks associated with your specific course of study and to familiarise yourself with the University’s general health and safety principles by reviewing the online induction training for students, and following the instructions of the University staff.

What administrative information is relevant to this course?

Assessment: Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is the ethical standard of university participation.  It ensures that students graduate as a result of proving they are competent in their discipline.  This is integral in maintaining the value of academic qualifications. Each industry has expectations and standards of the skills and knowledge within that discipline and these are reflected in assessment.

Academic integrity means that you do not engage in any activity that is considered to be academic fraud; including plagiarism, collusion or outsourcing any part of any assessment item to any other person.  You are expected to be honest and ethical by completing all work yourself and indicating in your work which ideas and information were developed by you and which were taken from others. You cannot provide your assessment work to others. You are also expected to provide evidence of wide and critical reading, usually by using appropriate academic references.

In order to minimise incidents of academic fraud, this course may require that some of its assessment tasks, when submitted to Canvas, are electronically checked through Turnitin.  This software allows for text comparisons to be made between your submitted assessment item and all other work to which Turnitin has access.

Assessment: Additional Requirements

Your eligibility for supplementary assessment in a course is dependent of the following conditions applying:

The final mark is in the percentage range 47% to 49.4%
The course is graded using the Standard Grading scale
You have not failed an assessment task in the course due to academic misconduct

Assessment: Submission penalties

Late submission of assessment tasks may be penalised at the following maximum rate: 
- 5% (of the assessment task's identified value) per day for the first two days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. 
- 10% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the third day - 20% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the fourth day and subsequent days up to and including seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. 
- A result of zero is awarded for an assessment task submitted after seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. Weekdays and weekends are included in the calculation of days late. To request an extension you must contact your course coordinator to negotiate an outcome.

SafeUniSC

UniSC is committed to a culture of respect and providing a safe and supportive environment for all members of our community. For immediate assistance on campus contact SafeUniSC by phone: 07 5430 1168 or using the SafeZone app. For general enquires contact the SafeUniSC team by phone 07 5456 3864 or email safe@usc.edu.au.

The SafeUniSC Specialist Service is a Student Wellbeing service that provides free and confidential support to students who may have experienced or observed behaviour that could cause fear, offence or trauma. To contact the service call 07 5430 1226 or email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au.

Study help

For help with course-specific advice, for example what information to include in your assessment, you should first contact your tutor, then your course coordinator, if needed.

If you require additional assistance, the Learning Advisers are trained professionals who are ready to help you develop a wide range of academic skills. Visit the Learning Advisers web page for more information, or contact Student Central for further assistance: +61 7 5430 2890 or studentcentral@usc.edu.au.

Wellbeing Services

Student Wellbeing provide free and confidential counselling on a wide range of personal, academic, social and psychological matters, to foster positive mental health and wellbeing for your academic success.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 1226.

AccessAbility Services

Ability Advisers ensure equal access to all aspects of university life. If your studies are affected by a disability, learning disorder mental health issue, injury or illness, or you are a primary carer for someone with a disability or who is considered frail and aged, AccessAbility Services can provide access to appropriate reasonable adjustments and practical advice about the support and facilities available to you throughout the University.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email AccessAbility@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 2890.

Links to relevant University policy and procedures

For more information on Academic Learning & Teaching categories including:

  • Assessment: Courses and Coursework Programs
  • Review of Assessment and Final Grades
  • Supplementary Assessment
  • Central Examinations
  • Deferred Examinations
  • Student Conduct
  • Students with a Disability

For more information, visit https://www.usc.edu.au/explore/policies-and-procedures#academic-learning-and-teaching

Student Charter

UniSC is committed to excellence in teaching, research and engagement in an environment that is inclusive, inspiring, safe and respectful. The Student Charter sets out what students can expect from the University, and what in turn is expected of students, to achieve these outcomes.

General Enquiries

  • In person:
    • UniSC Sunshine Coast - Student Central, Ground Floor, Building C, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs
    • UniSC Moreton Bay - Service Centre, Ground Floor, Foundation Building, Gympie Road, Petrie
    • UniSC SouthBank - Student Central, Building A4 (SW1), 52 Merivale Street, South Brisbane
    • UniSC Gympie - Student Central, 71 Cartwright Road, Gympie
    • UniSC Fraser Coast - Student Central, Student Central, Building A, 161 Old Maryborough Rd, Hervey Bay
    • UniSC Caboolture - Student Central, Level 1 Building J, Cnr Manley and Tallon Street, Caboolture
  • Tel:+61 7 5430 2890
  • Email:studentcentral@usc.edu.au