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LING101 Introduction to Linguistics

Credit Points 6
Offering
Responsible Campus Teaching Period Mode of Study Online Level
Armidale Semester 1 Off Campus D - Comp/internet essential
Armidale Semester 1 On Campus D - Comp/internet essential
Intensive School(s) None
Supervised Exam There is a UNE Supervised Examination held at the end of the teaching period in which you are enrolled.
Pre-requisites None
Co-requisites None
Restrictions You can find instant answers to many of your questions or contact UNE directly via
Notes None
Combined Units None
Coordinator(s) Cindy Schneider (cindy.schneider@une.edu.au)
Unit Description

Language is fundamental to most aspects of human life. Using examples from English and other languages, this unit provides an introductory overview of the basic structural features of language, and of the techniques used by linguists to analyse the sounds, words, and grammar of any language. It also explores the role of language in society, touching on varieties of language (dialects, standards, etc.) and attitudes towards such varieties. Finally we examine the relationship between variation within a speech community and changes occurring in a language over time. There is an emphasis on problem-solving and data analysis; however, you do not need to know any language other than English to undertake this unit. Web access is essential.
Prescribed Material
Mandatory 		Text(s):

Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material

An Introduction to Language
ISBN: 9780170178259
Fromkin, V. and others, Cengage Learning 6th ed. 2009
Text refers to: Semester 1 , On and Off Campus
Recommended Material
Optional 		Text(s):

Note: Recommended material is held in the University Library - purchase is optional

Phonetics: An Interactive Introduction. (CD) Version 2.1
ISBN: NICK1
Reid, N., School of Behavioural, Cognitive and Social Sciences 2004
Text refers to: Semester 1 , On and Off Campus
Disclaimer Unit information may be subject to change prior to commencement of the teaching period.
Assessment
Title Exam Length Weight Mode No. Words
Online Assessments 50%
Assessment Notes
5 Tests each worth 10%
Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) and Graduate Attributes (GA)
LO: 1-6 GA: 1, 3 and 6
Worksheet 20%
Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) and Graduate Attributes (GA)
LO: 1, 3, 5 GA: 1, 3 and 6
Final Examination 2 hrs 30%
Assessment Notes
Written examination
Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) and Graduate Attributes (GA)
LO: 1-6 GA: 1, 3, 6

Learning Outcomes (LO) Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
  1. gain a knowledge of the analytical concepts and skills necessary to describe the sound systems, word structures, word meanings, and sentence patterns of a language;
  2. gain a knowledge of linguistic structures of non-English languages;
  3. gain insights into the role played by variation in linguistic codes and of English, and of other languages;
  4. be familiar with basic linguistic research into first language acquisition and second language learning;
  5. describe the problems of analysing meaning;
  6. analyse and describe how words are formed, and how certain words or parts of words function to produce meaning.

Graduate Attributes (GA)
Attribute Taught Assessed Practised
1 Knowledge of a Discipline
Students are given a broad coverage of the discipline; they have to opportunity to practise their acquired knowledge through in class participation and/or through online discussion. Their knowledge is examined with tests, a worksheet and an exam. 		True True True
2 Communication Skills
Students' involvement in this unit, whether through class or online discussion, will foster the ability to communicate effectively; encourage students to find, organise, and present information effectively; and to construct coherent and well reasoned arguments. 		True
3 Global Perspectives
This unit requires understanding of data from many different languages. The focus on cross-linguistic and cross-cultural foci, and a look at 'universal grammar' will enhance students' global perspective and will be assessed in all assessment tasks. 		True True True
4 Information Literacy
Online components of this unit provide opportunities for students to practise their information literacy skills particularly in the online quizzes and worksheet. 		True
5 Life-Long Learning
This unit provides the opportunity for students to identify, evaluate, and implement personal learning strategies and study skills that will be valuable throughout their life. Students are encouraged to think critically about languages they are exposed to. 		True
6 Problem Solving
In this unit students will be required to apply critical thinking to linguistic issues, and to solve data-based problems critically and intelligently in each of their assessment tasks. 		True True True
7 Social Responsibility
This unit will develop students' intercultural awareness and give a sense of the relationships that hold between language structures and social organisation. We also consider how language variation may provide grounds for discriminatory or unjust outcomes. We hope that the ability to make connections between language use and wider socio-political issues makes students more socially responsible. 		True True
8 Team Work
Teamwork is involved in in-class group activities for on-campus students and the online discussions, encourages a high level of group awareness and support among the students. 		True True
   

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