Key facts

UNE unit code: LING402

*You are viewing the 2027 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.

Start
  • Trimester 2 - Online
24/7 online support
  • Yes
Intensive schools
  • No
Supervised exam
  • Yes
Credit points
  • 6

Unit information

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In this unit you will build on the structural topics of the prerequisite unit. Using examples from English and other languages, you will continue to explore the basic structural features of language, including techniques of phonemic analysis, morphology, syntax and pragmatics. This will build a solid foundation on which to examine the myriad ways languages are constructed.

You will also explore a variety of special topics including language acquisition, cognitive linguistics and the role of language in society. We’ll also use our understanding of what language is, to critically evaluate claims that computers can do it too. As with the prerequisite unit, there is an emphasis on problem-solving and data analysis, and these skills will be expanded by further academic writing tasks.

You do not need to know any language other than English to undertake this unit, but you will be challenged to engage with the world’s rich array of languages.

Offerings

For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.

Teaching period
Mode/location
Trimester 2Online

*Offering is subject to availability

Intensive schools

There are no intensive schools required for this unit.

Enrolment rules

Pre-requisites
LING401 and candidature in a postgraduate award
Restrictions
LING102 or LING100
Combined units

Notes

Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.

Unit coordinator(s)

Sally Dixon

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. demonstrate coherent advanced knowledge of the analytical concepts and skills necessary to delineate the sound systems of a language, and describe the clause constituents and sentence patterns of human languages;
  2. demonstrate an advanced understanding of key facets of semantic and pragmatic meaning;
  3. independently identify the structural properties of language use in texts, special discourse contexts and interaction;
  4. demonstrate an advanced understanding of a range of core concepts in key special topics such as language ideologies, language acquisition, cognitive linguistics and computational linguistics (including AI); and
  5. adapt and apply the knowledge gained here to new linguistic contexts and in professional practice situations while demonstrating responsibility and autonomy in individual and/or collaborative work tasks.

Assessment information

Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.

TitleMust CompleteWeightOfferingsAssessment Notes
Examination - Assurance Task 2Yes30%All offerings

Supervised Exam.

This online exam will be supervised via webcam and screen sharing technology. Coordinated by UNE Exams Unit.

This is a multiple-choice exam exam that assesses students' understanding of key topic concepts and ability to apply them to novel data prompts. 

Students must obtain at least 50% in both Assurance Task 1 and 2 (and at least 50% overall) to receive a pass or better in the unit.

No. Words: 2000 

Project and Oral Examination - Assurance Task 1Yes20%All offerings

Students will apply their knowledge of key topic concepts to an applied context of their choice, for example, in the design of a lesson plan. They will submit a 1000-word description, including a personal reflection component. They will then complete a short (~5-10 min) oral exam where they will be asked questions about their project description.

Students must obtain at least 50% in both Assurance Task 1 and 2 (and at least 50% overall) to receive a pass or better in the unit.

No. Words: 1500 (equivalent)

WorksheetYes50%All offerings

This is a formative, written task that asks students to apply key topic concepts to a range of problem sets and prompts.

No. Words: 2000

Learning resources

Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.

Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.

For the Love of Language

ISBN: 9781108701013

Kate Burridge and Tonya Stebbins, 2nd 2019

Text refers to: All offerings

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