Key facts

UNE unit code: LING101

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

Start
  • Trimester 1 - On Campus
  • Trimester 1 - Online
Campus
  • Armidale Campus
24/7 online support
  • Yes
Intensive schools
  • No
Supervised exam
  • Yes
Credit points
  • 6

Unit information

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Language is a fundamental aspect of our humanity. In this unit you will receive an introductory overview of the basic structural features of language, and the techniques used by linguists to analyse the sounds, words, and grammar of any language. This unit will also teach you how to identify, analyse and evaluate the role that language plays in Australian society and in other societies and cultures.

You will examine varieties of language (dialects, standards, etc.) and the attitudes people have towards them. You’ll also look at how language changes over time and delve into the outcomes of language contact, such as how new languages develop and how societies embrace multilingualism.

Finally, you will consider the history of writing and how diverse types of writing systems are organised. 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.

Offerings

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

Teaching period
Mode/location
Trimester 1On Campus, Armidale Campus
Trimester 1Online

*Offering is subject to availability

Intensive schools

There are no intensive schools required for this unit.

Enrolment rules

Restrictions
LING401 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 knowledge of the analytical concepts and skills necessary to describe the sound systems, word formation processes, word structures, and sentence structures of human languages;
  2. apply analytic techniques to identify linguistic structures in a range of languages;
  3. demonstrate an understanding of the range of methodologies used to ethically study language;
  4. explain the role played by variation in English, and in other languages;
  5. demonstrate an understanding of the way language changes over time, including the outcomes of language change and what drives these processes; and
  6. demonstrate an understanding of the characteristic features and distribution of different writing systems.

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 TaskYes50%All offerings

Supervised Exam.

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

Students must obtain at least 50% in the examination (and at least 50% overall) to receive a pass or better in the unit.

No. Words: 2000

WorksheetYes50%All offerings

Written assessment

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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At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.

We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*

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