Key facts
UNE unit code: LING401
*You are viewing the 2027 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
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 1 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- demonstrate coherent and advanced knowledge of the analytical concepts and skills necessary to describe the sound systems, word formation processes, word structures, and sentence structures of human languages;
- apply analytic techniques to identify linguistic structures in a range of languages;
- demonstrate an advanced understanding of the range of methodologies used to ethically study language;
- demonstrate an advanced understanding of a range of core concepts in key special topics such as language variation, language change, and writing systems; and
- 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.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Examination - Assurance Task 2 | Yes | 30% | 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 (equivalent) |
| Project and Oral Examination - Assurance Task 1 | Yes | 20% | 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) |
| Worksheet | Yes | 50% | 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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