Key facts
UNE unit code: LING381
*You are viewing the 2024 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 3 - Online
- Yes
- No
- No
- 6
Unit information
This Australian-first interdisciplinary unit prepares you for new career opportunities arising from growing demand for expertise in writing systems, in a range of professional and academic sectors.
You will be introduced to the diverse ways languages around the world are written, how writing as a technology has influenced society and how society has, in turn, shaped its development. You will also explore the typologies of world writing systems, their evolution from prehistoric times to the digital age, as well as a range of foundational methods in analysing texts.
Drawing on UNE’s extensive linguistics expertise and supported by a suite of online tools, you will gain insights into the key structural properties of writing as well as its sociolinguistic and anthropological implications.
Besides being the first, and currently only, unit in this field of study offered at any Australian university, what really sets it apart is the inclusion of Australian Indigenous perspectives.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 3 | 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 structural, sociolinguistic, historical and anthropological knowledge of the major writing systems in the world, including their descriptions, typological classifications, main characteristics, associated languages and historical/sociolinguistic issues;
- demonstrate clear understanding of how to approach the units of writing systems from graphemic and graphetic perspectives;
- exercise judgement in undertaking grapholinguistic analysis;
- demonstrate clear understanding of how grapholinguistic issues fit in and interact with the disciplines of Linguistics, History, Anthropology and Education as a whole;
- explain grapholinguistic phenomena to others; and
- demonstrate responsibility and independence 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1 | Yes | 40% | All offerings | No. of words: 1000 each 2 online quizzes worth 20% each |
| Assessment 2 | Yes | 30% | All offerings | No. of words: 2000 Worksheet 1 |
| Assessment 3 | Yes | 30% | All offerings | No. of words: 2000 Worksheet 2 |
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:
The Writing Revolution: Cuneiform to the Internet
ISBN: 9781444359855
Gnanadesikan, Amalia E., Wiley-Blackwell 2009
Text refers to: All offerings
An Exploration of Writing
ISBN: 9781781796092
Daniels, Peter T., Equinox 2018
Text refers to: All offerings
Writing Systems
ISBN: 9781781792858
Sampson, Geoffrey, Equinox 2015
Text refers to: All offerings
Note: Recommended material is held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
The World's Writing Systems
ISBN: 9780195079937
Daniels, Peter T. & Bright, William (eds.), Oxford University Press 1996
Text refers to: All offerings
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Studying online
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.*
*The Good Universities Guide
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