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Language and Identity (LING30012)
Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5Not available in 2022
From 2023 most subjects will be taught on campus only with flexible options limited to a select number of postgraduate programs and individual subjects.
To learn more, visit COVID-19 course and subject delivery.
Overview
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This subject introduces students to the ways in which language indexes and constructs identities in social contexts. It introduces students to a range of theoretical approaches, and the distinctive research methodologies associated with each. These include language socialization. studies of language in social interaction using the techniques of Conversation Analysis and discourse analysis (including critical discourse analysis). and poststructuralist approaches to language and subjectivity. Topics covered will include gender-related language use, language and racism, language and sexuality, the negotiation and deployment of identities in face-to-face interaction, and the way language and discourse construct and maintain a sense of "otherness". On completion of the subject, students should be able to recognise ways in which language and discourse construct particular social identities of relevance to themselves, and critically analyse ways of thinking about the complex phenomenon of language and identity.
Intended learning outcomes
On successful completion of this subject, students should:
- be able to think critically and in theoretical terms about possible relationships between language and identity;
- be able to analyse and critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of a variety of approaches to investigating such relationships, and position themselves within theoretical debates within this field;
- have positioned themselves towards the broader implications of research in language and identity for issues in gender, ethnicity, sexuality, racism and nationalism;
- be able to confidently deploy discipline specific research skills using primary and secondary sources and empirical data with a strong sense of research ethics and intellectual integrity;
- have attained advanced abilities in writing and other modalities;
- have consolidated their understanding of social and cultural diversity in the university and wider community.
Generic skills
At the completion of this subject, students should:
- be able to communicate intelligibly and economically their understanding of debates within this area;
- understand the social and cultural context of the construction of identities in and through language.
Last updated: 11 April 2024
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 11 April 2024
Assessment
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
Assignment 1 | Mid semester | 50% |
Assignment 2 | Mid semester | 50% |
Hurdle requirement: Students must attend a minimum of 75% of tutorials in order to pass this subject. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject. | Throughout the teaching period | N/A |
Additional details
Note: Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per working day. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked.
Last updated: 11 April 2024
Dates & times
Not available in 2022
Time commitment details
170 hours
Last updated: 11 April 2024
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
A subject reader will be made available.
Recommended texts and other resources
Benwell, Betham and Elizabeth Stokoe (2006). Discourse and Identity. Edinburgh: Edinburgh
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Major Gender Studies Minor English Language Studies Major Linguistics and Applied Linguistics Informal specialisation English Language - 200 Point Program Informal specialisation Language Testing - 200 Point Program Informal specialisation TESOL - 200 Point Program Informal specialisation Technology in Language Learning - 200 Point Program - Breadth options
This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:
- Bachelor of Biomedicine
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Design
- Bachelor of Environments
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Animation)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Film and Television)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Production)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Screenwriting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Art)
- Bachelor of Music
- Bachelor of Science
- Links to additional information
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.
Last updated: 11 April 2024