Language and Communication (EDUC90506)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5Online and On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
Contact information
March
March
Overview
| Availability | March - Online March - On Campus |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
This subject examines contemporary theories and research into the acquisition and development of language, communication and early literacy skills in typically developing children and the impact of language delay and disorder, disability, learning difficulties and deafness on these interrelated processes. It introduces the subsystems of language and explores the development of language, including sign language, from preverbal communication through to complex language and discourse. Tools and strategies to support observation, classification and assessment of communication and language abilities are also explored. The subject addresses the impacts of learning difficulties, deafness, disability and neurodiversity on language and communication and presents current research on developing communication and language in diverse learners, including those using Auslan or Augmentative and Alternative Communication to communicate.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject, students should be able to:
- Critically review developmental hierarchies of communication, language and speech.
- Evaluate the impact of neurological and sensory disabilities on the development of communication, language and speech.
- Select, implement and interpret tools to describe communication, language and speech.
- Investigate communication contexts and their impact on communication and language development.
- Critically evaluate research into the impacts of disability, deafness, learning difficulties and neurodiversity on communication and language development.
- Investigate evidence-based strategies to facilitate communication and language development through spoken, signed and alternative and augmentative communication modes.
Generic skills
This subject will develop the following set of key transferable skills:
- Critical reasoning and thinking
- Problem solving
- Communication
- Evidence based decision making
- Creativity and innovation
Last updated: 4 March 2025
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: 4 March 2025
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
Written take home exam that will incorporate interpretation of information, student data and communication samples
| Mid semester | 50% |
Case study focused on describing communication in learners with disability, learning difficulties or hearing loss
| During the examination period | 50% |
| Hurdle requirement: A minimum of 75% attendance at, or engagement with, all sessions identified as contact hours (may include lectures, tutorials, seminars and workshops, both synchronous and asynchronous). | Throughout the teaching period | N/A |
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Dates & times
- March - Online
Coordinators Amy Bonsor and Kate Leigh Mode of delivery Online Contact hours 24 hours of online classes Total time commitment 170 hours Pre teaching start date 24 February 2025 Pre teaching requirements During the pre-teaching period, students will be expected to engage with materials posted on the LMS. Teaching period 16 March 2025 to 1 June 2025 Last self-enrol date 28 February 2025 Census date 21 March 2025 Last date to withdraw without fail 2 May 2025 Assessment period ends 9 June 2025 March contact information
- March - On Campus
Coordinators Kate Leigh and Amy Bonsor Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 24 hours of on campus seminars Total time commitment 170 hours Pre teaching start date 24 February 2025 Pre teaching requirements During the pre-teaching period, students will be expected to engage with materials posted on the LMS. Teaching period 16 March 2025 to 1 June 2025 Last self-enrol date 28 February 2025 Census date 21 March 2025 Last date to withdraw without fail 2 May 2025 Assessment period ends 9 June 2025 March contact information
What do these dates mean
Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:
- Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
- And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
- Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Further information
- Texts
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Master of Learning Intervention Course Graduate Certificate in Learning Intervention Specialisation (formal) Disability Specialisation (formal) Learning Difficulties Specialisation (formal) Deaf Education - Links to additional information
Faculty of Education: www.education.unimelb.edu.au
Last updated: 4 March 2025