Do we see our world through the language we speak or does everyone see the world in the same way? Are all languages equal? What does it mean to speak a dialect of a language? What is language variation? How do we show our identity through language? This course surveys the main concepts and methods used to analyse language within different social settings. Concepts will be illustrated by current and topical examples. Students will also have an opportunity to observe language in its social context.
Language and Society (LING6002) is important for anyone who wants to understand the way in which languages function in society. It is an introductory course designed to enable students to acquire an understanding of the different concepts and methods used to analyse language within different social settings. It provides students with the basic skills for carrying out research into language in society. Issues covered will include collecting, describing and interpreting sociolinguistic data and reporting research findings. Students will be given an opportunity to carry out their own sociolinguistic survey.
This course is compulsory for graduate students who wish to undertake further research (thesis or sub-thesis) in the area of sociolinguistics. It is recommended for graduate students who wish to undertake further research in applied linguistics. Students should consult with the convenor of Linguistics or Applied Linguistics or their potential supervisor as to whether or not they are required to take the course.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Assess the ways in which speakers use linguistic choices to communicate social meaning, such as age, gender, social network, socio-economic status.
- Work in small groups to explain issues related to language and society.
- Critically evaluate various sociolinguistic theories and research.
- Think about, write and present an argument using evidence and results from sociolinguistic research.
- Critically evaluate recent articles in contemporary sociolinguistic journals.
Other Information
None.
Indicative Assessment
Two critical summaries 1000 words total (10%) [LOs 3, 5]
Practical assignment of 2500 words (35%) LOs 1, 3, 4, 5] requiring students to collect sociolinguistic data for analysis.
Three tutorial responses of 750 words total (15% total) [LOs 1, 2, 3, 4]
An essay of 2500 words (40%) [LOs 1, 3, 4, 5]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
This course has 3 contact hours per week (lectures, tutorials and online discussions). It is expected that students will spend an additional 7 hours per week of independent study preparing assignments and doing further reading.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
Van Herk, Gerard (2012) What is Sociolinguistics? Wiley-Blackwell: Chichester, UK.
Preliminary Reading
Students will be given a full reading list at the beginning of the semester. Journals that publish sociolinguistics research include,Journal of Sociolingusitcs, Journal of Pragmatics, Language in Society.
Assumed Knowledge
This course introduces graduate students to sociolinguistics. Students are not required to have completed any prior course before enrolling in this course.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 1
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are an undergraduate student and have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees. Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2015 | $2604 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2015 | $4146 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1261 | 20 Jul 2015 | 07 Aug 2015 | 31 Aug 2015 | 30 Oct 2015 | In Person | N/A |
