This course offers an introduction to the research approaches and methods used in linguistics, applied linguistics and other areas of research concerned with diverse linguistic and sociocultural phenomena. Key questions for emerging researchers are examined, including: (1) what counts as knowledge-building and evidence within different approaches to research, (2) what tools and techniques are available for researchers interested in linguistic and cultural practices, and (3) how to carry out research ethically. Students will explore a range of predominantly qualitative research approaches, methods and techniques, such as ethnography, co-design, mixed methods, interviews, surveys and discourse analysis, through critical reflection on studies that have employed the methods in focus. Students will have the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills to a personal research interest. Material submitted for assessment in this course may be incorporated into a student’s thesis.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. understand and apply established research approaches and techniques to identify, describe, analyse and explain linguistic and cultural phenomena;
2. critically evaluate studies that use qualitative research methodologies and techniques;
3. Identify and synthesise relevant literature and other information sources to form cogent interpretations and to identify research gaps;
4. interrogate the role of the researcher in relation to research topics, research participants and forms of knowledge; and
5. communicate effectively about research aims, methods and processes to academic, professional and general audiences.

Recommended Resources

Whether you are on campus or studying remotely, there are a variety of online platforms you will use to participate in your study program. These could include videos for lectures and other instruction, two-way video conferencing for interactive learning, email and other messaging tools for communication, interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities, print and/or photo/scan for handwritten work and drawings, and home-based assessment.

ANU outlines recommended student system requirements to ensure you are able to participate fully in your learning. Other information is also available about the various Learning Platforms you may use.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• numerical marks
• rubric descriptions
• written comments and/or annotations on extended written work
• feedback to whole class.

Students are also welcome to make an appointment to discuss their assessment with the lecturer.

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Topic: Research perspectives	See Reading Guide and Assessment Information booklet on Wattle for readings
2	Topic: Questions, ethics, trustworthiness	See Reading Guide and Assessment Information booklet on Wattle for readings
3	Topic: Data analysis	Forum post See Reading Guide and Assessment Information booklet on Wattle for readings
4	Topic: Interaction analysis	Forum post Quiz Critical evaluation of a qualitative study (for Week 3 discussants) See Reading Guide and Assessment Information booklet on Wattle for readings
5	Topic: Observation & Ethnography	Forum post Critical evaluation of a qualitative study (for Week 4 discussants) See Reading Guide and Assessment Information booklet on Wattle for readings
6	Topic: Elicitation	Forum post ?Critical evaluation of a qualitative study (for Week 5 discussants) See Reading Guide and Assessment Information booklet on Wattle for readings
7	Topic: Case study & narrative inquiry	Forum post Qualitative data analysis assignment See Reading Guide and Assessment Information booklet on Wattle for readings
8	Topic: Co-design	Forum post Critical evaluation of a qualitative study (for Week 6&7 discussants) See Reading Guide and Assessment Information booklet on Wattle for readings
9	Topic: Classroom-based research	Forum post Critical evaluation of a qualitative study (for Week 8 discussants) See Reading Guide and Assessment Information booklet on Wattle for readings
10	Topic: Mixed Methods	Forum post Critical evaluation of a qualitative study (for Week 9 discussants) See Reading Guide and Assessment Information booklet on Wattle for readings
11	Topic: Critical qualitative inquiry	Forum post Critical evaluation of a qualitative study (for Week 10 discussants) See Reading Guide and Assessment Information booklet on Wattle for readings
12	Course Conference	Presentation Critical evaluation of a qualitative study (for Week 11 discussants) See Reading Guide and Assessment Information booklet on Wattle for readings

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Learning Outcomes
Quiz	5 %	1
Critical evaluation of a qualitative study	20 %	1
Contribution to reader forum	5 %	1, 2
Qualitative data analysis assignment	20 %	1, 2
Research proposal/study presentation	10 %	1, 2, 4
Research proposal or small study	40 %	1, 2, 3

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Guideline and General Information 
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using 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. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Assessment Task 1

Quiz

See Reading Guide and Assessment Information booklet on Wattle for detailed task information.

5%

Assessment Task 2

Critical evaluation of a qualitative study

See Reading Guide and Assessment Information booklet on Wattle for detailed task information.

20%

Assessment Task 3

Contribution to reader forum

See Reading Guide and Assessment Information booklet on Wattle for detailed task information.

5%

Assessment Task 4

Qualitative data analysis assignment

See Reading Guide and Assessment Information booklet on Wattle for detailed task information.

20%

Assessment Task 5

Research proposal/study presentation

See Reading Guide and Assessment Information booklet on Wattle for detailed task information.

10%

Assessment Task 6

Research proposal or small study

See Reading Guide and Assessment Information booklet on Wattle for detailed task information.

40%

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material.

Returning Assignments

Assignments will be returned approximately 2 weeks after submission.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

Resubmission not permitted.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Access and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students