This course gives an introduction to human language, its structure and how it can be described and analysed, as well as what all human languages have in common and how they differ. The methodology of linguistics (the scientific study of language) is introduced, focusing on the formulation of generalisations that say what all human languages share. The aim of the unit is to give a conceptual framework for (1) thinking about and discussing language and language-related topics, and (2) aiding the acquisition of a second language. The course will be of interest to any student who wishes to learn more about language and is an essential foundation for further studies in linguistics.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- demonstrate their ability to describe properly basic aspects of language structure like speech sounds, words and sentences;
- apply basic linguistic analytical techniques to languages that are unfamiliar to them; and
- demonstrate their understanding of how the systems of a language interact with each other to connect meaning to form.
Indicative Assessment
- Analytical assignment 1 (1-2 pages of data; 2-4 pages of answer) (15) [LO 1,2,3]
- Analytical assignment 2 (1-2 pages of data; 2-4 pages of answer) (25) [LO 1,2,3]
- Tutorial problems (1 hour preparation each) (10) [LO 1,2]
- 3 hour formal final examination (50) [LO 1,2,3]
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
130 hours of total student learning time made up from: a) 36 hours of contact over 12 weeks: 24 hours of lectures and 12 hours of tutorials; b) 94 hours of independent student research, reading and writing.Inherent Requirements
Not applicable
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
Textbook:
Genetti, Carol (ed). 2019. How languages work: An introduction to language and linguistics. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
For additional readings, please refer to Wattle.
Majors
Minors
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you 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). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 1
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found 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 |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $4080 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $5280 |
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.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 19 Feb 2024 | 26 Feb 2024 | 05 Apr 2024 | 24 May 2024 | In Person | View |
