Course Title: Global Language
Part A: Course Overview
Course Title: Global Language
Credit Points: 12.00
Terms
Course Code |
Campus |
Career |
School |
Learning Mode |
Teaching Period(s) |
SOCU2304 |
City Campus |
Postgraduate |
365H Global, Urban and Social Studies |
Face-to-Face |
Sem 1 2022, Sem 1 2023, Sem 1 2024 |
Course Coordinator: Gillian Darcy
Course Coordinator Phone: +61 (3) 9925 1716
Course Coordinator Email: gillian.darcy@rmit.edu.au
Course Coordinator Location: Building 37. Floor 5
Course Coordinator Availability: By appointment
Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities
None
Course Description
In this course you will examine the general background to the socio-linguistic and political aspects of language use and language policy in the contemporary world, including the emergence of English as a global language.
You will focus on a number of case studies to examine the intersections of language, culture, identity and power in various national and regional contexts, noting the politicized nature of both individual and government decisions about language and its uses in the public and private spheres.
You will use sociolinguistic theories to examine the dynamic nature of language in a globalised world, including new varieties and hybrids; the emergence of global languages as a means of international communication; and the subsequent threat to many indigenous and minority languages.
The course will focus on the competing interests of different language groups and different actors in contemporary debates about the role of language and in language policy and planning in national and supranational contexts.
Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development
This is an optional course in the Master of Translating and Interpreting, MC214.
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:
- Critically reflect on the significance of cultural and linguistic diversity in the modern world.
- Analyse and synthesise issues of language in terms of core theories of globalisation, nationalism, identity, colonialism and imperialism.
- Apply sociolinguistic theories and concepts to analyse different language contexts.
- Critically evaluate the consequences and effectiveness of language policy in local, national and institutional contexts.
Overview of Learning Activities
You will be engaged in learning that involves a range of activities both face-to-face and online such as lectures, seminars, guest speakers, the presentation of audio-visual materials, and interactive tutorial activities including group-based discussion and problem-solving tasks.
You will be expected to actively contribute to the construction of a supportive learning environment, in which peer-based learning will be an important component. Participation in discussions and activities, and engagement with the weekly reading materials is expected.
Overview of Learning Resources
RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through our online systems.
A list of prescribed and recommended learning resources will be provided by your lecturer, including books, journal articles and web resources. You will also be expected to seek further resources relevant to the focus of your own learning.
There are services available to support your learning through the University Library. The Library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services. For further information, please visit the Library page on the RMIT University website and the myRMIT student portal.
Overview of Assessment
You will be required to submit a range of assessments throughout the semester to demonstrate how well you meet the course’s learning outcomes and capabilities. Assessment tasks may involve working independently and/or as part of a pair or team on a range of written, oral and interactive tasks (for example, in-class tests, essays, class presentations, group projects, debates, learning diaries, final exams etc). You will also receive verbal and/or written feedback from your lecturers and/or peers on your assessment tasks.
You will be assessed on how well you meet the course learning outcomes and on your development throughout the course.
Assessment Tasks
Assessment Task 1: Reading logs and contribution to peer learning, 10% (CLO2, CLO3)
Assessment Task 2: Annotated bibliography, 1,000 words, 20%, (CLO1, CLO2, CLO4)
Assessment Task 3: Group presentation, 1,500 words, 30%, (CLO1, CLO3, CLO4)
Assessment Task 4: Research project, 2000-2,500 words, 40%, (CLO1, CLO2, CLO3, CLO4)
Feedback will be given on all assessment tasks.
If you have a long term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.
Your course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies, procedures and instructions.