EPHUMA149
10 units
level
Course handbook
Description
This course is an introduction to the study of language in relation to society, known as sociolinguistics. Studying sociolinguistics, and more specifically the use of language in its social context, allows students to have a proper understanding of the social role of language. Local and global perspectives are taken in this course, as we explore how language differs between speakers separated by social variables including social status, ethnicity, gender, and age. Furthermore, we will be exploring how language is used as a marker of social identity and often utilised as a tool of social power. Another aim of this course is to equip students with language awareness skills in multilingual societies and the application of these skills in everyday life. Some of the methods used include case studies from different communities around the world, which demonstrate how social relationships are established between these communities. Students are encouraged to engage in objective analysis of various aspects of the social role of language. The main aim is to provide them with an opportunity to develop critical skills necessary for undergraduate study through the embedded teaching of academic literacies.
Availability2024 Course Timetables
Callaghan
- Semester 1 - 2024
Ourimbah
- Semester 1 - 2024
Online
- Semester 1 - 2024
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the course students will be able to:
1. Explain how social factors, including gender, age, regional and cultural background, social status, and attitude influence language choice and language style.
2. Demonstrate awareness of language variation, shift, and maintenance among Indigenous and multilingual communities in local and global contexts.
3. Accurately utilise and demonstrate an understanding of sociolinguistic terminology, concepts, and methodology.
4. Demonstrate an appropriate level of academic literacies for tertiary study.
Content
- Social factors influencing why we say the same thing in different ways
- How language varies across different geographical regions and social strata
- How language is used differently for different purposes
- Language choice, shift, and maintenance in Indigenous, multilingual, and multicultural communities
- The role of language in constructs of gender, sexuality, and sexism
- Standard and vernacular languages
- Attitudes towards language variation and change
- The results of contact between different language groups
Requisite
If you have successfully completed EPHUMA311 you cannot enrol in this course.
Assessment items
Quiz: Online Quiz 1
Quiz: Online Quiz 2
Case Study / Problem Based Learning: Case Study
In Term Test: Exam
Contact hours
Semester 1 - 2024 - Callaghan
Lecture-1
- Face to Face On Campus 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 12 week(s) starting in week 1
Tutorial-1
- Face to Face On Campus 1 hour(s) per week(s) for 11 week(s) starting in week 2
Semester 1 - 2024 - Ourimbah
Lecture-1
- Face to Face On Campus 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 12 week(s) starting in week 1
Tutorial-1
- Face to Face On Campus 1 hour(s) per week(s) for 11 week(s) starting in week 2
Semester 1 - 2024 - Online
Self-Directed Learning-1
- Self-Directed 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 12 week(s) starting in week 1
- Self-Directed learning is equivalent to face-to-face contact hours. It involves engagement with course materials that are delivered at a time that suits you via short videos, course notes, podcasts, readings and other activities.
Tutorial-1
- Online 1 hour(s) per week(s) for 12 week(s) starting in week 1
Course outline
- EPHUMA149 - Semester 1, 2024 (Callaghan) (PDF, 274.3 KB)
- EPHUMA149 - Semester 1, 2024 (Centralcst) (PDF, 273.9 KB)
- EPHUMA149 - Semester 1, 2024 (Online) (PDF, 274.4 KB)
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.