Foundations of Language

On successful completion of the course students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the nature of language as the human communication system

2. Demonstrate an understanding of the basic principles of English sentence structure, and the ability to analyse simple English clause structures and to identify the functions of component parts of clauses

3. Demonstrate an awareness of the interpersonal functions and social meanings associated with variation and choice in language use

4. Demonstrate an awareness of differences in language variety and text types which result from choice of medium, function, or social context

5. Demonstrate an understanding of the processes involved in children's acquisition of language and in the development of literacy

6. Demonstrate an awareness of alternative theories of language learning processes

7. Demonstrate an awareness of a wide range of texts including literary, factual and multimedia texts

8. Demonstrate an understanding of literature that gives insights into Aboriginal, multicultural and children's experiences

Topics to be covered in this course include:

1. The nature of language as a human communication system
2. Structure of English: introduction to the study of English sentence structure including the grammatical functions of the noun phrase and the verbal systems of tense and voice
3. Language in society: social variation in language use; the social meaning of language choice; "standard" and "non-standard" varieties of English
4. Spoken and written language - detailed investigation of similarities and differences
5. Language and text: study of various text types; coherence and cohesion in written language
6. Language acquisition: studies of child language acquisition
7. Acquisition of literacy: reading; writing; spelling; analysis of children's output
8. The role of children's literature in developing literacy
9. Structural analysis of children's literature
10. Genres in children's literature

This course is only available to students enrolled in the Bachelor of Teaching (Primary)/Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) (Honours) programs.

Online Learning Activity: Online multiple choice assignments

Case Study / Problem Based Learning: Case Study

Formal Examination: Exam

Participation: Completion of check point quizzes

Callaghan, Ourimbah and Port Macquarie Nth Coast Inst