Language, society and cultural difference
Dr L Farrell and Dr G Tsolidis
Second semester * Clayton
This subject explores the ways in which notions of race/ethnicity are constructed, particularly in the Australian context. Gender and class, as these interrelate with this process, are also examined. Specifically, language is discussed and its role in this process emphasised. Schooling and adult and workplace education provide the contexts for these discussions both for their potential to shape and challenge notions of what constitutes race/ethnicity and the role of language in this construction. The subject falls into two sections. The first considers the construction of ethnicity, the process of racialisation and the role of gender within these. Immigration and policies related to ethnic differences are examined particularly in relation to education. The second section of the subject focuses on the role of language in the process of social construction. The framing concept of `discourse' is used to discuss issues of language and power, the social contexts of literacy, curriculum practices, assessment and language policy.
Assessment
Written (6000 words) * Class participation
Recommended texts
Castles and others Mistaken identity Pluto Press, 1988
Corson Language minority education and gender Multilingual Matters, 1993