EIL4301 - English as an International Language: Multilingual Identity

Leader: Dr Farzad Sharifian

Offered

Clayton First semester 2007 (Day)
Clayton Second semester 2007 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit will provide students with the opportunity to extend their study of the contextual and cultural influences that affect meaning structures and perception in English. Through an examination of prescribed texts the unit offers an analysis of the relationship of language and worldview, particularly looking at the creation of contextual identities through the cultural schemas of multilingual speakers of English. Specific focus will be given to the perceptual, ideological and social implications of English as an international language and its role in the creation of a multilingual identity.

Objectives

Upon the successful completion of this unit students will be able to demonstrate:

1. knowledge of the social and cultural influences that affect the worldview of the multilingual user of English,
2. knowledge of a range of world Englishes and their relation to different cultures,
3. a critical appreciation of the prescribed texts, including the ability to form an objective response to the issues they contain,
4. the ability to identify the different theoretical positions offered by the texts studied,
5. detailed knowledge and understanding of the cultural and social influences that affect the development of various cultural identities and their language,
6. the ability to research the social and cultural background influences that are often hidden but construct an ideological perspective in the creation of meaning in English, and
7. the ability to recognize the differences between evidence, interpretation, opinion and facts in secondary sources.

Assessment

Critical, analytical essay (3000 words): 25%;
Research essay (3000 words): 25%;
Class test (1000 words) (equivalent): 20%;
Research Project (both oral and written) (2000 words) (equivalent): 30%.

Contact hours

One X 2hr seminar

Prerequisites

Major sequence in English as an International Language with a 70% average.

Co-requisites

EIL4101, EIL4201