Monash University Handbook 2010 Postgraduate - Unit

Synopsis

This unit provides an introduction to a range of theories of bilingualism and how bilinguals make use of their languages across a range of setting and societies. It explores these issues from a range of perspectives, such as different types and degrees of bilingualism, the different roles played by each language in bilingual societies, the properties of bilingual speech, the bilingual brain and educational and other social policy for bilingualism. A key interest is also the ways in which theoretical stances inform our understanding of bilingualism and social policy, and the ways in which research into bilingualism can help inform wider theories of language acquisition, processing and use.

Objectives

At the conclusion of the unit, students will be able to:

1. explain how various scholars define the term "bilingualism" and the implications of this for research findings
2. undertake linguistic analysis of bilingual speech
3. identify and articulate factors which contribute to language maintenance and shift
4. evaluate the effectiveness of bilingual education programs and other social policies for bilingualism
5. use library and web resources to research current and emerging issues in the field, and
6. conduct a major research project on an area of bilingualism or bilingual development of interest to the student.

Assessment

Written Work (9,000 words in total): 100%

Chief examiner(s)

Anna Margetts