Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Unit

Synopsis

This unit demonstrates how the English language conveys meaning in a wide range of texts from description to evaluation. Through the study of selected texts students will have opportunity to examine how some of the unique features of structure and meaning in English are linked to specific functions and genres. This includes the study of some of the strategies that offer extended access to English text for the multilingual speaker. The focus of this unit is to increase the student's knowledge of both form and theory in English including areas such as critical thinking, professional register and the language of the academic discourse community.

Objectives

At the completion of this unit it is expected that students, as multilingual speakers, will be able to:

1. Form a general understanding of the social influences in English through a multilingual perspective.
2. Demonstrate how English language structures convey a range of meanings in text.
3. Consider the usefulness of a genre-based approach to meaning within English text.
4. Identify the cultural basis in the patterns of language choice in a range of functional genres applicable to their own language experience.
5. Explore the concept of choice through an examination of the genres and their expected language selection through the perspective of multilingual speakers.
6. Understand some of the complexity of language use in relation to its function and cultural specificity.
7. Work within a variety of registers and genres related to various discourse communities.
8. Identify the cultural influences in their language of instruction through an increased understanding of its systems of meaning.
9. Explain how the texts with which they interact have been formed to carry out the functions of this discourse community.

Assessment

Written work: 60%
Test: 20%
Oral Presentation: 10%
Class Participation: 10%

Chief examiner(s)

Assoc Prof Farzad Sharifian

Contact hours

3 hours (1 x 1 hour lecture, 1 x 2 hour seminar) per week.

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study

English as an international language