Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Unit

Synopsis

This unit will enable students to recognise the many ways in which language use and social structure are necessarily interrelated. Students will be introduced to analytical techniques drawn from grammar and stylistics, critical linguistics and literary criticism, and will apply them to the study of a range of literary and linguistic texts, focussing on the social and ideational implications of various syntactic, propositional and rhetorical forms. The unit will thus develop students' appreciation of language as a socio-textual institution, while strengthening their English literacy.

Objectives

On successful completion of this unit students will have:

1. a developed appreciation of language as a socio-textual institution and of the basic principles and techniques of theorising and reflecting upon English language use and writing practice.
2. proficiency in English comprehension and in the use of English for a variety of purposes.
3. the ability to identify and apply a range of analytical techniques for the purpose of critically analysing the social, political and rhetorical effects of a variety of specific linguistic and textual forms.
4. the capacity to recognise and apply a limited set of language-use strategies for producing coherently and effectively written texts.

Assessment

Analytical/Writing Exercises 1 (750 words) : 20%
Analytical/Writing Exercises 2 (750 words) : 20%
Essay (1,500 words) : 30%
Supervised assessment (Equivalent to 1500 words) : 30%

Contact hours

1 one-hour lecture + 1 one-hour tutorial per week

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

Writing
English

Prerequisites

COM1010 and COM1020