Monash University Handbook 2011 Postgraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Notes

Synopsis

This unit will provide an introduction to issues in language in education including, reading, writing, early childhood literacy, tertiary literacy and classroom practices. Literacies in media and computer communication contexts will be investigated including the language of hypertext, 'reading' in CMC, television and video discourse, and the ethical issues of access, participation and democratisation will also be explored. These topics help frame understandings about the measurement, acquisition, absence and change for literacies in communication contexts.

Objectives

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

1. Identify the attributes of major writing systems of the world;
2. describe the spoken-written language continuum and the features of computer-mediated communication; outline the strategies of literacy development in young children;
3. assess the effects of schooled literacy, second language literacy and biliteracy;
4. use ethnographic methods to study literacy events and assess the cultural impact of electronic literacy.

Assessment

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

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Alice Gaby