Monash University Handbook 2011 Undergraduate - Unit

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

Notes

Synopsis

English has now achieved the status of an international language. It is now used between speakers from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds who bring with them their cultural norms such as norms of politeness into the interaction. Therefore, knowledge of the way English is used and cultures from different countries is essential in international communication settings. This unit examines in detail this issue and the complexity of communication in English in international contexts.

Objectives

1. Demonstrate a high level of critical understanding of the implications of the role of English as an international language for international communication;
2. Recognise and appreciate the diversity of cultural conventions and notions of politeness speakers of different cultural and linguistic backgrounds bring to communication within international contexts;
3. Demonstrate a high level of understanding of 'interaction as cooperation' in international communication contexts and apply this understanding to their own contexts of communication.

Assessment

Major Assignment: 45%
Minor Assignment: 25%
Final Test: 20%
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