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

The unit introduces students to Eastern Austronesian languages and cultures of Indonesia, East Timor and Oceania, covering issues in linguistic structure (morphology, syntax), sociolinguistic, and anthropological linguistics. Students will learn about the linguistic structure of Eastern Austronesian languages as well as the history of the Austronesian language family and the dispersal of the Austronesian people through linguistic, archaeological, anthropological, and genetic evidence. The unit will discuss issues such as language contact (including with neighbouring languages groups of Indonesia and New Guinea), special registers, language endangerment and language socialization.

Objectives

After successfully completing this unit, students should be able to:

1. describe and analyse data from Austronesian languages of the Molucas and Oceania,
2. identify key features of the morphology, syntax and semantics of these languages,
3. discuss the relationship between languages in this geographical area and identify contact phenomena between them,
4. use linguistic, archaeological, anthropological, and genetic evidence to evaluate theories of the history of Austronesian languages and of the dispersal of the Austronesian people.

1. use analytic and interpretative skills in dealing with language data
2. read critically
3. assess evidence supporting various theories and thereby evaluate these theories
4. present logical, coherent arguments both orally and in writing.

Assessment

Participation and class presentation: 30%
Written work: 70%

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Anna Margetts

Contact hours

1 two-hour seminar

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

Linguistics
Indonesian studies
Indonesian
Anthropology

Prerequisites

ATS1338 and ATS1339 OR ATS1254 and ATS1255 OR ATS1111 and ATS1112 OR ATS1113 and ATS1114

Prohibitions

ATS2666