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 connects language students with bilingual residents in the community who are native speaker of the respective target language. Students will be individually paired with elderly bilingual and engage in the target language during fortnightly conversation sessions.

Objectives

The unit aims to:

1. Development of linguistic and socio-cultural competence: Language learners benefit from naturalistic interactions with native speakers in genuine acquisition settings. This is particularly pertinent in situations where students have limited exposure to native speakers, as is the case in Australia, as opposed to Europe.
2. Intergenerational empathy: The younger generation is generally disconnected from older member of the community. At the same time, many elderly ageing residents feel isolated and disengaged. More engagement with local communities, becoming involved in mentoring schemes and opportunities to use their native language contribute to healthy and positive ageing. Existing language potential in our community constitutes a significant cultural and linguistic resource which remains under-utilised. The proposed initiative aims to take advantage of untapped potential by re-connecting the two demographics using a shared interest in language and culture.
3. Contextualisation of Language Learning: The proposed unit will add a practical dimension to existing linguistics units in LCL which focus primarily on theory, i.e. Second Language Acquisition and Attrition, Sociolinguistics, Language and Identity etc., and also the language classroom. The new unit will add an important practical dimension to existing, more artificial, classroom settings. It will enhance the School's curriculum by embedding participatory approaches to language education and participatory action research.

Assessment

Written work: 60%
Oral exams: 20%
Seminar presentation: 20%

Chief examiner(s)

Heinz Kreutz

Contact hours

One 3-hour conversation meeting per fortnight (6x per semester)
One 2-hour seminar with unit coordinator per fortnight (6x per semester)

Off-campus attendance requirements

The unit will not be available to off-campus students

Prerequisites

Level 6 language or above, with permission of participating LCL language program

Prohibitions

ATS2684