ATS2770 - English as an international language: Language and globalisation - 2017

This unit invites students to explore the role language, particularly English, plays in globalisation. It examines some social, economic, cultural, and linguistic implications of English language as it crosses cultural and geographic boundaries and settles down in countries where it is not spoken as the national language. Issues that may be discussed the impact of globalisation on language(s), English in the globalisation era, bilingualism and multilingualism, new and creative use of English in cyberspace and popular culture, cultural identity crisis or renewal, and languages in contact.

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

1. Demonstrate a high level of understanding and awareness of the social, cultural, economic, and linguistic implications of globalisation.
2. Appreciate the diverse forms and meanings that English language can have as a result of globalisation.
3. Show in-depth understanding of the purpose of the localisation and usage of English language in popular culture in multilingual and multicultural contexts.
4. Critically demonstrate the relationship between globalisation, language, and the construction of identity.

Within semester assessment: 100%

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. A unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

See also Unit timetable information

Dr Zhichang Xu

English as an international language

Global cultural literacies

Linguistics

Twelve credit points of first-year Arts units.