ATS3781 - English as an international language: Writing across cultures - 2017

With English being an international language, using only one pattern of writing in English as the 'best' model because English speaking countries are the 'exclusive sole owners' of the language may no longer be relevant. What is considered to be "good or bad writing" in English, therefore, deserves thorough and critical investigation. This unit encourages students to investigate a variety of English writing practices in different societies. This should enable them to challenge the 'secret' behind some pedagogical feedback, as well as to discuss some key aspects/features of writing in English in international communication settings..

At the completion of this unit it is expected that students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of how a person brings his/her own cultural practice and cultural identity into writing;
2. Demonstrate awareness of features of writing in World Englishes and in different societies in the world;
3. Have a critical perspective on 'good writing' in today's globalised world.
4. Critically challenge the assumptions behind one hegemonic model of writing in English in international communication;
5. Develop cross-cultural and international writing competence in an international professional context.

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

Linguistics