ATS3781 - English as an international language: Writing across cultures - 2019

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 intercultural communication contexts. It enables students to challenge the assumption behind 'standard' and 'conventional' writing practices in English, as well as to discuss key aspects and features of writing in English for international communication.

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

1. explain how a person brings his/her own cultural practices and identities into writing in English;
2. develop awareness of features of writing in World Englishes across cultures;
3. develop a critical perspective on 'good writing' in today's globalised world;
4. challenge the assumptions behind one hegemonic model of writing in English for international communication;
5. develop meta-cultural writing competence for successful written intercultural communication.

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

Linguistics