Monash University Arts Undergraduate Handbook, 1997

Objectives

Through the in-depth study of language, the Department of Linguistics aims to produce students who have acquired a range of cognitive, practical and interpersonal skills and abilities including:

the ability to read critically and analyse texts on and about language;
the ability to gather and assess evidence used in and for the study of language;
the ability to reason abductively, inductively and deductively;
the ability to communicate clearly and fluently in speech and writing appropriate to context and culture;
the ability to develop and present logical, persuasive and well-evidenced arguments in relation to language issues;
the ability to make use of computing and other technological know-how relevant to the study of linguistics.

These are achieved by (1) imparting and developing knowledge of the structural properties, the functions and uses of language; (2) providing students with the basic concepts and tools for exploring any language or language situation; and (3) familiarising students with a range of applications of linguistics in other areas of knowledge as well as in the solving of practical language problems. All courses in linguistics ranging from the study of sound systems, grammar and meaning to the study of language use in society contribute in more than one way towards achieving these aims.

Furthermore, the study of linguistics should provide students with analytical and problem-solving skills that can be transferred to other areas of study and knowledge. These include categorisation, problem identification, the ability to relate theory to practice, making judgement on accuracy, developing arguments to their conclusion, evaluating arguments and knowledge.

Since linguistics is linked closely to several other disciplines (eg sociology, anthropology, philosophy and psychology) students' acquisition of the linguistics knowledge base and methodology is beneficial to an understanding of these disciplines and makes it possible for students to engage in cooperative work with people from those disciplines.

Language being closely linked to culture, the study of linguistics enables students to develop not only knowledge of but also a critical perspective on a range of cultures, including Australian cultures.

Course structure objectives

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