Head: Dr Keith Allan and Dr Heather Bowe
Graduate studies coordinators: Dr Keith Allan and Dr Mark Newbrook
Linguistics is the systematic study of the nature and the use of language. This involves examining the structure of languages, the uses of language, the ways in which languages differ and those properties which they have in common. Theories about language and its uses in society are studied and evaluated and various applications of linguistics and linguistic knowledge are discussed. The Department of Linguistics accepts suitably qualified candidates for the degrees of PhD, of Master of Arts in linguistics (research or coursework and research), of Master of Arts in applied linguistics (coursework; with or without a research component) and of Masters Qualifying in applied linguistics (coursework; with or without a research component). Linguistics also offers a Postgraduate Diploma of Arts in applied linguistics and a Faculty Certificate in applied linguistics.
All courses and research programs are available on campus, and most of the courses are now available by distance education also. In addition it is possible to take individual subjects by distance education as part of an on campus program, or vice versa. Many individual subjects are also available by open learning (OLA). However, it is important to bear in mind that not all fifth-year level subjects are yet available by distance education or by open learning, and students should check the availability of subjects in particular modes when planning their studies.
The subject codes given below (commencing with ALM) are for on-campus subjects. The equivalent distance education subjects commence with ALX, but the courses and subjects are otherwise the same except where noted. The ALX subjects are listed at the end of this section with cross-referencing to the equivalent ALM subjects.
Students should note that fee structures may differ for the various courses and that there may therefore be restrictions on taking out intermediate qualifications. Furthermore, students intending to progress or upgrade to a second postgraduate course or program should check the fee status of that program.
Students should note that a pass grade (50 per cent to 59 per cent) is acceptable in the postgraduate diploma and Faculty Certificate courses. At Master of Arts and Masters Qualifying level, a credit grade or better (60 per cent plus) is required. Masters Qualifying subjects passed with a mark of 50 per cent to 59 per cent can be counted only towards a postgraduate diploma (or Faculty Certificate).
All fourth-year level subjects and an increasing number of fifth-year subjects are available by distance education and/or open learning for those students who are enrolled in the relevant distance education programs.
Keith Allan Semantics; pragmatics; discourse analysis; philosophy of linguistics.
Heather J Bowe Syntax and language typology; second language; second language acquisition; phonetics and phonology; linguistic issues in cross-cultural communication, especially in business; Aboriginal languages.
Michael G Clyne Bilingualism/language contact; language policy in Australia; sociolinguistics; second language acquisition; intercultural communication.
Edina Eisikovits Sociolinguistics; Australian English; psycholinguistics; child language acquisition; language and literacy development.
Heather Lotherington Second language acquisition, bilingualism and bilingual education, literacy and biliteracy, English as a second language.
Mark Newbrook Contemporary English dialects; English in Southeast Asia; language variation and change; dialectology.
Peter Paul Theoretical, Indo-European, Chinese and Turkish morphosyntax; linguistic theory in language teaching; communicative aspects of syntax; use of computers in linguistics research.
Joanne Winter Discourse analysis; discourse and society; language and gender; classroom discourse; metaphor.
Members of staff from other departments involved in the Master of Arts in applied linguistics and their fields of special interest:
Jack L Burston (Department of Romance Languages) Computer-aided language learning.
Tim Moore (Language and Learning Unit) Language and learning.
Course code: 0020
Course fee: Local students (FT) HECS or $6600 pa; international students $A12,000 pa
Coordinator: Dr Keith Allan
The degree of PhD is taken by the submission of a 60,000-90,000-word thesis on a topic approved by the department. Candidates can enrol in a PhD on a full-time or part-time basis (normally three years full-time or five years part-time). PhD candidates may be admitted on a probationary basis in the first instance; their candidature will normally be approved after one year. Master of Arts (research) candidates may be upgraded to PhD in a similar way.
The learning objectives of the PhD require students with existing expertise in linguistics to acquire and demonstrate proficiency in all aspects of conducting and writing up a major research project contributing to knowledge in this area.
Candidates holding an appropriate MA degree, a Masters Qualifying with a research component (H1 or H2A) or a BA honours (H1 or H2A), or the equivalent, may be enrolled for the degree of PhD. Candidates with a BA honours degree of other classes (or its equivalent) will be required to enrol first for the degree of MA but, subject to satisfactory progress, may transfer to PhD candidature.
Course code: 0017
Coordinator: Dr Keith Allan
The Department of Linguistics offers the Master of Arts (in linguistics) as a research degree and the Master of Arts (in applied linguistics) as a coursework degree (combined with the Masters Qualifying course).
Course code: 0017
Course fee: Local students (FT) HECS; international students $A12,000 pa
Coordinator: Dr Keith Allan
The Master of Arts may be taken as a research degree by thesis only (100 per cent) or by thesis (75 per cent) and coursework. The coursework comprises LGM5010.12 (Topics in linguistics; see below). The Master of Arts (research) is normally undertaken in two years if full-time and four years part-time, whereas the Master of Arts by coursework and research takes one year full-time and two years part-time. Master of Arts (Research) candidates may be upgraded to PhD if appropriate, normally after one year.
The learning objectives of the Master of Arts require students with some existing expertise in linguistics to acquire and demonstrate proficiency in all aspects of conducting and writing up a substantial research project, and to complete any suitable coursework which they may require in order to achieve this.
Applicants with at least an honours degree with a grade of H1 or H2A, or the equivalent, and who have appropriate training in linguistics, can normally be admitted directly. Candidates who do not satisfy these entry requirements may be admitted after successfully completing the Masters Qualifying program with a research component with an overall grade of H1 or H2A.
The research degree can be undertaken by thesis alone (100 per cent) or coursework combined with research (75 per cent). Candidates undertaking 100 per cent research are required to complete a thesis of 40,000-60,000 words, whereas candidates undertaking 75 per cent research are required to complete a thesis of 30,000-40,000 words and complete one twelve-point subject from the department's fifth-year subjects (see below).
This fifth-year subject is available only as the 25 per cent coursework in a Master of Arts in linguistics by coursework and research (not in the Master of Arts in applied linguistics). It will normally consist of a suitable fifth-year subject selected from offerings in the Master of Arts in linguistics. Details are specific to each student and will be approved by the department.
Course code: 0017
Course fee: Local students (FT) HECS; international students $A12,000 pa
Coordinator: Dr Mark Newbrook
Course code: 0017
Course fee: Local students (FT) HECS; international students $A9000 pa
Coordinator: Dr Heather Lotherington
This degree deals with applications of linguistics to professional and social contexts in which language plays a crucial role. Present offerings are particularly suited to teachers of English as a mother tongue, English as a second or foreign language and languages other than English, generalist primary school teachers, and those concerned with multicultural and language policies. Other applications of linguistics (for example in the media, business and industry) are also dealt with.
The course is normally undertaken in one year if full-time and two years if part-time.
Students who complete the full program will take either three or four fifth year coursework subjects, depending on whether a research project is undertaken in lieu of one subject. If a student elects to take a research project, the topic is subject to departmental approval.
One, or in exceptional cases two, of the four fifth-year level subjects may - with departmental approval - be a subject relating closely to linguistics but taught in another department or faculty.
The course is also available through the distance education mode and some subjects are also available through open learning (but at present the research project is available only on campus). Students must choose to enrol in either the on campus course or the distance education course, but may be permitted to take subjects in the alternate mode.
See under Masters Qualifying for progression from the Masters Qualifying programs to this Master of Arts course.
The broad teaching and learning objectives of this degree require students (mostly lacking previous training in linguistics but qualified and proficient in other humanities disciplines and the like and often possessed of extensive work experience) to achieve a suitable level of expertise in some of the more specialised subdisciplines of applied linguistics. Students who take a research project will also need to demonstrate the relevant research skills.
Master of Arts in applied linguistics graduates are expected to have come to a self-conscious understanding of the present interpretations and future likelihoods of the major concepts and issues underlying the content of and the approaches to the subdisciplines they have studied, and to have developed the intellectual capabilities inherent in reading and interpretation, written argument, quantitative analysis, qualitative critique and creative thinking required for scholarship and good practice in linguistics. They should also have mastered the practical skills (including those of oral presentation and, where appropriate, computing skills) required for the study of the subject at this level; and they should be aware of the philosophical underpinnings and issues relevant to the discipline and more generally to the careful study of the humanities and to all liberal intellectual pursuits. Further, and most crucially, they should have acquired the expertise and flexibility needed to apply these studies in the rapidly changing circumstances of intellectual life and the world of the professions in which they are employed or are likely to be employed.
Upon successful completion of this course, students should have demonstrated an ability to show that they have acquired a sound grounding in some of the basic subdisciplines of `core' linguistics, both `pure' and `applied'; apply the main relevant facts, theoretical concepts, approaches, etc. of these subdisciplines to novel problems, issues and situations (such as those they will encounter in more advanced programs); develop their critical understanding of the theoretical and methodological concepts, principles and issues which arise in the pursuit of the study of language in a linguistic framework, and of how these apply to practical language issues; use primary and secondary sources effectively (along with their own critical thinking); develop coherent arguments and arrive at clear conclusions based on evidence and argumentation; apply research methods effectively and reliably; develop as effective academic writers and oral presenters; and, if a research project is taken, undertake a sustained research and writing project involving the critical interpretation of sources and data and the careful conduct and presentation of their own research in all its phases.
Applicants should hold an appropriate honours degree (normally in linguistics) with a grade of H2B or above, or the equivalent. Applicants who have completed the equivalent of the entire Masters Qualifying program or postgraduate diploma program with a credit average (or, for Masters Qualifying with a research component, H1 or H2A) may also be admitted directly to the Master of Arts. Where applicants are exempted from three of the four Masters Qualifying subjects (see below), they may be admitted to the Master of Arts with the proviso that they complete the remaining Masters Qualifying subject as a fifth-year level subject (this is not intended to be a regular occurrence).
No exemptions (with or without credit) are normally made in respect of Master of Arts subjects, but candidates are discouraged from taking subjects very similar to subjects completed previously.
Students are required to take four subjects totalling forty-eight points, selected from the following.
* Offered subject to approval.
Program code: 1988Program fee: Local students (FT) HECS; international students $A12,000 pa
Coordinator: Dr Mark Newbrook
This program deals with the basics of `core' and applied linguistics, by way of preparation for the study of the applications of linguistics to professional and social contexts which is covered in the Master of Arts program. It is intended for students who are able to undertake a research project in lieu of one of the four 4th-year subjects.
The program is normally undertaken in one year if full-time or two years part-time. Students will take three fouth-year level subjects and a research project (the latter normally in the second semester or for part-time students in the second year). In all cases, the research project topic is subject to department approval.
The program is currently available only on campus.
Students require an H2B average in this Masters Qualifying program to progress to the Master of Arts in applied linguistics program (though this is not expected to be a common occurrence); with an H2A average in this Masters Qualifying program they may progress to the Master of Arts in linguistics by research (with or without coursework), or directly to PhD probationary status.
The broad teaching and learning objectives of this MA degree require students (mostly lacking previous training in linguistics but qualified and proficient in other humanities disciplines and the like and often possessed of extensive work experience) to acquire a sound grounding in the basic subdisciplines of `core' linguistics, both `pure' and `applied'. In the research project they will also need to demonstrate the relevant research skills.
Masters Qualifying in applied linguistics graduates are expected to have come to a self-conscious understanding of the present interpretations and future likelihoods of the major concepts and issues underlying the content of and the approaches to the subdisciplines they have studied, and to have developed the intellectual capabilities inherent in reading and interpretation, written argument, quantitative analysis, qualitative critique and creative thinking required for scholarship and good practice in linguistics. They should also have mastered the practical skills (including those of oral presentation and, where appropriate, computing skills) required for the study of the subject at this level; and they should be aware of the philosophical underpinnings and issues relevant to the discipline and more generally to the careful study of the humanities and to all liberal intellectual pursuits. Further, and most crucially, they should have acquired the expertise and flexibility needed to apply these studies in the rapidly changing circumstances of intellectual life and the world of the professions in which they are employed or are likely to be employed.
Upon successful completion of this program, students should have demonstrated an ability to show that they have acquired a sound grounding in some of the basic subdisciplines of `core' linguistics, both `pure' and `applied'; apply the main relevant facts, theoretical concepts, approaches, etc of these subdisciplines to novel problems, issues and situations (such as those they will encounter in more advanced programs); develop their critical understanding of the theoretical and methodological concepts, principles and issues which arise in the pursuit of the study of language in a linguistic framework, and of how these apply to practical language issues; use primary and secondary sources effectively (along with their own critical thinking); develop coherent arguments and arrive at clear conclusions based on evidence and argumentation; apply research methods effectively and reliably; develop as effective academic writers and oral presenters; undertake a sustained research and writing project involving the critical interpretation of sources and data and the careful conduct and presentation of their own research in all its phases.
Applicants should hold at least a pass bachelors degree with a major sequence in linguistics or a major sequence in English or another language, with results at least at credit standard in the third part of the major sequence.
Applicants holding an appropriate honours degree with a grade of H2B or above, or the equivalent, may be exempted from all or part of the Masters Qualifying program. Applicants who have completed similar coursework at a similar level may apply for exemption from particular subjects in the Masters Qualifying program. Application for exemptions (with or without credit) must be made at the time of application for entry into the course; they will not normally be granted retrospectively. All requests for exemptions/credit are subject to approval by the relevant department or centre and the faculty. Where exemption is granted it is normally without credit but, in cases where the coursework previously taken was very similar indeed to the subject in question, credit may be given. Where exemption is given without credit, a Masters Qualifying candidate will take a suitable Master of Arts subject in lieu.
This Masters Qualifying program in applied linguistics consists of four of the following subjects (forty-eight points in total).
* ALM4170.06 and ALM4180.06 are considered one subject.
Students will normally take ALM4110, ALM4120, ALM4190 and either ALM4130 or ALM4150. Students who later progress to the Master of Arts in applied linguistics may be required to take whichever of these last two subjects they have missed at that level.* Offered subject to approval.
Program code: 1987
Program fee: Local students (FT) HECS; international students $A12,000 pa
Coordinator: Dr Mark Newbrook
Program code: To be advised
Program fee: Local students (FT) HECS; international students $9000 pa
Coordinator: Dr Heather Lotherington
This degree deals with the basics of `core' and applied linguistics, by way of preparation for the study of the applications of linguistics to professional and social contexts which is covered in the Master of Arts program.
The program is normally undertaken in one year full-time or two years part-time. Students will take four fourth-year level subjects.
The program is also available through the distance education mode and some subjects are also available through open learning. Students must choose to enrol in either the on campus course or the distance education program, but may be permitted to take subjects in the alternate mode.
Students require a credit average in this Masters Qualifying program to progress to the Master of Arts in applied linguistics by coursework program.
The broad teaching and learning objectives of this degree require students (mostly lacking previous training in linguistics but qualified and proficient in other humanities disciplines and the like and often possessed of extensive work experience) to acquire a sound grounding in the basic subdisciplines of `core' linguistics, both `pure' and `applied'.
Masters Qualifying in applied linguistics graduates are expected to have come to a self-conscious understanding of the present interpretations and future likelihoods of the major concepts and issues underlying the content of and the approaches to the subdisciplines they have studied, and to have developed the intellectual capabilities inherent in reading and interpretation, written argument, quantitative analysis, qualitative critique and creative thinking required for scholarship and good practice in linguistics. They should also have mastered the practical skills (including those of oral presentation and, where appropriate, computing skills) required for the study of the subject at this level; and they should be aware of the philosophical underpinnings and issues relevant to the discipline and more generally to the careful study of the humanities and to all liberal intellectual pursuits.
Upon successful completion of this program, students should have demonstrated an ability to show that they have acquired a sound grounding in some of the basic subdisciplines of `core' linguistics, both `pure' and `applied'; apply the main relevant facts, theoretical concepts, approaches, etc. of these subdisciplines to novel problems, issues and situations (such as those they will encounter in more advanced programs); develop their critical understanding of the theoretical and methodological concepts, principles and issues which arise in the pursuit of the study of language in a linguistic framework, and of how these apply to practical language issues; use primary and secondary sources effectively (along with their own critical thinking); develop coherent arguments and arrive at clear conclusions based on evidence and argumentation; apply research methods effectively and reliably; develop as effective academic writers and oral presenters.
Applicants should hold at least a pass bachelors degree with a major sequence in linguistics or a major sequence in English or another language, with results at least at credit standard in the third part of the major sequence.
Applicants holding an appropriate honours degree with a grade of H2B or above, or the equivalent, may be exempted from all or part of the Masters Qualifying program. Applicants who have completed the equivalent of the entire Masters Qualifying program at this level may be admitted directly to the Master of Arts in applied linguistics by coursework program. Where applicants are exempted from three of the four Masters Qualifying subjects, they may be admitted to the Master of Arts with the proviso that they complete the remaining Masters Qualifying subject as a fifth subject (this is not intended to be a regular occurrence). Applicants who have completed similar coursework at a similar level may apply for exemption from particular subjects in the Masters Qualifying program. Application for exemptions (with or without credit) must be made at the time of application for entry into the course; they will not normally be granted retrospectively. All requests for exemptions/credit are subject to approval by the relevant department or centre and the faculty. Where exemption is granted it is normally without credit but, in cases where the coursework previously taken was very similar indeed to the subject in question, credit may be given. Where exemption is given without credit, a Masters Qualifying candidate will take a suitable Master of Arts subject in lieu.
This Masters Qualifying program in applied linguistics consists of four of the following subjects (forty-eight points in total).
* ALM4170.06 and ALM4180.06 are considered one subject.
Course code: 0010
Course fee: Local students (FT) HECS; international students $A12,000 pa
Coordinator: Dr Mark Newbrook
Course code: To be advised
Course fee: Local students (FT) HECS; international students $A12,000 pa
Coordinator: Dr Heather Lotherington
This program deals with the basics of `core' and applied linguistics, taken for its own sake or by way of preparation for the study of the applications of linguistics to professional and social contexts which is covered in the Master of Arts program.
The program is normally taken over one year if full-time and two years part-time. Students will take four fourth-year level subjects.
The program is also available through the distance education mode and some subjects are also available through open learning. Students must choose to enrol in either the on campus program or the distance education program, but may be permitted to take subjects in the alternate mode. Refer to the 1998 distance education handbook for distance education subject details.
Students require a credit average in the postgraduate diploma program to progress to the Master of Arts in applied linguistics by coursework program.
The broad teaching and learning objectives of this diploma require students (mostly lacking previous training in linguistics but qualified and proficient in other humanities disciplines and the like and often possessed of extensive work experience) to acquire a sound grounding in the basic subdisciplines of `core' linguistics, both `pure' and `applied'.
Successful postgraduate diploma candidates are expected to have come to a self-conscious understanding of the present interpretations and future likelihoods of the major concepts and issues underlying the content of and the approaches to the subdisciplines they have studied, and to have developed the intellectual capabilities inherent in reading and interpretation, written argument, quantitative analysis, qualitative critique and creative thinking required for scholarship and good practice in linguistics. They should also have mastered the practical skills (including those of oral presentation and, where appropriate, computing skills) required for the study of the subject at this level; and they should be aware of the philosophical underpinnings and issues relevant to the discipline and more generally to the careful study of the humanities and to all liberal intellectual pursuits.
Upon successful completion of this course, students should have demonstrated an ability to show that they have acquired a sound grounding in some of the basic subdisciplines of `core' linguistics, both `pure' and `applied'; apply the main relevant facts, theoretical concepts, approaches, etc. of these subdisciplines to novel problems, issues and situations (such as those they will encounter in more advanced programs); develop their critical understanding of the theoretical and methodological concepts, principles and issues which arise in the pursuit of the study of language in a linguistic framework, and of how these apply to practical language issues; use primary and secondary sources effectively (along with their own critical thinking); develop coherent arguments and arrive at clear conclusions based on evidence and argumentation; apply research methods effectively and reliably; develop as effective academic writers and oral presenters.
Applicants should hold at least a pass bachelors degree with a major sequence in linguistics or a major sequence in English or another language.
Applicants who have completed similar coursework at a similar level may apply for exemption from particular subjects in the Postgraduate Diploma program, up to a maximum of 50 per cent credit (this is not expected to be a common occurrence, as most such applicants will qualify for a Masters Qualifying program). Application for exemptions (with or without credit) must be made at the time of application for entry into the course; they will not normally be granted retrospectively. All requests for exemptions/credit are subject to approval by the relevant department or centre and the faculty. Where exemption is granted it is normally without credit but, in cases where the coursework previously taken was very similar indeed to the subject in question, credit may be given. Where exemption is given without credit, a postgraduate diploma candidate will take a suitable Master of Arts subject in lieu.
The Postgraduate Diploma program in applied linguistics consists of four of the following subjects (forty-eight points in total).
* ALM4170.06 and ALM4180.06 are considered one subject.
12 points
* 2 hours per week
* First semester
* Clayton
* Offered subject to approval.
Program code:2059Program fee: Local students (FT) $3300
Coordinator: Dr Mark Newbrook
This program offers students without a degree but with extensive professional experience in relevant areas an exposure to the `core' ideas of linguistics so as to prepare them for continuing studies. The program is one half-year (full-time) or one year (part-time).
The program aims to meet in part the needs of people wishing to apply linguistics in various professional fields; it focuses upon the `core' aspects of the discipline and aims as developing students' basic knowledge and skills in these areas.
The program is normally taken one semester full-time or one year part-time. Students will take two fourth-year subjects.
At present this program is available only on campus, though it is propose to offer it by distance education in the future.
The broad teaching and learning objectives of this certificate require students to acquire a preliminary knowledge of the basic subdisciplines of `core' linguistics, both `pure' and `applied'.
Upon successful completion of this program, students should have demonstrated an ability to show that they have acquired an initial grounding in some of the basic subdisciplines of `core' linguistics, both `pure' and `applied'; apply the main relevant facts, theoretical concepts, approaches, etc of these subdisciplines to novel problems, issues and situations (such as those they will encounter in more advanced programs); develop their critical understanding of the theoretical and methodological concepts, principles and issues which arise in the pursuit of the study of language in a linguistic framework, and of how these apply to practical language issues; use primary and secondary sources effectively (along with their own critical thinking); develop coherent arguments and arrive at clear conclusions based on evidence and argumentation; apply research methods effectively and reliably; develop as effective academic writers and oral presenters.
Applicants should have either a pass bachelors degree or, more usually, five years' experience in teaching (of a related subject), translating/interpreting, journalism, etc. at a senior level, or should have completed with credit two of the department's fourth year (postgraduate) open learning subjects (in which case the certificate may be awarded without further requirements).
Credit will not normally be granted into the Faculty Certificate (except via open learning as noted above), unless the applicant has completed one or more of the subjects listed under the Faculty Certificate but has not taken out an award or a degree for the subject(s) in another program. Exemptions without credit will not normally be granted either. This program articulates with the postgraduate diploma, and students will receive full credit towards the diploma for the Faculty Certificate subjects they have completed as long as they have a credit average across the two subjects.
The Faculty Certificate consists of two fourth-year subjects (twenty-four points in total). Students will normally take: (i) ALM4110.12 (General linguistics), (ii) ALM4120.12 (Applied linguistics); or one of these two subjects and one other fourth-year postgraduate subject offered in the Linguistics department, normally either ALM4130.12 (Language and society) or ALM4150 (Research design in applied linguistics).
The Monash University library holdings of books and journals on linguistics are extensive. There is also a small departmental library.
The department has a phonetics laboratory equipped with a Kay Elemetrics Sona-Graph phonetic analysis system using a CSL package permitting spectrographic analysis, waveform analysis, etc.