GED2817

Language, society and cultural difference

Dr L E Farrell and Dr G Tsolidis

12 points
* 3 hours per week
* First and second semester
* Clayton

Objectives Upon successful completion of this subject, students should have developed an understanding of the social and historical processes which contribute to particular understandings of race and ethnicity, in particular colonisation, immigration and settlement practices and policies; the ways in which these processes intersect with factors such as gender and class; the ways in which education contributes to both positive and negative understandings of race and ethnicity; the ways in which relevant policy and curriculum influences these understandings; the complex ways which language varies, in particular in relation to ethnicity, gender and class; the role that language variation plays in social practices; the role that language variation plays in schooling and in other educational contexts.

Synopsis This subject explores the ways in which notions of race/ethnicity are constructed and represented in the Australian context. Gender and class, as these interrelate with this process, are also examined. Specifically, language is discussed and its role in this process emphasised. Schooling and adult and workplace education provide the contexts for these discussions both for their potential to shape and challenge notions of what constitutes race/ethnicity and the role of language in these constructions. The subject falls into two sections. The first considers ethnicity, the process of racialisation and the role of gender. Policies related to immigration and cultural difference are examined, particularly in relation to education. The second section of the subject focuses on the role of language in the process of social construction. The framing concept of `discourse' is used to discuss issues of language and power, the social contexts of literacy, curriculum practices, assessment and language policy.

Assessment Research papers (2x3000 words): 100%

Recommended texts

Castles S and others Mistaken identity Pluto Press, 1988
Corson D Language minority education and gender Multilingual Matters, 1993