Introduction to Language

Investigate the component systems of language. Study sounds, word formation, grammar, conceptual and associative meaning, and discourse. Gain an understanding of how to integrate these concepts with the theories of 1st and 2nd language acquisition.

From

$2,200 $2,450

Your upfront cost: $0

International student?

Duration

13 weeks

Student rating

N/A

Study method

100% online

Available loans

FEE-HELP

Assessments

100% online

Prior study

Not required

Study terms

27 Aug 2018

Curtin University, the largest university in Western Australia, is a world-class leader in education and research. With an international focus and 52,000 students across 16 locations, including Sydney, Malaysia and Singapore, Curtin ensures its graduates are skilled and prepared to make a positive contribution in the global environment. Open Universities Australia is proud to offer their degrees and subjects online.

University ranking

2018

Subject details

What you'll learn

At the completion of this subject students will be able to:

examine and explain standard approaches to describing variation in language sounds, word formation, grammar, conceptual and associative meaning, and discourse
apply this theoretical foundation to real problems in language use and education
synthesise and communicate ideas related to one’s own experience with language using terminology appropriate to the field
demonstrate an understanding of plagiarism, paraphrasing and the principles of Academic Integrity.

Topics covered

Topics
- What is language?
- Sounds
- Words
- Grammar
- Semantics
- Pragmatics
- Development of language conventions
- Discourse in oral and written communication
- Neurolinguistics
- Introduction to first language acquisition
- Introduction second language acquisition
- Introduction to instructed second language acquisition
Study resources
- Instructional Methods
  - Audio/Video conferencing
  - Disscusion forum/Discussion Board
  - Embedded Multimedia
  - Online Quizzes/Tests
  - Online assignment submission
  - Podcasting/Leacture capture
  - Standard Media
  - Streaming Multimedia
  - Web links
- Online Materials
  - Resources and Links
  - Online Assessment
  - Audio-Video streaming
  - Quizzes

Entry requirements

No eligibility requirements

Special requirements

No special requirements

Description

This subject introduces the various component systems of language as a basis for conceptualising and describing language variation in education. These concepts are also applied to students’ individual needs and experience as they relate to current theories of first and second language acquisition and instruction.

Please Note: If it’s your first time studying a Curtin University subject you’ll need to complete their compulsory ‘Academic Integrity Program’. It only takes two hours to complete online, and provides you with vital information about studying with Curtin University. The Academic Integrity Program is compulsory, so if it’s not completed your subject grades will be withheld.

Find out more about the Academic Integrity module.

Assessments

Assignment 1 - Language investigation (50%)
Assignment 2 - Language Test (50%)

Textbooks

Textbooks are subject to change within the academic year. Students are advised to purchase their books no earlier than one to two months before the start of a subject.

View textbooks

Related degrees

Postgraduate

Graduate Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

Postgraduate

Postgraduate Single Subjects