Subject details

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

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

  • 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

In order to enrol in this subject, you must be accepted into one of the following degrees:

Core
  • CUR-TES-GCE-2018
Elective
  • OUA-PSU-GCE-2018

Special requirements

No special requirements

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.

  • Language investigation (50%)
  • Language Test (50%)

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 OUA-PSU-GCE-2018

Postgraduate Single Subjects