Introduction to Language
PostgraduateCUR-TESOL5032021
Course information for 2021 intake View information for 2025 course intake
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.
Enrolments for this course are closed, but you may have other options to start studying now. Book a consultation to learn more.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- Part of a degree
- Duration
- 13 weeks
- Loan available
- HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Introduction to Language
About this subject
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.
- What is language?
- Language development and change
- Morphology
- Phonology (consonants)
- Phonology (vowels)
- Semantics
- Syntax
- Tense and aspect
- Unit review
- Words and word class
- Writing system and non-linguistic forms of communication
- Suprasegmentals
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 exercise (50%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
Start your career with Curtin’s globally recognised courses and extensive industry connections. Through OUA, their online courses offer an interactive and collaborative learning experience that gets you the same degree as if you studied on campus. Curtin is a global university with a vibrant culture of innovation and collaboration and is ranked in the top one per cent of universities worldwide.
Learn more about Curtin University.
Explore Curtin courses.
- QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 13
- Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 14
Entry requirements
To enrol in this subject, you must be admitted into a degree.
Equivalent subjects
You should not enrol in this subject if you have successfully completed any of the following subject(s) because they are considered academically equivalent:
CUR-TESOL503C-Introduction to Language (no longer available)
Additional requirements
No additional requirements
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
Student feedback
6 student respondents between 19 Aug 2024 - 3 Mar 2025.
83%of students felt the study load was manageable
100%of students felt this subject helped them gain relevant skills