Foundations of Linguistics
UndergraduateUNE-LING1022026
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- Subject may require attendance
- Enrol by
- 21 June 2026
- Entry requirements
- Part of a degree
- Duration
- 16 weeks
- Start dates
- 22 June 2026
- Price from
- $2,274
- Upfront cost
- $0
- Loan available
- FEE-HELP available
Foundations of Linguistics
About this subject
Upon completion of this subject, students will be able to:
- demonstrate coherent knowledge of the analytical concepts and skills necessary to delineate the sound systems of a language, and describe the clause constituents and sentence patterns of human languages;
- demonstrate an understanding of key facets of semantic and pragmatic meaning;
- independently identify the structural properties of language use in texts, special discourse contexts and interaction;
- explain how social values shape ideologies of language and impact on language planning;
- demonstrate sound understanding of key concepts and findings in the study of first and second language acquisition; and
- demonstrate a critical understanding of key concepts and findings in the areas of cognitive and computational linguistics.
- Topics will be available to enrolled students in the subjects Learning Management System site approximately one week prior to the commencement of the teaching period.
In this subject you will build on the structural topics of the prerequisite subject. Using examples from English and other languages, you will continue to explore the basic structural features of language, including techniques of phonemic analysis, morphology, syntax and pragmatics. You’ll learn how to recognise the common sounds found in human languages and the symbols used to represent them. This subject will teach you how to identify, analyse and evaluate the role that language plays in Australian society and in other societies and cultures. You’ll also look at global varieties of English and topics in sociolinguistics including language variation, diglossia, bilingualism, and multilingualism. Finally, you will consider the history of writing and how diverse types of writing systems are organised. There is an emphasis on problem-solving and data analysis.
Assessment 1: Worksheet: 2000 words. Relates to Learning Outcomes 1-6;
Assessment 2: Examination - Assurance Task: 2 hours. Relates to Learning Outcomes 1-6.
There is a supervised exam at the end of the teaching period in which you are enrolled. The exam will be offered online with supervision via webcam and screen sharing technology. Coordinated by UNE Exams Unit.
To pass this subject, you must sit the supervised exam and achieve at least 50% in this task and meet all other passing requirements in the subject.
UNE manages supervised exams associated with your UNE subjects. Prior to census date, UNE releases exam timetables. They’ll email important exam information directly to your UNE email address.- Worksheet (50%)
- Invigilated Examination - Assurance Task (50%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
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Entry requirements
Part of a degree
To enrol in this subject you must be accepted into one of the following degrees:
Elective
- UNE-ART-DIP-2026 - Diploma in Arts
Prior study
You must either have successfully completed the following subject(s) before starting this subject, or currently be enrolled in the following subject(s) in a prior study period; or enrol in the following subject(s) to study prior to this subject:
Please note that your enrolment in this subject is conditional on successful completion of these prerequisite subject(s). If you study the prerequisite subject(s) in the study period immediately prior to studying this subject, your result for the prerequisite subject(s) will not be finalised prior to the close of enrolment. In this situation, should you not complete your prerequisite subject(s) successfully you should not continue with your enrolment in this subject. If you are currently enrolled in the prerequisite subject(s) and believe you may not complete these all successfully, it is your responsibility to reschedule your study of this subject to give you time to re-attempt the prerequisite subject(s).
Others
Candidature in Diploma in Arts.
To enrol in this subject you will need to pass the Prerequisite/s. Please note as UNE results are released after the close of enrolment date, your enrolment into this subject will be withdrawn if you do not pass the prerequisite subject/s.
Additional requirements
- Equipment requirements - Headphones or speakers (required to listen to lectures and other media). Headset, including microphone (highly recommended). Webcam (may be required for participation in virtual classrooms and/or media presentations).
- Software requirements - It is essential for students to have reliable internet access in order to participate in and complete your units, regardless of whether they contain an on campus attendance or intensive school component. For additional information please visit UNE Hardware Requirements: https://www.une.edu.au/current-students/support/it-services/hardware
- Other requirements -
Textbook requirements:
Textbook information is not available until approximately 8 weeks prior to the commencement of the Teaching period.
Students are expected to purchase prescribed material.
Textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
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.
Related degrees
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
UndergraduateUNE-ART-DIP