Faculty of Arts Linguistics and applied linguistics

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Faculty of Arts

Table of Contents

1. Prerequisites
2. Requirements for a major
3. Structuring a major
    3.1. Core subjects
    3.2. Optional subjects
4. Honours entry
5. Honours requirements
    5.1. Pure honours
    5.2. Combined honours
6. Further study
7. Career opportunities
8. For more information
Subject Lists
    First-year subjects
    Second/third-year subjects
    Third/fourth-year subjects
    Fourth-year subjects

The Department of Linguistics and Applied Linguistics is a leader in its field within Australia, offering a unique array of specialisations in descriptive, theoretical linguistics and applied linguistics, English language and cross-cultural communication. The program provides rigorous theoretical and practical training designed to enhance students' analytical skills and ability to succeed in careers in which clear, independent and creative thinking are essential. These skills are highly valued by employers. Studies have shown that graduates of linguistics and applied linguistics are amongst the most highly paid of all arts graduates.

Teaching and research utilises state-of-the-art technology and innovative multimedia applications. The department has a world-class phonetics laboratory housing specialised digital speech-analysis equipment and software. Digital media and on-line resources are used to analyse linguistic data and investigate a variety of issues in language studies. Students have the opportunity to create their own web site for the publication of research and project-based assessment and are invited to publish articles in the department's student journal Melbourne Papers in Linguistics and Applied Linguistics.

Linguistics is the study of language in all its aspects. The major branches of the discipline include semantics, phonetics and phonology, syntax, morphology and sociolinguistics. It provides a methodology for exploring universal or culture-specific ways in which languages of the world are structured and used. Linguistics also involves investigation of language variation over time and between different societies.

Applied linguistics focuses upon the development of policy and professional practice in a range of language-related areas. Drawing on general linguistics as well as areas such as anthropology, sociology and psychology, applied linguistics examines issues such as second language acquisition, language curriculum design and methodology, language testing and assessment, speech pathology and language use in the community.

1. Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for first-year subjects in linguistics and applied linguistics.

The prerequisite for certain second/third-year subjects in linguistics and applied linguistics is the completion of a specified first-year subject in linguistics and applied linguistics, normally 175-105 Introduction to Language.

A number of subjects are open to second/third-year students who have not completed first-year linguistics and applied linguistics subjects. Exemptions may also be granted where second/third-year linguistics and applied linguistics subjects are taken as part of an approved interdepartmental program with its own entry requirements.

The prerequisite for a third/fourth-year subject in linguistics and applied linguistics is usually two second/third-year subjects in linguistics and applied linguistics (25 points).

Some subjects may have additional prerequisites. Students should check the particular subject entry for further details.

2. Requirements for a major

A major in linguistics and applied linguistics usually consists of nine 12.5 subjects, totalling 112.5 points. It comprises:

• two first-year subjects in linguistics and applied linguistics (25 points), which must include 175-105 Introduction to Language (12.5 points); and

• second/third-year subjects in linguistics and applied linguistics (totalling 87.5 points). These include at least five core subjects plus additional subjects according to area of concentration. See Structuring a major for details.

Students may choose to concentrate their major in one of the following areas:

• general linguistics

• applied linguistics

• sociolinguistics

3. Structuring a major

3.1. Core subjects

Students who wish to concentrate on particular areas within their linguistics and applied linguistics major must comply with the following additional requirements:

3.2. Optional subjects

4. Honours entry

The prerequisites for entry to fourth-year honours in linguistics and applied linguistics are:

• completion of all the requirements for the BA; and

• completion of a major in linguistics and applied linguistics; and

• an average grade of H2A or higher over the second/third-year subjects within the major.

Entry to honours must be approved by the linguistics and applied linguistics honours coordinator and the Faculty of Arts honours course adviser.

As with a major in linguistics and applied linguistics, there are three possible streams of specialisation in honours:

• general linguistics

• applied linguistics

• sociolinguistics

Generally, students choose an honours stream that continues their major stream of specialisation.

Entry to honours must be approved by the linguistics and applied linguistics honours coordinator.

5. Honours requirements

Honours coordinator: Associate Professor Nick Evans

5.1. Pure honours

Students undertaking pure honours in linguistics and applied linguistics must complete:

• 175-515 Linguistics & Applied Linguistics Thesis or 175-532 Linguistics & Applied Ling. Thesis (MYE) (37.5 points); and

• five honours subjects in linguistics and applied linguistics (62.5 points), including at least two fourth-year honours subjects.

5.2. Combined honours

Students undertaking combined honours in linguistics and applied linguistics and another area of study must complete:

• 175-515 Linguistics & Applied Linguistics Thesis or 175-532 Linguistics & Applied Ling. Thesis (MYE) (37.5 points); and

• two honours subjects in linguistics and applied linguistics (25 points), including at least one fourth-year honours subject; and

• three honours subjects in the combined area of study (totalling 37.5 points).

or

• honours thesis in the combined area of study (37.5 points); and

• two honours subjects in the combined area of study (totalling 25 points); and

• three honours subjects in the linguistics and applied linguistics (37.5 points) including at least one fourth-year honours subject.

6. Further study

A BA with a major in linguistics, applied linguistics or sociolinguistics can lead to a Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (Linguistics and Applied Linguistics), or combined with professional training or relevant work experience can lead to a Master of Applied Linguistics.

An honours degree in linguistics, applied linguistics or sociolinguistics can lead to various postgraduate courses: Master of Applied Linguistics, Master of Linguistics by advanced seminars and shorter thesis, Master of Applied Linguistics by advanced seminars and shorter thesis, Master of Arts by research (in linguistics or in applied linguistics), and Doctor of Philosophy.

7. Career opportunities

Employers seek individuals with the ability to express themselves clearly, to solve novel problems, and to present their solutions in a clear and accessible form. These skills are central to the study of linguistics and applied linguistics. Students of linguistics and applied linguistics gain skills in analysing language, an enhanced understanding of how language is learnt, how people communicate and how language is used in the community.

8. For more information

Department of Linguistics and Applied Linguistics
Fifth Floor, Arts Centre
The University of Melbourne
Victoria 3010
Tel: +61 3 8344 5488
Email: enquiries@linguistics.unimelb.edu.au
Web: http://www.linguistics.unimelb.edu.au

First-year subjects

175-105 Introduction to Language
175-106 The Linguistics of English
175-108 Cross-Cultural Communication

Second/third-year subjects

175-007 Phonology
175-008 Language & Media
175-009 First Language Acquisition
175-010 Second Language Learning and Teaching
175-011 Discourse & Pragmatics
175-012 First & Second Language Literacies
175-014 Phonetics
175-015 Syntax
175-016 Semantics
175-017 Historical Linguistics
175-018 Language&Society in Aboriginal Australia
175-019 Language & Society
175-020 Language & Culture
175-021 Grammar of English
175-022 Language & Gender
175-025 Introduction to Japanese Linguistics
175-036 Languages of the World
175-042 Cross-Cultural Communication Project
175-044 Conflict, Culture and Language
110-049 Chinese Linguistics

Third/fourth-year subjects

175-415 Advanced Syntax
175-417 Structure of Aboriginal Languages
175-418 Linguistic Field Methods
175-420 Advanced Cross-Cultural Communication
175-421 Pragmatics and Meaning
175-423 Advanced Phonetics
175-425 Morphology
175-435 Advanced Semantics
175-443 Bilingualism

Fourth-year subjects

175-515 Linguistics & Applied Linguistics Thesis
175-532 Linguistics & Applied Ling. Thesis (MYE)
175-403 Advanced Second Language Acquisition
175-406 Directed Reading Project
175-407 Advanced Seminars in Phonetics/Phonology
175-408 Issues in Linguistic Research
175-428 Seminars in Descriptive Linguistics
175-507 Quantitative Methods in Language Studies
175-514 Australian Linguistics Institute
175-536 World Englishes
116-450 Topics in French Syntax and Semantics

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