175-122 Exploring Style and Meaning in Language

Formerly available as 145-006/122. Students who have completed 145-006/122 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

Non-native speakers of English may enrol without sitting for a placement test, but may be recommended to other subjects during the first two weeks of the semester depending on their English language proficiency. Native-, or near-native speakers of English are not eligible to enrol.

The subject focuses on developing participants' language and literacy skills by increasing their awareness of how different language choices affect the meaning of texts. Students will be involved in the analysis and writing of a range of literary and non-literary text types, including narratives from fiction and non-fiction; poems; advertisements; cartoons; letters; newspaper texts; academic texts and essays. The subject emphasises a 'discovery' approach to learning, the use of interactive class activities and the exchange of ideas and responses through discussion. Students should develop a better understanding of the relationship between language form and meaning, a stronger knowledge of text cohesion, grammar and vocabulary, and greater confidence and ability to use language in spoken and written communication. The subject should also develop their reading skills, particularly their ability to read between the lines, and their ability to think independently, critically and creatively. Finally, on completion of this subject, students should have a deeper understanding of Australian culture and society

• demonstrate increased confidence and ability to use language effectively in a range of communicative situations;

• demonstrate improved critical and creative thinking skills;

• demonstrate more effective public-speaking skills, both through practice in pair, group and class discussions as well as in delivering oral presentations.

Written and oral work totalling 4000 words: two written linguistic/stylistic analyses totalling 2000 words, 50% (due mid-semester and at the end of semester); a formal oral presentation of 800 words, 20% (due within the last 6 weeks of semester); a written folio totalling 800 words, 20% (commencing at the beginning of semester and due at the end of semester); oral and written class assessments totalling 400 words, 10% (due throughout the semester)