Faculty of Arts Linguistics and Applied Linguistics

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Faculty of Arts

Table of Contents

1. Time commitment to study
2. Prerequisites
3. Diploma in Arts (Linguistics and Applied Linguistics)
4. Requirements for a major
5. Structuring a major
    5.1. Core subjects
    5.2. Elective subjects
6. Honours entry
7. Honours requirements
    7.1. Pure honours
    7.2. Combined honours
    7.3. Fourth-year seminar subjects
8. Further study
9. Career opportunities
10. 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. Time commitment to study

As well as scheduled contact hours for lectures, tutorial and seminars a considerable additional time commitment is needed to complete the academic requirements of each subject.

A subject-specific time commitment to study will be provided by your lecturer or tutor at the beginning of semester to help you schedule your workload and successfully manage your time during the semester. In addition, general estimates of the total time commitment required to study a 12.5-point single semester subject in the Faculty of Arts can be found on Time commitment to study.

2. 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.

3. Diploma in Arts (Linguistics and Applied Linguistics)

The Diploma in Arts (Linguistics) is only available to students who are currently enrolled in a degree course at the University of Melbourne. It consists of a three-year sequence of study and adds one year to the duration of your degree.

Students must complete 25 points of first-year subjects, including 175-105 Introduction to Language, and 75 points of second/third-year linguistics subjects. Alternatively, students who have completed appropriate background studies at first year may complete 100 points of second/third-year linguistics and applied linguistics subjects.

4. 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); and

• seven second/third-year subjects in linguistics and applied linguistics (totalling 87.5 points) including at least five core subjects.

5. Structuring a major

5.1. Core subjects

5.2. Elective subjects

Students may choose from any of the following elective subjects to total 87.5 points for the major, including core subjects listed above. It is important to check availability of elective subjects, most of which are offered on a rotational basis.

6. 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.

For information on how to apply see Applying for Honours.

At the beginning of semester two each year, the department holds information sessions for potential honours students in third year of the BA. Students should contact the department for further information.

7. Honours requirements

Honours coordinators: Dr Janet Sharp (semester one); Associate Professor Nick Evans (semester two).

7.1. Pure honours

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

• 175-532 Linguistics & Applied Linguistics Thesis (37.5 points); and

• 175-408 Issues in Linguistic Research (25 points); and

• three 400-level subjects in linguistics and applied linguistics (37.5 points).

7.2. Combined honours

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

• 175-532 Linguistics & Applied Linguistics Thesis (37.5 points); and

• two 400-level subjects in linguistics and applied linguistics (25 points); and

• three 400-level 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 400-level subjects in the combined area of study (totalling 25 points); and

• 175-408 Issues in Linguistic Research (25 points) and one 400-level subject in linguistics and applied linguistics (12.5 points).

7.3. Fourth-year seminar subjects

Each of these subjects (below) provides a program of advanced seminars on a topic that varies from year to year. Most fourth-year subjects are offered on a rotational basis.

8. Further study

A BA with a major in linguistics and applied linguistics 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 and applied linguistics 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.

9. 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 an enhanced understanding of how people communicate, how language is used in the community, how language is learnt, and skills in analysing language. These skills can be transferred across many sectors.

Studying linguistics and applied linguistics also provides specific skills that are central to a wide range of occupations such as language teaching, information technology, speech therapy and speech pathology, translation and interpreting, working with Aboriginal communities, employment in multicultural Australia, publishing and many more.

10. 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: lal-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
175-009 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 in Aboriginal Australia
175-019 Language & Society
175-020 Language & Culture
175-021 Grammar of English
175-036 Languages of the World
175-044 Conflict, Culture and Language
175-212 Language and Identity
175-213 Morphology
110-049 Chinese Linguistics
183-200 Language and Media
183-201 Language Learning and Technology
183-202 Computer Mediated Communication

Third/fourth-year subjects

175-405 Study of a Language Family
175-409 Discourse Analysis and Representation
175-415 Advanced Syntax
175-417 Structure of Aboriginal Languages
175-418 Linguistic Field Methods
175-420 Advanced Cross-Cultural Communication
175-423 Advanced Phonetics
175-435 Advanced Studies in Meaning
175-443 Bilingualism
175-410 Computational Linguistics

Fourth-year subjects

175-532 Linguistics & Applied Linguistics Thesis
175-403 Advanced Second Language Acquisition
175-404 Advanced Seminars in Syntax & Semantics
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

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