175-012 First & Second Language Literacies

Formerly available as 175-203/303. Students who have completed 175-203 or 175-303 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

This subject is an introduction to the study of first and second language literacy, locating literacy within broader debates about what it means to be literate. Topics include social, cultural and cognitive effects of becoming literate on both individual and social levels; development of writing systems; literacy and oracy changing forms of literacy such as cultural literacy and media literacy; and the importance of looking at literacy in terms of literacy events or literacy practices in specific contexts. Students will examine issues of second language literacy; literacy in languages other than English; literacy in multicultural contexts; literacy and gender literacy and politics literacy in Aboriginal Australia; critical literacy; and current debates over literacy in Australian schools.

• develop their skills in research, critical thinking and analysis, thinking in theoretical terms, communicating, and understanding of social, ethical and cultural contexts.

A short tutorial presentation and tutorial exercises 10% (continuous throughout semester, 500 words), a 1500-word literature review and research proposal 40% (due in week 8) and a 2000-word research report or a 2000-word essay on a topic to be agreed with instructor 50% (due at the end of semester).