Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2026 (23/02/2026 - 20/06/2026)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- External
- Attendance mode
- Online
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Education School
A comparative language education approach to language policy and planning issues, especially those related to TESOL, with a focus on the Pacific basin. The development of standard languages and increasing access to languages of wider communication through increased educational provision has been a major driving force for modernisation and change in this region. A social, historical and educational examination of forces unleashed by language and education provision and how language planning is applied to new issues and problems is provided.
The course seeks to proivde a comprehensive overview of the field of language policy and planning in general and language in education planning in particular. The content of the course inlcudes topics related to conceptual, theoretical and methodological issues. Emphasis is given on frameworks, contexts, processes, and actors involved in the policymaking and planning at macro, meso and micro levels. In addition, the course focuses on some key topics and themes including language policy and globalisation, language policy and sustainable development, language policy and social inclusion, language policy and minority rights, and different aspects of language in educaiton planning including medium of instruction policy and bilingual education.
Course requirements
Assumed background
No background knowledge is assumed. An interest in policy, languages, and education in the Asia-Pacific region - or elsewhere - would be an asset.ﾠ
Restrictions
Restricted to students enrolled in the GCEdSt, MEdSt (2 year duration), GCAppLing or MAppLing.
Jointly taught details
This course is jointly-taught with:
- Another instance of the same course
This course is also offered in the External mode (EDUC7047 SI-NET ID 7464). Students can choose this course for external study. The course content and assessment tasks are the same for the two modes of the course.
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Tutor
Ms Lanting Wang
Dr Tiare Gonzalez vidal
Dr Kimkong Heng
Mr Yifeng Cheng
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
To provide an introduction to and an overview of language policy and planning, one of the central area of study, work and research for applied linguists. It examines policy and planning at the global, micro, meso and macro levels and in the context of linguistic ecology. One of the titles of the earliest books in the field asked, “Can Language Be Planned?' Increasingly language is planned and it behooves us to understand that process. This unit is related to sociolinguistics, applied linguistics and language-in-education. No previous post-graduate work is required.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Design a micro language plan for a selected situation
LO2.
Understand and describe language policy and planning at a macro level
LO3.
Understand and discuss how languages are used in a variety of situations
LO4.
Develop a well-founded knowledge of the field
LO5.
Develop an international understanding of the issues
LO6.
Demonstrate an ability to write critically for an audience
LO7.
Show an ability to put theoretical concepts into practice
LO8.
Develop an understanding of cultural and educational diversity
LO9.
Develop an understanding of ethical issues in LPP
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay/ Critique | Language policy and planning essay | 30% 2300 |
Week 10, Wed 2:00 pm
Due date for submission 2pm 06/05/2026 |
| Presentation |
Polity Presentation
|
30% 20 mins |
13/04/2026
Students will be allocated to different weeks (from Week 7 to Week 13) for the presentation. Each week, there will be two presentations by the students. The tutor will make extra arrangement for student presentations if all students cannot be accommodated in the classroom presentation schedule. Students will be notified their presentation date/week by Week 5. |
| Presentation |
Micro Policy Project
|
40% 2700 words |
9/06/2026 2:00 pm
Submission will be due on 9/6/2026 at 2pm. |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
Language policy and planning essay
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 30% 2300
- Due date
Week 10, Wed 2:00 pm
Due date for submission 2pm 06/05/2026
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L04, L05, L06
Task description
This assessment gives you an opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of key concepts from the course and link them to substantive problems or debates in the field. The task is an academic essay, a format you are likely already familiar with. You are expected to develop an original argument in response to the topic assigned to you, using relevant course concepts and academic literature to support your position. Your essay should address all assessment criteria.
This is an intensive piece of writing that draws on a Language Policy and Planning (LPP) perspective discussed in the course. You should follow good academic writing and editing practices, avoid unnecessary language and style errors, and use APA 7 referencing throughout. While this is an academic task, your discussion should also consider implications for language policy and planning.
To complete the task successfully, you may find it helpful to address questions such as:
- What topic am I exploring, and how does it connect to key debates in the field?
- What relevant concepts or theories help explain this topic?
- What argument am I making in this essay?
- What evidence from the literature supports my argument?
- What implications follow from my analysis?
You may use AI tools to assist you in preparing this assignment. However, you must clearly and fully acknowledge how AI was used.
You will be randomly allocated a topic for this assignment, which will be shared with you in Week 3 of the course.
Submission guidelines
The essay will be submitted through Turnitin in the course blackboard site.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 1 grade for each 24 hour period from time submission is due will apply for up to 7 days. After 7 days you will receive a mark of 0.
All assessment tasks are due by 2:00 pm on the due date. Late submission of assessment tasks without official approval will result in penalties being applied (See Penalties for Late Submission below)
Polity Presentation
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Online
- Mode
- Oral
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 30% 20 mins
- Due date
13/04/2026
Students will be allocated to different weeks (from Week 7 to Week 13) for the presentation. Each week, there will be two presentations by the students. The tutor will make extra arrangement for student presentations if all students cannot be accommodated in the classroom presentation schedule.
Students will be notified their presentation date/week by Week 5.
- Other conditions
- Time limited, Secure.
- Learning outcomes
- L03, L04, L06, L07, L09
Task description
The aim of this assessment task is to help you develop and demonstrate your understanding of languages and language ecologies in a specific polity (e.g. Australia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, China). You will talk about the language situation in the polity together with policies for education and society. You will be randomly allocated to polities by your tutor. Taking an ecological view, you will describe the various languages and varieties and their current situation in the polity. You will take a historical perspective to explain the evolution of the languages in their current form and status. There are many examples of polity studies in the LPP literature.
The polity presentation will start from Week 7 (the week beginning on 13/4/2026) and you will be notified about your presentation dates by Week 4. Each student will have 20 minutes for the individual presentation. At least 5 mintues of this will be reserved for question from the audience and/or your tutor. The presentation will be done in person in the class or online in real time. No recording will be accepted.
The following questions may help you to prepare for this important assessment task:
• What are the languages and varieties the make the local linguistic ecology?
• What are their current statuses?
• What are the goals and purposes of the languages and varieties?
• How did these languages come to have the current statuses?
• Where do the different languages fit on the language status scale?
• What are the key language issues and challenges facing the polity?
• How have these challenges impacted the society?
• What are the language situations likely to be in the future?
• What recommendations can be provided for dealing with language issues now and in the future?
You should remember that you are doing this presentation as students of language policy and planning. As such, you have to make use of relevant LPP concepts that you will learn in the course in their presentation.
You may use AI tools to assist you in preparing for this assignment. However, you can’t use AI for the presentation itself.
Hurdle requirements
Students must secure a pass grade in this assignment to pass the course. A minium pass grade is 4 out of 7.Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Please refer to Extension Request notes.
Late submission
A penalty of 1 grade for each 24 hour period from time submission is due will apply for up to 7 days. After 7 days you will receive a mark of 0.
All assessment tasks are due by 2:00 pm on the due date. Late submission of assessment tasks without official approval will result in penalties being applied (See Penalties for Late Submission below)
Micro Policy Project
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 40% 2700 words
- Due date
9/06/2026 2:00 pm
Submission will be due on 9/6/2026 at 2pm.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L06, L07, L08, L09
Task description
Language policy is not only developed by national governments (such as Ministries of Education). Local and community-level organisations also need language policies to function effectively and achieve their goals. These include schools, families, religious organisations, minority language communities, and other local institutions.
In this assessment, you will develop a micro-level language policy for a specific organisation or institution, such as a bank, hospital, or tourist resort. The institution you will work on will be randomly assigned. Your task is to identify a language-related problem or need within the institution, propose an appropriate policy response, and explain how the policy could be implemented using available resources.
This is a practical task that focuses on designing realistic language policies for institutions. However, your policy must be informed by relevant theories and concepts from the course. Throughout the course, you will be introduced to micro-level language policy, along with examples, frameworks, and policy development processes to support your work.
To complete the assignment successfully, you should consider questions such as:
- What is the language problem or need?
- What is the context in which this problem occurs?
- Why is this a problem, and who is affected?
- What language policy are you proposing, and why?
- What framework guides your policy development?
- What key principles or criteria inform your policy?
- How will the policy be implemented (who is involved, and what resources are needed)?
- Why do you think this is a strong or effective policy?
- What are the limitations of your proposed policy?
You may use AI tools to assist you in preparing this assignment. However, you must clearly and fully acknowledge how AI was used.
You will be randomly allocated a topic for this assignment, which will be shared with you in Week 7 of the course.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 1 grade for each 24 hour period from time submission is due will apply for up to 7 days. After 7 days you will receive a mark of 0.
All assessment tasks are due by 2:00 pm on the due date. Late submission of assessment tasks without official approval will result in penalties being applied.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Little or no work completed. |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Fails to provide evidence of the understanding of or ability to apply critical teaching and learning principles and strategies from the course. No evaluative comment and/or poor communication skills, or some assessment not submitted. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Superficial understanding of critical language development and use; limited ability to apply these principles; little or no critical evaluation; resources and materials are unconvincing or in appropriate; or quality of written or oral communication is poor. |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Adequate understanding of critical language development and use; limited critical evaluation; sequencing is sometimes inappropriate or inconsistent; written communication is largely free of errors that effect readability. |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Some understanding of critical language development and use and an awareness of their relevance; aspects of critical evaluation; some attempt to use a variety of resources and strategies, infrequent errors. |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Frequent evidence of original thought, some critical thought and evaluation; some diversity of resources, strategies and use of critical perspectives, logical sequencing of materials, useable formats for research presentation and learning. mainly error free. |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Consistent evidence of substantial thought, an ability to critique and evaluate; use of a diversity of resources, strategies, and critical perspectives; culturally aware; logical sequencing of materials, engaging formats for research presentation, error free. |
Additional course grading information
Determining final grades: The final grades are determined by consideration of the weighting of individual assessment items, through the use of weighting formula and the profile of individual grades across accumulated assessment tasks.
An exemplar to show calculation of the final grade:
All three assignments in this course will be provided a grade out of 7. The final grade will be calculated using the weighting and the individual assignment grades as follows.
Example:
A student receives the following three grades:
Assignmentﾠ 1 (A1) : grade of 6 at 30% weighting
Assignment 2 (A2): grade of 5 at 30% weighting
Assignment 3 (A3): grade of 6 at 40% weighting
The final grade for this student taking into account the weighting of each assignment will be:
ﾠﾠﾠ (A1)ﾠﾠﾠﾠ +ﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠ (A2)ﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠ +ﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠ (A3)ﾠﾠﾠﾠ
(0.30ﾠx 6) + (0.3ﾠx 5) + (0.4 x 6) = 1.8ﾠ+ 1.5+ 2.4= 5.7
The final grade would be rounded up to the nearest whole number; in this case the grade would be 6.
In the case where the final grade is 0.5 or above, the grade will be rounded up to the nearest whole number (e.g. 5.5 would become 6). In the case where the final grade is 0.49 or below, the grade will be rounded down to the nearest whole number (e.g. 6.49 would become 6).
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
The following applies to all assessments in this course:
Marking criteria and/or marking rubrics are available in the 'Assessment' folder in Blackboard for this course.
Release of assessment item marks and feedback
In addition to the grade awarded, feedback will be provided in a timely manner to enable students to apply the feedback to further tasks within the course or program and/or plan for supplementary assessment, requests for re-mark, or re-enrolment. However, as per UQ Policy and Procedures Library under the Assessment Policy, results for the final assessment item are to be released only after the final grade for the course has been released. Time frames for applications for assessment re-mark are indicated under the Assessment Procedure.
Re-mark policy
After each assessable item, students will be given the opportunity to view their assessment and so satisfy themselves that a marking or administrative error has not occurred. The formal process of querying a course result (requesting a remark on academic grounds) is set out in the UQ Policy and Procedures Library under the Assessment Procedure.
Use of AI/MT to support or inform assessment
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
SAPD Extension Request
Students who hold a SAP for the current semester may be approved for up to 7 days extension initially, any further extension request(s) will require an explanation and further supporting documentation such as a medical certificate.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (23 Feb - 01 Mar) |
Seminar |
Week 1: The what and why of language policy and planning The what and why of language policy and planning Learning outcomes: L02, L04 |
Week 2 (02 Mar - 08 Mar) |
Seminar |
Week 2: Engaging language policy and planning and language in education planning Engaging LPP and LEP Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 3 (09 Mar - 15 Mar) |
Seminar |
Week 3: Language policy and planning processes and frameworks LPP processes and frameworks Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 4 (16 Mar - 22 Mar) |
Seminar |
Week 4: Contexts of language policy and planning Contexts of LPP Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
Week 5 (23 Mar - 29 Mar) |
Seminar |
Week 5: Actors and agency in language policy and planning Actors and agency in LPP Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05, L08, L09 |
Week 6 (30 Mar - 05 Apr) |
Seminar |
Week 6: Research directions and methodology for language policy and planning Research directions and methodology for LPP Learning outcomes: L03, L04, L05, L07, L08, L09 |
Mid-sem break (06 Apr - 12 Apr) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Mid-semester break |
Week 7 (13 Apr - 19 Apr) |
Seminar |
Week 7: Language policy, nationalism, and globalisation Language policy, nationalism and globalization Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05, L08 |
Week 8 (20 Apr - 26 Apr) |
Seminar |
Week 8: Language policy and education Language policy and education Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L07, L08 |
Week 9 (27 Apr - 03 May) |
Seminar |
Week 9: Language policy and bilingual education Language policy and bilingual education Learning outcomes: L03, L04, L05, L08 |
Week 10 (04 May - 10 May) |
Seminar |
Week 10: Medium of instruction and mother-tongue education Medium of instruction and mother-tongue education Learning outcomes: L03, L04, L05, L08, L09 |
Week 11 (11 May - 17 May) |
Seminar |
Week 11: Language policy and sustainable development Language policy and sustainable development Learning outcomes: L03, L04, L05, L08, L09 |
Week 12 (18 May - 24 May) |
Seminar |
Week 12: Language policy, minority rights, and social cohesion. Language policy, minority rights and social cohesion Learning outcomes: L03, L04, L05, L08, L09 |
Week 13 (25 May - 31 May) |
Seminar |
Week 13: Language loss, revitalisation, and maintenance Language loss, revitalization and maintenance Learning outcomes: L01, L06, L07, L08, L09 |
Additional learning activity information
This is a 3-hour course every week. There will be a one-hour in person lecture and then a two-hours tutorial each week. From Week 7 onwards, 30 to 45 mins of the tutorial time will be allocated for two/three student presentation on the language situation in a particular polity.
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments for Students Policy and Procedure
- AI for Assessment Guide
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.