Dr Paul Moore
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Languages & Cultures School
Introduction to applied linguistic concepts and to basic literature, with special emphasis on applications of linguistic theory to problems of first and second language acquisition and to language in social contexts.
SLAT7706 is a survey course and presents an introduction to applied linguistics as a discipline area, its concepts and methods, and its core literature, with special emphasis on (a) problems of second language learning and teaching; (b) the social and cultural contexts of language use and learning; and (c) special topics including the application of information and communications technology (ICT). Online course content and weekly reading tasks are to be completed before each week's two-hour tutorial.
Course requirements
Assumed background
SLAT7706 assumes no previous knowledge of Linguistics or Applied Linguistics.
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
SLAT6706
Course staff
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Public holidays:
Alternative arrangements for affected students will be announced through the Blackboard site.
Class allocation:
In order to optimise the student experience, it may be necessary to reallocate students to a different class from their first choice.
Before this happens, every effort will be made to enable students to voluntarily change into an alternative class that is suitable.
Please note: Teaching staff do not have access to the timetabling system to help with class allocation. Therefore, should you need
help with your timetable and/or allocation of classes, please ensure you email hass.mytimetable@uq.edu.au from your UQ
student email account with the following details:
- Full name,
- Student ID, and
- the Course Code
Additional information and support can be found here .
Aims and outcomes
SLAT7706 is designed to provide a broadly-based introduction to applied linguistics, with special emphasis on its interdisciplinary nature, and on the use of language in context. Particular attention is paid to second language teaching, to the social and cultural contexts of language use and learning, and to the implications of the disciplinary features of applied linguistics. This course provides a foundation for a number of the other courses in the applied linguistics degrees, as well as knowledge of language use, learning and theory, principles, methodologies and practices, which are foundational to success as a language educator or language professional.
Throughout this course, students are encouraged to develop the following key attributes of a language professional: the curiosity and intellectual independence to explore areas of interest (oriented to second language research and/or professional pursuits); openness to a range of ideas from research literature and your peers, and the objectivity to be able to evaluate and further develop these ideas. Students will gain experience in collaboratively and independently investigating current problems in applied linguistics, evaluating and extending each other’s conceptual understanding and evidence-based arguments, and independently exploring and reporting on an area of applied linguistics related to their emerging research and professional interests. All students are encouraged to bring their language, cultural and professional backgrounds to bear on their studies.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
identify the role of the various disciplines within Applied Linguistics
LO2.
apply theoretical and methodological concepts in Applied Linguistics to a language learning context familiar to you
LO3.
compare and contrast the writings on similar topics within Applied Linguistics
LO4.
appraise various facets and theories of Applied Linguistics, in collaboration with your peers
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quiz |
Online task
|
20% (Each weekly task is worth 2% of your final grade) |
3/03/2025 1:00 pm 10/03/2025 1:00 pm 17/03/2025 1:00 pm 24/03/2025 1:00 pm 31/03/2025 1:00 pm 7/04/2025 1:00 pm 14/04/2025 1:00 pm 28/04/2025 1:00 pm 5/05/2025 1:00 pm 12/05/2025 1:00 pm
Submit before 1pm each Monday (AEST). Each online task will be available six days before its due date. |
| Presentation |
Group presentation
|
20% |
14/04/2025 - 30/05/2025
Presentations will occur during class time (WEEK 8-WEEK 13). Dates and times will be assigned to groups by the lecturer. |
| Portfolio |
Portfolio of blog reflections
|
30% 1500 words (excluding references) |
30/05/2025 4:00 pm
Friday, WEEK 13 |
| Essay/ Critique |
Current issues in applied linguistics
|
30% 1200 words (excluding references) |
9/06/2025 4:00 pm
Monday, Exam Week 1. |
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
Online task
- Hurdle
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 20% (Each weekly task is worth 2% of your final grade)
- Due date
3/03/2025 1:00 pm
10/03/2025 1:00 pm
17/03/2025 1:00 pm
24/03/2025 1:00 pm
31/03/2025 1:00 pm
7/04/2025 1:00 pm
14/04/2025 1:00 pm
28/04/2025 1:00 pm
5/05/2025 1:00 pm
12/05/2025 1:00 pm
Submit before 1pm each Monday (AEST). Each online task will be available six days before its due date.
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03
Task description
The purpose of this task is to check your engagement with and understanding of the content of the weekly readings and online tasks.
Each week (2-11) you will be asked to complete LearnX activities and read assigned readings before class. After completing these activities, you will complete a 30-minute Inspera task online.
Each of the 10 tasks will receive a mark out of 20. The percentage of correct questions will be averaged across tasks to calculate a mark out of 20 towards each student's final grade.
Generative AI & MT Statement
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
You must complete all four assessments in order to pass the course, even if you have more than 50% overall with less than four complete assessment items.Submission guidelines
Complete each task via the Inspera link in the assessment folder in BlackBoard.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
This is a weekly task. Each task will be available for six days before the due date, with results being made available on a weekly basis.
Group presentation
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- Team or group-based
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Oral
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
14/04/2025 - 30/05/2025
Presentations will occur during class time (WEEK 8-WEEK 13). Dates and times will be assigned to groups by the lecturer.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L03, L04
Task description
Students in small groups will make a 20-minute presentation (plus answer questions) to the class on a topic in applied linguistics negotiated with the lecturer, and supported by data and references. The presentation will be supported by a PowerPoint file, which must be submitted to the lecturer prior to the presentation. The PowerPoint file should also be made available to other students via Blackboard within one week of the presentation. Weeks 8-13 inclusive during tutorial time. Presentation dates and times will be assigned to groups by the lecturer.
This is a group presentation which is marked as a group; however, markers may adjust the marks of individuals within a group where there are marked differences in individual contributions. If a group member fails to attend class or to participate, they may be removed from the group and may be required to apply for an extension to be able to complete the assessment. Please see the assessment guidelines on this assignment for more details on group work and for strategies on working well together. For more information on working with groups, see also https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/student-support/study-skills/group-work
Generative AI & MT Statement
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) provides 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.
Hurdle requirements
You must complete all four assessments in order to pass the course, even if you have more than 50% overall with less than four complete assessment items.Submission guidelines
The presentation will be supported by a PowerPoint file, which must be submitted to the lecturer prior to the presentation. The PowerPoint file should also be made available to other students via Blackboard within one week of the presentation.
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.
Portfolio of blog reflections
- Hurdle
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Portfolio
- Weight
- 30% 1500 words (excluding references)
- Due date
30/05/2025 4:00 pm
Friday, WEEK 13
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03
Task description
The portfolio is a written submission of three revised and extended blog reflections of 500 words each, incorporating peer-feedback and other related information from your reading and coursework.
Students are expected to complete three blog reflections during the course (300 words each due Monday, weeks 4, 8 and 12 at 4pm) via your group blogs in Blackboard.
For the portfolio submission, students must submit screen captures of their original blog submissions, with an extended blog reflections incorporating peer-feedback and other related information from your reading and coursework.
Portfolio submission: 1500 word limit (with approx. 500 words dedicated to each blog revised submission). Word count excludes references and appendices.
While it is expected that students will submit individual blogs in Weeks 4, 8 and 12, there's only one submission deadline for the Portfolio as a whole.
See "Learning Activities" below about blog participation throughout this course, and see Blackboard for Assessment Criteria.
Generative AI & MT Statement
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance. A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct. To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Hurdle requirements
You must complete all four assessments in order to pass the course, even if you have more than 50% overall with less than four complete assessment items.Submission guidelines
Turnitin submission.
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 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Current issues in applied linguistics
- Hurdle
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 30% 1200 words (excluding references)
- Due date
9/06/2025 4:00 pm
Monday, Exam Week 1.
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L03, L04
Task description
Write a 1200-word essay (excluding references) on current issues in applied linguistics.
This assignment allows you to examine one or more issues or themes which have arisen in your coursework, blog investigations, or readings in further depth, with the option of exploring links among areas of interest and among theories, research and practice in areas of applied linguistics. Your instructor will provide a short list of topics and required readings/sources. You must choose one of these topics for your essay. In addition to the required readings, select relevant readings from the course, as well as those from your own literature search. Consider the semester’s work as a whole. Based on your selected topic, what themes have stood out for you? How do different the different themes relate to each other and the broader field of applied linguistics? How do they relate to your professional practice, or perhaps a research interest?
Generative AI & MT Statement
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance. A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct. To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI or MT tools.
Hurdle requirements
You must complete all four assessments in order to pass the course, even if you have more than 50% overall with less than four complete assessment items.Submission guidelines
Turnitin submission
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 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 24 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student has failed to hand in the required assessable work by the specified date. |
| 2 (Fail) | 25 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student's work is uneven and of limited merit, showing an inability to master the concepts and material of the course. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: The student has shown some understanding of the concepts and material covered in the course, but has not demonstrated a coherent, soundly based comprehension of Applied Linguistics, its disciplines and methods. |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student's work shows a basic level of understanding of concepts and methods; some ability to communicate and argue; and some ability to link ideas to practice. This understanding, however, is not extended or sophisticated. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student shows a richer, deeper and more articulated level of understanding than for a result of 4, with better disciplinary links and a more critical approach to the literature and its interpretation. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student shows a firm understanding of the key concepts of the course; has shown some originality in developing the themes of the course and exploring them further; and in relating the literature to practice. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student shows originality and initiative in approaching the themes of the course, together with an advanced level of understanding and ability to synthesize diverse material, to link the literature to ideas and practice, and to engage in discourse about the course at an advanced level. |
Additional course grading information
Marking criteria and/or marking rubrics are available in the ‘Assessment’ folder in Blackboard for this course.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
TURNITIN
- It is the student's responsibility to upload their own assignment to Turnitin and to ensure that this assignment is their final draft.
- The digital copy uploaded must be the same as the hard copy handed in, if a hard copy is requested by the course coordinator.
GROUP ASSESSMENT
Instructors reserve the right to adjust individual grades in group assignments to reflect identified differences in individual contribution.
COMPLETION OF ALL ASSESSMENT ITEMS IS A REQUIREMENT FOR PASSING THE COURSE. You must complete all four assessments in order to pass the course, even if you have more than 50% overall with less than four complete assessment items.
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.
Additional learning resources information
Students should make use of the bibliographic databases available through the Library, especially ERIC and LLBA. Other recommended sources include Web of Knowledge and Google Scholar. Selective use of Web materials is encouraged, but students should verify the quality and reliability of evidence from these sources.
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 |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks From O-week To Week 13 |
Not Timetabled |
Pre-class UQ Extend Activities Each week before class, students are required to complete the following activities in the UQ Extend platform (accessible via Learning Resources link in BlackBoard):
The pre-class weekly quiz is based on these activities (see Assessment Item 1) Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 13 |
Tutorial |
Timetabled Tutorials Two hours of tutorial week. Students are expected to take an interactive and proactive role in discussion of course themes and materials. Students will also deliver presentations on negotiated topics, and will take part in round table discussions. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Multiple weeks From Week 3 To Week 12 |
Not Timetabled |
Blog participation For this activity, students will be placed in groups of 4 or 5. Three times during the semester (weeks 4, 8 and 12), students will post a 300 word blog reflection on one of the course concepts of their choice, as follows: Blog posts: Due: Monday 4pm Weeks 4, 8, and 12 300 words each submission Post to your group's Blog link in Bb What issue or topic raised in class or in your reading was most important to you and/or relevant to your research and professional interests?
Blog peer feedback responses: Due: Friday 4pm Weeks 4, 8, and 12 300 words each submission Post response to your group's Blog link in Bb Once all the group members' blogs are posted, each student will post a 100 word Peer Feedback comment on one partner's blog, as follows:
These blog reflections will form the basis of the Portfolio of Blog Reflections (see Assessment Item 2) Further details will be provided in class and on Blackboard Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04 |
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 - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.