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Course profile

Concepts in Applied Linguistics (SLAT7706)

Study period
Sem 2 2024
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person

Course overview

Study period
Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
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

Course coordinator

Lecturer

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 - submit before 1pm each Monday
  • Hurdle
  • Online
20% Each weekly task is worth 2% of your final grade

29/07/2024 1:00 pm

5/08/2024 1:00 pm

12/08/2024 1:00 pm

19/08/2024 1:00 pm

26/08/2024 1:00 pm

2/09/2024 1:00 pm

9/09/2024 1:00 pm

16/09/2024 1:00 pm

30/09/2024 1:00 pm

7/10/2024 1:00 pm

Portfolio Portfolio of blog reflections
  • Hurdle
  • Online
30% 1500 words (excluding references)

25/10/2024 4:00 pm

Presentation Group presentation
  • Hurdle
  • Identity Verified
  • Team or group-based
  • In-person
20%

9/09/2024 - 25/10/2024

Presentations will occur during class time.

Essay/ Critique Current issues in applied linguistics
  • Hurdle
  • Online
30% 1200 words (excluding references)

4/11/2024

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 - submit before 1pm each Monday

  • Hurdle
  • Online
Mode
Written
Category
Quiz
Weight
20% Each weekly task is worth 2% of your final grade
Due date

29/07/2024 1:00 pm

5/08/2024 1:00 pm

12/08/2024 1:00 pm

19/08/2024 1:00 pm

26/08/2024 1:00 pm

2/09/2024 1:00 pm

9/09/2024 1:00 pm

16/09/2024 1:00 pm

30/09/2024 1:00 pm

7/10/2024 1:00 pm

Other conditions
Time limited.

See the conditions definitions

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.

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 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.

Portfolio of blog reflections

  • Hurdle
  • Online
Mode
Written
Category
Portfolio
Weight
30% 1500 words (excluding references)
Due date

25/10/2024 4:00 pm

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03

Task description

Length: 1500ww including revised blog reflections (weeks 4, 8 and 12), along with evidence of incorporation of feedback and evidence of timely blog submissions (screen capture). Word count excludes references and appendices.

The portfolio is a written submission of three revised and extended blog reflections of 500ww each, incorporating peer-feedback and other related information from your reading and coursework.

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 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 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.

Group presentation

  • Hurdle
  • Identity Verified
  • Team or group-based
  • In-person
Mode
Activity/ Performance, Oral
Category
Presentation
Weight
20%
Due date

9/09/2024 - 25/10/2024

Presentations will occur during class time.

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.

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

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

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.

Current issues in applied linguistics

  • Hurdle
  • Online
Mode
Written
Category
Essay/ Critique
Weight
30% 1200 words (excluding references)
Due date

4/11/2024

Learning outcomes
L02, L03, L04

Task description

Essay. Current issues in applied linguistics

1200 words (excluding references)

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?

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 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 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

  1. It is the student's responsibility to upload their own assignment to Turnitin and to ensure that this assignment is their final draft.
  2. 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.

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Learning period Activity type Topic
Multiple weeks

From O-week To Week 13
(15 Jul - 27 Oct)

Problem-based learning

Pre-class LearnX Activities

Each week before class, students are required to complete the following activities in the LearnX platform (accessible via Learning Resources link in BlackBoard):

  • watch content videos
  • read the weekly readings
  • complete the interactive tasks based on the videos and weekly readings

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
(22 Jul - 27 Oct)

Tutorial

Timetabled Tutorials

Two hours of seminar/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
(05 Aug - 20 Oct)

Team Based Learning

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:

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?

  • summarise the issue or topic;
  • outline why it is important (to the field or to you);
  • briefly outline what the literature tells us about it;
  • write down a question you have about this issue or topic;
  • include references.

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:

  • Provide your perspective on the issue and its importance;
  • Provide constructive feedback (opportunities for discussion of feedback will also be provided in class);
  • Try to provide an answer to the proposed question or recommend one relevant reading.


These blog reflections will form the basis of the Portfolio of Blog Reflections (see Assessment Item 2)

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:

Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.