Dr Amir Sheikhan
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
Learning a second language not only involves understanding the structure of that language, but also learning how language is used for different purposes across a range of different contexts and modalities. In this course, you will study language from the point of view of its users, the choices they make and constraints they encounter in using language in different settings, and the effects of their use of language on other people. You will also study how what is meant always goes well beyond what is simply said or written. Drawing from research in discourse and pragmatics, this course will give you an overview of the way language is used in different communicative situations, and illustrate how meaning that goes beyond what is said is constructed relative to contexts. You will analyse a number of key pragmatic dimensions of language use, including reference, information structure and presupposition, inference and implicature, and speech acts, and examine how the pragmatics of second languages are learned. While the data used in the course will come primarily from English, the theoretical perspectives and analytical methods employed have implications for the acquisition and teaching of all second languages.
Course requirements
Assumed background
The course makes no assumptions about previous training in linguistics or communication studies.
Course staff
Course coordinator
Lecturer
Dr Amir Sheikhan
Mr Nicholas Hugman
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
In SLAT7810, we will explore how language can be used to convey various layers of meaning, with a particular focus on language use in second language contexts. The course explores the different types of meaning and actions that can be delivered through language, and the implications of this for the learning and teaching of second languages.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Identify different features of pragmatic meaning
LO2.
Understand the systematic ways in which language can be used to deliver actions
LO3.
Effectively apply the concepts and theories studied in this course to the analysis of language use across different contexts
LO4.
Critically reflect on the implications of the concepts and theories studied in this course for the learning and teaching of second languages
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quiz |
Weekly Quiz
|
30% |
Week 2 OWQ - 2/08/2024 5:00 pm Week 3 OWQ - 9/08/2024 5:00 pm Week 4 OWQ - 16/08/2024 5:00 pm Week 5 OWQ - 23/08/2024 5:00 pm Week 6 OWQ - 30/08/2024 5:00 pm Week 7 OWQ - 6/09/2024 5:00 pm Week 9 OWQ - 20/09/2024 5:00 pm Week 10 OWQ - 4/10/2024 5:00 pm Week 11 OWQ - 11/10/2024 5:00 pm Week 12 OWQ - 18/10/2024 5:00 pm
From Week 2 until Week 12. Each quiz is made available on Wednesday and must be submitted by 5pm on Friday of the same week. |
| Examination |
In Semester Exam
|
30% |
11/09/2024 1:00 pm |
| Essay/ Critique, Presentation |
Video Presentation
|
40% |
25/10/2024 5:00 pm |
Assessment details
Weekly Quiz
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
Week 2 OWQ - 2/08/2024 5:00 pm
Week 3 OWQ - 9/08/2024 5:00 pm
Week 4 OWQ - 16/08/2024 5:00 pm
Week 5 OWQ - 23/08/2024 5:00 pm
Week 6 OWQ - 30/08/2024 5:00 pm
Week 7 OWQ - 6/09/2024 5:00 pm
Week 9 OWQ - 20/09/2024 5:00 pm
Week 10 OWQ - 4/10/2024 5:00 pm
Week 11 OWQ - 11/10/2024 5:00 pm
Week 12 OWQ - 18/10/2024 5:00 pm
From Week 2 until Week 12. Each quiz is made available on Wednesday and must be submitted by 5pm on Friday of the same week.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
Each week, from weeks 2 to 7 and 9 to 12, students will need to complete an online Weekly Quiz consisting of 3 questions. These quizzes will be available every Wednesday on Blackboard and must be submitted by 5pm on Friday of the same week. The questions will cover the lecture material and required readings for that week. Each Weekly Quiz will contribute 3% to the final grade. After completing all ten quizzes, the total score will be calculated. Answers to the questions will be marked as correct or incorrect. For each correct answer, students will receive 1 point. Each Weekly Quiz consists of 3 questions, and there are 10 quizzes in total, meaning students can earn up to 30 points if they answer all questions correctly.
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.
Submission guidelines
The weekly online study tasks will need to be accessed, completed, and submitted via Blackboard/UQ Learn.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
This is a weekly assessment that covers the lecture content and required readings for that week. Each quiz (from Week 2-12) is made available on Wednesday and must be submitted by 5pm on Friday of the same week. The correct answers and results will be made available on a weekly basis.
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.
In Semester Exam
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
11/09/2024 1:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L03
Task description
This is an In-Semester examination held during week 8 lecture. It will cover the course content studied in weeks 1 to 7. You will be asked to answer short answer questions and will be given approximately 50 minutes to complete it.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (Al). Students are advised that the use of Al technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Exam details
| Planning time | no planning time minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 50 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Video Presentation
- Online
- Mode
- Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia, Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique, Presentation
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
25/10/2024 5:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
This assessment item involves two parts.
Part I: You will video-record a 10-minute Microsoft Flip presentation in which you critically reflect on one of the pragmatic phenomena we have examined in this course and illustrate how you would go about teaching this in a second language classroom. You may choose one of the pragmatic concepts to focus on: what is said, reference, implicature, speech acts, pragmatic acts, pragmatic activities. This critical reflection and teaching demonstration should be based on the key concepts, theories and readings you have encountered in this course (30 marks).
Part II: The video-recording should be accompanied by a 600 word executive summary of the key points you make in this video presentation and relevant references. The bibliography is not included in the total word count of the executive summary. (10 marks).
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which AI and MT will provide only limited support and guidance. A failure to reference Al and 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 submission independent of Al and MT tools.
Submission guidelines
via TurnItIn
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: Fails to demonstrate most or all of the basic requirements of the course. |
| 2 (Fail) | 25 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates clear deficiencies in understanding and applying fundamental concepts; communicates information or ideas in ways that are frequently incomplete or confusing and give little attention to the conventions of the discipline. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Demonstrates superficial or partial or faulty understanding of the fundamental concepts of the field of study and limited ability to apply these concepts; presents undeveloped or inappropriate or unsupported arguments; communicates information or ideas with lack of clarity and inconsistent adherence to the conventions of the discipline. |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates adequate understanding and application of the fundamental concepts of the field of study; develops routine arguments or decisions and provides acceptable justification; communicates information and ideas adequately in terms of the conventions of the discipline. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates substantial understanding of fundamental concepts of the field of study and ability to apply these concepts in a variety of contexts; develops or adapts convincing arguments and provides coherent justification; communicates information and ideas clearly and fluently in terms of the conventions of the discipline. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: As for 5, with frequent evidence of originality in defining and analysing issues or problems and in creating solutions; uses a level, style and means of communication appropriate to the discipline and the audience. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: As for 6, with consistent evidence of substantial originality and insight in identifying, generating and communicating competing arguments, perspectives or problem solving approaches; critically evaluates problems, their solutions and implications. |
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.
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 |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 13 |
Lecture |
One-hour lectures Week 1: What is pragmatics? Week 2: Language use in context Week 3: Pragmatic meaning I Week 4: Pragmatic meaning II Week 5: Pragmatic meaning III Week 6: Pragmatic acts I Week 7: Pragmatic acts II Week 8: [No lecture this week] Week 9: Pragmatic acts III Week 10: Pragmatic acts and activities Week 11: Pragmatics and interactional competence Week 12: L2 pragmatics Week 13: Course review Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
General contact hours |
Two-hour tutorials Week 1: Introduction, review weekly reading and data analysis Week 2: Review weekly reading and data analysis Week 3: Review weekly reading and data analysis Week 4: Review weekly reading and data analysis Week 5: Review weekly reading and data analysis Week 6: Review weekly reading and data analysis Week 7: Review weekly reading and data analysis Week 8: Review weekly reading and data analysis Week 9: Review weekly reading and data analysis Week 10: Getting acquainted, data analysis Week 11: Review weekly reading, learning L2 pragmatics Week 12: Review weekly reading, teaching L2 pragmatics Week 13: Critical reflections on implications for professional practice Learning outcomes: L01, 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.