Language in Society (LING6002) is important for anyone who wants to understand the way in which languages function in society. It is an introductory course designed to enable students to acquire an understanding of the different concepts and methods used to analyse language within different social settings. It provides students with the basic skills for carrying out research into language in society. Issues covered will include collecting, describing and interpreting sociolinguistic data and reporting research findings. Students will be given an opportunity to carry out their own sociolinguistic survey.

Language in Society (LING6002) can be undertaken either as a single course or as an elective course towards the Graduate Diploma in Applied Linguistics, Master of Applied Linguistics, Graduate Diploma of Linguistics, Master of Arts (Linguistics), Graduate Diploma in Translation Studies, Master of Translation Studies, Graduate Certificate in Applied Japanese Linguistics.

This course is compulsory for graduate students who wish to undertake further research (thesis or sub-thesis) in the area of sociolinguistics. It is recommended for graduate students who wish to undertake further research in applied linguistics. Students should consult with the convenor of Linguistics or Applied Linguistics or their potential supervisor as to whether or not they are required to take the course.

Language in Society provides students with an understanding of current sociolinguistics theory and research as it relates to the discipline of Applied Linguistics and Linguistics.

On satisfying the expectations of the course, students will have the knowledge and skills (1) to critically evaluate various sociolinguistic theories; (2) to analyse sociolinguistic data within the light of various sociolinguistic theories; (3) to critically evaluate recent articles in contemporary sociolinguistic journals; (4) to carry out a small sociolinguistic project related to their own research interests.

In addition to attending lectures and tutorials, graduate students will be required to be part of the vibrant research community at ANU, by attending seminars within the linguistics and applied linguistics program.

Students will be assessed according to their understanding of sociolinguistic concepts and theories, as per the learning outcomes. The final decision concerning assessment will be made in conjunction with the students in the second week of semester.

Two critical reading assignments (15% each) requiring students to critically evaluate 2 recent articles from contemporary sociolinguistic journals, are due in Weeks 4 and 7. Practical assignment (30%) requiring students to collect sociolinguistic survey data for analysis, is due in Week 10. Essay (40%) on a topic of interest within sociolinguistics, is due during the exam period.

Passing of the course is conditional on students passing all assessment items.

This course has 3 contact hours per week (lectures and tutorials). In addition, students are required to attend seminars within the linguistics and applied linguistics program to increase their understanding of sociolinguistics and applied linguistics.

In addition to the required contact hours (lectures, tutorials and seminars), it is expected that students will spend an additional 8-10 hours per week on this course. 

Prerequisite: There is no prerequisite (although students are advised to take
Introduction to the Study of Language (LING6001) or Cross-cultural Communication (LING6021) first).