Applied Linguistics Research and Writing A is designed to be taken as a co-requisite course with Topics in Applied Linguistics A: Language Learning and Education (Topics A for short). Both are offered in Semester 1. Applied Linguistics Research and Writing A is a co-requisite course that contextualises the various topics (covered in the Topics A course) within the broader context of applied linguistics research. Applied Linguistics Research and Writing A will give students the opportunity to understand how the broad field of applied linguistics fits together and how different aspects are connected through the range of research and research methodologies. This contextualisation aspect will comprise 50% of the course. The other 50% of the course will be devoted to writing within the academic genre of applied linguistics. The writing component will be taught in conjunction with the Academic Skills and Learning Centre (ASLC). Students will be given the opportunity to analyse written academic texts (as per the reading list for the Topics A course) and to write their own applied linguistics texts. All practical assignments will be based on texts and readings from the co-requisite Topics A course and will complement the writing requirements in the co-requisite Topics A course.

Applied Linguistics Research and Writing A will be held on alternating fortnights with Topics in Applied Linguistics A: Language Learning and Education. (Applied Linguistics Research and Writing B will be offered in Semester 2 to accompany Topics in Applied Linguistics B: Language, Text and Discourses.)

On satisfying the expectations of the course, you should be able to

1.     Critically read, evaluate and write about readings within current applied linguistics or languages and culture research.

2.     Write a well-structured, well-supported and correctly referenced literature review on an applied linguistics or languages and culture topic.

3.    Using powerpoint, present a clear well-structured detailed outline of an applied linguistics or languages and culture research project.

4.    Think about, write and present a well-structured research project (in draft form) based on an applied linguistics or languages and culture topic.

2 critical summaries of journal articles (from Topics in Applied Linguistics A: Language Learning and Education)  (10% each)

Literature review (1000 words)   (30%)

Outline of research project prepared as a powerpoint presentation    (25%)

Process writing of research project  (25%)

The course will consist of fortnightly seminars in two x 2-hour blocks (totalling 4 hours) scheduled towards the end of the day to suit the student cohort. One additional writing seminar will be scheduled on a Saturday towards the end of the semester. Students can expect to put in 6 hours of study per week outside of class time.

Co-requisite with Topics in Applied Linguistics A: Language Learning and Education (LING8xxx).

Students do not require any prior linguistics or applied linguistics prior to commencing this course.

An electronic reading brick will be available.

Other than normal internet access (for example, for Wattle or the course online discussion board and course blog), no special equipment is required to access materials to complete the course.