LANG 1014 Introduction to Linguistics

Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 101945

Coordinator Xiangdong Liu Opens in new window

Description Language is an integral component of human experience. This subject is designed to raise students' awareness of the nature, structures and functions of language and language use. Students will gain the conceptual tools to do basic analysis of language at the levels of phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics and pragmatics. By providing a basic understanding and appreciation of language from different perspectives, the subject establishes points of contact between language, the humanities, and beyond.

School Humanities & Comm Arts

Discipline Linguistics

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 1 10cp

Check your fees via the Fees page.

Level Undergraduate Level 1 subject

Equivalent Subjects LANG 2032 - Linguistics

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  1. explain what language is and how it is used
  2. analyse grammatical aspects of language;
  3. demonstrate basic knowledge about language acquisition and processing;
  4. describe and explain how languages differ and change over time;
  5. apply fundamental concepts and appropriate theoretical knowledge to analyse data and the selected problem set.

Subject Content

- Introduction to language and linguistics: Rationale for studying linguistics; sub-disciplines of linguistics, other linguistics-related disciplines and their objectives;
- Grammatical aspects of language: phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics and pragmatics: the meanings of language;
- language and mind: language acquisition and processing.
- language and society: language in use and language change.
- language change over time

Assessment

The following table summarises the standard assessment tasks for this subject. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated, where there is a difference your Learning Guide takes precedence.

Type Length Percent Threshold Individual/Group Task Mandatory
Quiz 7 quizzes at 10-30 minutes each. The two lowest marks will be excluded from the final mark calculation. 40 N Individual N
Short Answer Approximately 1,000 words 40 N Individual Y
Applied Project A project plan of up to 500 words and a 2.5~3-minute presentation 20 N Individual N

Prescribed Texts

  • Fromkin, V., Rodman, R., Hyams, N., Collins, P., Amberber, M. & Cox F. (2022). An Introduction to Language. Australia & New Zealand 10th Edition. South Melbourne: Cengage Learning.

Teaching Periods

Autumn (2024)

Online

Online

Subject Contact Xiangdong Liu Opens in new window

View timetable Opens in new window

Parramatta - Victoria Rd

On-site

Subject Contact Stacey Sherwood Opens in new window

View timetable Opens in new window

Autumn (2025)

Online

Online

Subject Contact Xiangdong Liu Opens in new window

View timetable Opens in new window

Parramatta - Victoria Rd

On-site

Subject Contact Stacey Sherwood Opens in new window

View timetable Opens in new window