COMMS101-21A (HAM)

Communication Competencies

15 Points

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Division of Arts Law Psychology & Social Sciences
School of Arts

Staff

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Convenor(s)

Julie Barbour

Julie Barbour
9336
I.3.12
See Moodle
julie.barbour@waikato.ac.nz

Lecturer(s)

Administrator(s)

: vanessa.mclean@waikato.ac.nz

Placement/WIL Coordinator(s)

Tutor(s)

Student Representative(s)

Lab Technician(s)

Librarian(s)

You can contact staff by:

  • Calling +64 7 838 4466 select option 1, then enter the extension.
  • Extensions starting with 4, 5, 9 or 3 can also be direct dialled:
    • For extensions starting with 4: dial +64 7 838 extension.
    • For extensions starting with 5: dial +64 7 858 extension.
    • For extensions starting with 9: dial +64 7 837 extension.
    • For extensions starting with 3: dial +64 7 2620 + the last 3 digits of the extension e.g. 3123 = +64 7 262 0123.
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Paper Description

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This paper examines the way in which language is used as an expression of a speaker's culture and social group, and considers how language varies according to social context. Through the rich disciplinary context of sociolinguistics, students are initiated into participation in the tertiary environment, with an emphasis on developing academic research and writing strategies.

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Paper Structure

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Lecture content is organised around three themes:

Topic One: Communication in multilingual contexts

Topic Two: Language & place

Topic Three: Language & people

Topic Four: Communication & the social self

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Learning Outcomes

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Students who successfully complete the paper should be able to:

  • Think Critically about Language Use

    identify and critically evaluate assumptions that are commonly held about the way that people communicate in context, both in regards to their own language use, and the strategies used by speakers from other societies and cultures

    Linked to the following assessments:
  • Consider Social & Contextual Factors

    identify and interpret the role of social and contextual factors in language production

    Linked to the following assessments:
  • Analyse Language in Context

    apply a number of different frameworks and tools to analyse language in context, including the autoethnographic analysis of linguistic communication, a visual semiotics and discourse analysis of an image/text advertisement, and the ethnography of communication framework

    Linked to the following assessments:
  • Develop Research Skills

    locate and access information relevant to the course from a variety of sources and platforms, and for specific purposes

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  • Access information from Academic Readings

    read academic texts effectively, including as appropriate the ability to read a single source closely, and to synthesise information from multiple sources and cite this using a specified referencing system

    Linked to the following assessments:
  • Access and Interpret Quantitative Information

    read and interpret basic graphs and tables presenting quantitative sociolinguistic data, and understand the limitations of such data

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  • Communicate effectively in Written English

    produce a variety of traditional written forms, from guided note-taking in classes, to auto-ethnographic accounts to formal academic writing of varying lengths using appropriate technical vocabulary

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  • Communicate effectively in Spoken English,

    actively participate in group learning and develop of collaborative responses which are presented to peers.

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  • Develop Academic Integrity

    apply critical analysis skills to support their developing academic integrity towards becoming responsible researchers.

    Linked to the following assessments:
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Assessment

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Assessment Components

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The internal assessment/exam ratio (as stated in the University Calendar) is 100:0. There is no final exam. The final exam makes up 0% of the overall mark.

The internal assessment/exam ratio (as stated in the University Calendar) is 100:0 or 0:0, whichever is more favourable for the student. The final exam makes up either 0% or 0% of the overall mark.

Component DescriptionDue Date TimePercentage of overall markSubmission MethodCompulsory
1. Quiz A
12 Mar 2021
No set time
5
  • Online: Submit through Moodle
2. Quiz B
26 Mar 2021
No set time
5
  • Online: Submit through Moodle
3. Assignment 1: Language Variation
1 Apr 2021
No set time
20
  • Online: Submit through Moodle
4. Quiz C
9 Apr 2021
No set time
5
  • Online: Submit through Moodle
5. Quiz D
7 May 2021
No set time
5
  • Online: Submit through Moodle
6. Assignment 2: Language at work
14 May 2021
No set time
20
  • Online: Submit through Moodle
7. Quiz E
21 May 2021
No set time
5
  • Online: Submit through Moodle
8. Quiz F
4 Jun 2021
No set time
5
  • Online: Submit through Moodle
9. Assignment 3: The social self
14 Jun 2021
No set time
30
  • Online: Submit through Moodle
Assessment Total:     100    
Failing to complete a compulsory assessment component of a paper will result in an IC grade
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Required and Recommended Readings

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Recommended Readings

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A textbook for this course is available electronically through the University of Waikato library and through the ARTSC105 Reading List. You can purchase a hard copy if you prefer:

An introduction to sociolinguistics. (5th ed., published in 2017) by Janet Holmes and Nick Wilson. Earlier editions are also suitable, particularly the 2013 edition.

Further course readings are available from the Waikato Reading List for this paper.

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Online Support

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This course is delivered through a combination of online content available from Moodle, and face-to-face (or Zoom) workshops.

In 2021A, this paper is being taught together with COMMS101-21A Communication Competencies. On Moodle, students from the two papers will study together.

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Workload

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The workload for this course amounts to one quarter of a full-time student’s working time (approx. 10 hours per week). This typically comprises:

  • Completing weekly workbooks (up to 3 hours per week);
  • Attendance at one weekly workshop (1 hour);
  • Completing the readings from the text book and other reading as advised and needed to understand course content (approximately 2 hours);
  • Assessment preparation (as many hours as needed).
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Linkages to Other Papers

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Prerequisite(s)

Corequisite(s)

Equivalent(s)

Restriction(s)

Restricted papers: ARTSC105

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