59709 Australian Conversations
Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a
particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source
of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.
Subject handbook information prior to 2018 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 8 cp
Subject level: Undergraduate
Result type: Grade and marksThere are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.
Requisite elaboration/waiver: Non-English-speaking background international, exchange or study abroad students who meet the requisite English proficiency score (IELTS: 5.0-6.0 overall with a writing score of 5.0; TOEFL: paper based: 510-550 overall with TWE of 3.0, internet based: 35-78 overall with a writing score of 14)
Description
This subject is designed for international students as part of an Australian Language and Culture Studies program. The subject aims to develop students' oral and written English and their sociolinguistic awareness of Australia through the study of a range of topics related to Australian society and culture. The subject also provides an overview of the Australian education system and introduces the key genres relevant to participation in an Australian tertiary education environment.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
| a. | comprehend short texts in written and spoken English |
|---|---|
| b. | argue coherently in a short written text in English |
| c. | participate effectively in a short oral interview in English |
Teaching and learning strategies
Face-to-face classes will incorporate a range of teaching and learning strategies including videos, interviews, group discussions, collaborative writing and practice in assessment skills.
Content (topics)
The content in this subject includes texts and activities relevant to entry and participation in an Australian tertiary education environment.
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Critical listening and reading
| Objective(s): | a and b | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight: | 40% | ||||||||||||
| Criteria: | • Accuracy of responses to listening text | ||||||||||||
| Criteria linkages: |
SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes |
Assessment task 2: Short essay
| Objective(s): | b | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight: | 30% | ||||||||
| Criteria: | • Relevance of content | ||||||||
| Criteria linkages: |
SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes |
Assessment task 3: Short interview
| Objective(s): | c | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight: | 30% | ||||||||
| Criteria: | • Fluency and coherence of responses | ||||||||
| Criteria linkages: |
SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes |
References
Australia Network n.d. Study English: IELTS Preparation, viewed 17 October 2012, <http://australianetwork.com/studyenglish/>
Australia Network n.d. Passport to English: IELTS Speaking Test, viewed 17 October 2012, http://australianetwork.com/passport/
Bradley, D., Dyer, W., Hayman, J., Soars, J. & Soars, L. 1997, Headway Australasia pre-intermediate student's book, Oxford University Press, Australia.
Bradley, D., Dyer, W., Hayman, J., Soars, J. & Soars, L. 1996, Headway Australasia intermediate student's book, Oxford University Press, Australia.
Brick, J. 2006, Academic culture: A students guide to studying at university, National Centre for English Language Teaching and Research, Macquarie University, Australia.
Hay, I. Bochner, D. Dungey, C. 2006, Making the grade: A guide to successful communication and study, 3rd edn, Oxford University Press, South Melbourne, Vic, Australia.
Shiels, K., Garnsworthy, M. & Robinson, J. 2012, Read it write it pre-intermediate Australasia student book, Oxford University Press, Australia.
University of Technology, Sydney 2007, Prepare for IELTS skills and strategies: Book one listening and speaking, Insearch, Sydney.
University of Technology, Sydney 2007, Prepare for IELTS skills and strategies: Book 2 reading and writing, Insearch, Sydney.
