Key facts
UNE unit code: LING304
*You are viewing the 2025 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Not offered in 2025
- Yes
- No
- No
- 6
Unit information
Language is an incredibly complex and sophisticated system. Young children acquire their first language without any formal instruction. So why are languages so much harder to learn when we’re older? This unit covers the fascinating and varied field of language acquisition: how we acquire our first language, and how we learn second or third languages later in life.
You will examine the key linguistic, psycholinguistic, and sociocultural theories in the field, and explore how human sounds, vocabulary, and grammar are acquired; the relationship between language and literacy development; and how first language development continues into the adult years. You will also investigate second dialect acquisition, asking what it means to acquire not a second language, but a second dialect.
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- demonstrate a broad and coherent knowledge of the principles and issues involved in the study of first and second language acquisition;
- understand and apply key linguistic and applied linguistic concepts to professional work and/or further learning;
- critically analyse and evaluate major issues and themes in language acquisition in order to analyse and evaluate information and provide solutions to unpredictable and sometimes complex problems;
- apply knowledge of the field to demonstrate autonomy and well-developed judgment in self-directed work and learning; and
- use well-developed cognitive and technical and communication skills to transmit knowledge, skills, and ideas in language acquisition to others.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Assessment 1 | Yes | 5% | All offerings | No. of words: 300 Language Acquisition Autobiography |
Assessment 2 | Yes | 15% | All offerings | No. of words: 800 Quiz 1 |
Assessment 3 | Yes | 15% | All offerings | No. of words: 800 Quiz 2 |
Assessment 4 | Yes | 25% | All offerings | No. of words: 1000 Worksheet |
Assessment 5 | Yes | 40% | All offerings | No. of words: 1500 Take Home Exam |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note:
The Development of Language
ISBN: 9781488618765
Gleason, J.B. and Ratner, N.B., Pearson 9th ed. 2016
Text refers to: All offerings
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Introducing Second Language Acquisition
ISBN: 9781316603925
Saville-Troike, M. and Barto, K., Cambridge University Press 3rd ed. 2016
Text refers to: All offerings
A five-star experience
Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience
Good Universities Guide 2007-2024No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience
QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience
QILT Student Experience SurveyFive Stars for
Teaching Quality
UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality
Good Universities Guide 2024Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.
We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
*The Good Universities Guide
Stay connected
Register your interest and we'll keep you updated
Why study with us?
I'm grateful to UNE for the opportunities studying has given me, but above all, for making me realise I could actually do it, and giving me a sense of accomplishment.
What happens next?
Got any questions about a course you would like to study? Don’t hesitate to contact us, our Future Student team is standing by to help.
2025 applications are now open. The application process only takes 20 minutes to complete. Don’t delay, apply now!
Your start date is based on the study period you choose to apply for.