lin2lag language and gesture

LANGUAGE AND GESTURE

LIN2LAG

2017

Credit points: 15

Subject outline

This subject introduces the student to the study of gesture in human communication. It focuses on how gesture is used during face-to-face interaction in order to demonstrate the varied role of gesture in communication. The subject will begin with a discussion of the history of the study of gesture, exploring the relationship between gesture and signed languages, and how the use of gesture varies according to cultural and language differences. The emphasis in this subject will be on the semiotic and linguistic dimensions of gestural communication, but the unit will also touch on the neurological and psycholinguistic aspects of gesture, its developmental course in infants and children, and its possible role in the evolution of language.

SchoolSchool of Humanities & Social Sciences

Credit points15

Subject Co-ordinatorJames Walker

Available to Study Abroad StudentsYes

Subject year levelYear Level 2 - UG

Exchange StudentsYes

Subject particulars

Subject rules

PrerequisitesN/A

Co-requisitesN/A

Incompatible subjectsN/A

Equivalent subjectsN/A

Special conditionsN/A

Learning resources

Readings

Resource TypeTitleResource RequirementAuthor and YearPublisher
ReadingsGesture: Visible action as utterancePrescribedKendon, A. (2004).CAMBRIDGE: CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS
ReadingsGesture and thoughtRecommendedMcNeill, D. (2005)UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO PRESS
ReadingsHearing gesture: How our hands help us thinkRecommendedGoldin-Meadow, S. (2003)HARVARD UNIVERSITY PRESS
ReadingsLanguage and gestureRecommendedMcNeill, D. (Ed.). (2000)CAMBRIDGE

Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes

01. Explain the importance of studying gesture for an understanding of human communication

Activities:
Reading, lectures, class discussion, essay and analysis of co-speech gesture video data
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
Writing(Writing)
Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)

02. Describe key aspects of gesticulation/co-speech gestures, mimetic gestures, and emblems/symbolic gestures

Activities:
Reading, lectures, class discussion, essay and analysis of co-speech gesture video data
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
Writing(Writing)

03. Compare the form and functions of gesture, spoken languages and sign languages

Activities:
Reading, lectures, class discussion, essay and analysis of co-speech gesture video data
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Writing(Writing)
Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)

04. Analyse interactions between people to determine the role of gesture in communication. You will be able to (a) explain key issues in gesture research methodology and (b) apply theoretical knowledge to the analysis of co-speech gesture data

Activities:
Lectures, class discussion, class exercises, assignment and analysis of co-speech gesture video data
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Writing(Writing)
Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)

Subject options

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Start date between: and    Key dates

Melbourne, 2017, Semester 2, Day

Overview

Online enrolmentYes

Maximum enrolment sizeN/A

Enrolment information

Subject Instance Co-ordinatorJames Walker

Class requirements

LectureWeek: 31 - 43
One 2.0 hours lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via blended.

TutorialWeek: 31 - 43
One 1.0 hours tutorial per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via blended.

Assessments

Assessment elementComments%ILO*
One 2,000 assignment5001, 02, 03, 04
One draft + final 2000 word essay5001, 02, 03, 04