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 Type | Title | Resource Requirement | Author and Year | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Readings | Gesture: Visible action as utterance | Prescribed | Kendon, A. (2004). | CAMBRIDGE: CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS |
| Readings | Gesture and thought | Recommended | McNeill, D. (2005) | UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO PRESS |
| Readings | Hearing gesture: How our hands help us think | Recommended | Goldin-Meadow, S. (2003) | HARVARD UNIVERSITY PRESS |
| Readings | Language and gesture | Recommended | McNeill, 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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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 element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| One 2,000 assignment | 50 | 01, 02, 03, 04 | |
| One draft + final 2000 word essay | 50 | 01, 02, 03, 04 |