This course is an introduction to historical linguistics, and how the study of linguistic histories informs our more general understanding of the history of Asia and the Pacific – particularly when we go back beyond the reach of written records. Asia and the Pacific form the linguistically most diverse area in the world, and past and present societies across the two regions are typically identified by the kind of languages they speak. The course explores the status and internal diversity of a number of different language groupings, including language families such as Sino-Tibetan, Austroasiatic, Tai-Kadai and Austronesian, linguistic areas such as India and Mainland Southeast Asia, and languages whose historical connections remain debated, such as Japanese and Korean, and it considers what language histories can tell us about the non-linguistic histories of Asia-Pacific societies. The course aims to introduce students to the basic principles and methods of historical linguistics, including processes of language change and language contact, as well as the ways in which linguistic development reflects socio-cultural change. We will use language history as a starting point for broader discussions that incorporate research from anthropology, archaeology and population genetics, asking how the different disciplines tell similar or different stories about the Asia-Pacific past.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
On successful completion of this course, students will have the skills and knowledge to:1. Demonstrate an understanding of and evaluate current models and theories of using language to recover the past
2. Analyse linguistic data using methods of historical linguistics
3. Critically assess and evaluate research on specific language history scenarios
4. Reflect on and articulate how language histories interact with research from related disciplines
5. Construct well-supported arguments in support of different perspectives on language histories.
Staff Feedback
Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:
- Written comments in individual assessment items
- Verbal comments in classes to the whole class, small group and individuals
Student Feedback
ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.Class Schedule
Week/Session | Summary of Activities | Assessment |
---|---|---|
1 | Perspectives on the Asia-Pacific past | weeks 1-4 |
2 | Case study 1: Island Southeast Asia | weeks 5-6 |
3 | Case Study 2: The Pacific | week 7 |
4 | Case Study 3: New Guinea | week 8 |
5 | Case Study 4: Mainland Southeast Asia | week 9 |
6 | Case Study 5: East Asia | week 10 |
7 | Case Study 6: South Asia | week 11 |
8 | Windows on the human past | week 12 |
Tutorial Registration
This course has a single tutorial time, and so there is no need to register for tutorials.
Assessment Summary
Assessment task | Value | Due Date | Return of assessment | Learning Outcomes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Online quizzes | 5 % | 24/02/2020 | 30/05/2020 | 1, 3, 4 |
Tutorial Participation | 10 % | 24/02/2020 | 30/05/2020 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 |
Assignment 1 | 15 % | 10/03/2020 | 20/03/2020 | 1, 3, 4, 5 |
Assignment 2 | 15 % | 31/03/2020 | 09/04/2020 | 1, 2, 3 |
Research Project | 55 % | 09/06/2020 | 26/06/2020 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 |
* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details
Policies
ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:- Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
- Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information
- Student Surveys and Evaluations
- Deferred Examinations
- Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
Assessment Requirements
The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website Students may choose not to submit assessment items through Turnitin. In this instance you will be required to submit, alongside the assessment item itself, hard copies of all references included in the assessment item.Moderation of Assessment
Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.Participation
Students are expected to participate in lecture and tutorial classes, the content of which are aimed at preparing students for the different assessment items. Students are specifically assessed on tutorial participation, which is based on in-class participation and submitted preparation for tutorial classes. Further details are provided in the Course Materials Book on the course Wattle site.
Examination(s)
This course does not have an exam.
Assessment Task 1
Learning Outcomes: 1, 3, 4
Online quizzes
Students are expected to complete a short online quiz each week that relates to the week's course reading. Quizzes are to be completed by Monday 12pm each week. See the Course Materials Book on the course Wattle site for more details.
Assessment Task 2
Learning Outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Tutorial Participation
Students are expected to prepare for all tutorials, following the instructions for each tutorial task which can be found under the relevant week in the Course Materials Book on the course Wattle site. Tutorial prticipation marks are based on students' in-class participation and the submission of tutorial preparation; further details of this are provided in the Course Materials Book on the course Wattle site.
Assessment Task 3
Learning Outcomes: 1, 3, 4, 5
Assignment 1
Assignment 1 is 500-word critical assessment of an academic article. Detailed instructions are in the Course Materials Book on the Wattle site.
Assessment Task 4
Learning Outcomes: 1, 2, 3
Assignment 2
Assignment 2 involves historical analysis of lingusitic data using methods learnt in classes. Detailed instructions are in the Course Materials Book on the Wattle site.
Assessment Task 5
Learning Outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Research Project
The Research Project is to be completed in three parts over the course of the semester. Part 1, a topic proposal and annotated bibliography, is worth 5% and due in week 7. Part 2 is to participate in round-table discussion based on an 800-word article critique, which is worth 20% and due in week 11. Part 3 is a 3,000-word essay worth 30% and due in the exam period. Detailed instructions are in the Course Materials Book on the Wattle site.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a core part of our culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically. This means that all members of the community commit to honest and responsible scholarly practice and to upholding these values with respect and fairness. The Australian National University commits to embedding the values of academic integrity in our teaching and learning. We ensure that all members of our community understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with. The University has policies and procedures in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Visit the following Academic honesty & plagiarism website for more information about academic integrity and what the ANU considers academic misconduct. The ANU offers a number of services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. The Academic Skills and Learning Centre offers a number of workshops and seminars that you may find useful for your studies.Online Submission
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
All assessment items for this course are to be submitted electronically. Please keep a copy of your assessment items for your records.
Hardcopy Submission
None of the assessment for this course is to be submitted as hard copies.
Late Submission
Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date.
Extensions must be requested in writing with appropriate supporting documentation before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.
Late submission is not accepted for the online quizzes or submitted tutorial preparation.
Referencing Requirements
Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.Returning Assignments
For online quizzes, marks and feedback are provided online after the quiz deadline, and further feedback is provided verbally in the associated class. For submitted tutorial preparation marks are provided through Turnitin, and feedback is provided in the associated class. For all other assessment items marks and feedback are provided through Turnitin, and additional verbal feedback may be given in associated classes.
Extensions and Penalties
Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure The Course Convener may grant extensions for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.Resubmission of Assignments
Resubmission of assessment items is not accepted.
Privacy Notice
The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information. In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service — including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy. If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.Distribution of grades policy
Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes. Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.Support for students
The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).- ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
- ANU Diversity and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
- ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
- ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
- ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
- ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
- PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students
Convener
![]() |
|
|||
Research Interests
|
Dr Bethwyn Evans
![]() |
|
Instructor
![]() |
|
|||
Research Interests |
Dr Bethwyn Evans
![]() |
|