University of Technology Sydney

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 2025 is available in the Archives.

UTS: International Studies: Initial Teacher Education
Credit points: 8 cp

Subject level: Undergraduate

Result type: Grade and marks

There 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

Preparation for classes

Students will be expected to (1) preview material either posted to UTS Online or provided in class the week before, and (2) have completed any homework tasks, such as a reading comprehension task, a writing skills development task, or preparation for a speaking task.

In-class activities

The in-class activities will feature of mix of:

  1. lecturer input on language systems and language macro-skills, notably in response to student achievement on set tasks
  2. individual student practice of listening, reading and writing skills through concrete and in-context tasks
  3. interactive student discussion of how to best approach set tasks
  4. collaborative writing activities where appropriate
  5. peer feedback on writing
  6. interactive speaking practice activities
  7. interactive student evaluation of task achievement.

Post-class activities

Students will be expected to complete short language skills development tasks which consolidate and extend activities done in class.

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

Weight: 40%
Criteria linkages:
Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs
Accuracy of responses to listening text 50 a 6.
Accuracy of responses to reading text 50 a 6.
SLOs: subject learning objectives
CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Assessment task 2: Short essay

Objective(s):

b

Weight: 30%
Criteria linkages:
Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs
Relevance of content 25 b 6.
Coherence of structure 25 b 6.
Range and relevance of vocabulary 25 b 6.
Grammatical range and accuracy 25 b 6.
SLOs: subject learning objectives
CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Assessment task 3: Short interview

Objective(s):

c

Weight: 30%
Criteria linkages:
Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs
Fluency and coherence of responses 20 c 6.
Range of vocabulary 20 c 6.
Grammatical range and accuracy 20 c 6.
Clarity of pronunciation 20 c 6.
Appropriacy of non-verbal behaviour 20 c 6.
SLOs: subject learning objectives
CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Minimum requirements

Attendance at weekly classes is important for this subject because it is based on the interchange of ideas with other students and with the lecturer.

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.