• Semester 1 (External)
• Semester 2 (Day)
• Semester 2 (External)

Synopsis

Australia is increasingly acknowledging the multicultural
nature of its society.  Teachers who are involved in language
teaching, whether they are teaching first or second languages
are generally not aware of the educational and social issues
involved in bilingualism and biculturalism/multiculturalism.
This unit looks mainly at educational issues, but these are set
against the social ramifications of bilingualism and
multiculturalism.

The unit will cover the following topics:  Definitions and
typologies of bilingualism, multiculturalism and language maintenance;
relationships between policies and bilingualism and multiculturalism;
bilingualism and cognition; how bilingualism is measured;
types of bilingual education and their educational outcomes;
bilingualism and the education of minorities, and education
policies for a multicultural Australia.