Outline

Overview

Language mixtures like Frenglish, Mednyj Aleut, or Gadal are a worldwide reality today. This unit explores language fusions and cultural hybridity against the backdrop of globalisation as a source of innovation. It lays the foundations for the study of phenomena like metrolingualism, and how languages can clash, collide, and fuse to form new meanings. A learning goal is to apply the practice of language mixing to multilingual communities through the lens of cultural stability. This process affects ideas about cultural heritage, imperfect translation, and the formation of multiple identities in language communities like Australia's Gurundji Kriol.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Languages and Cultures
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Benjamin Nickl, benjamin.nickl@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Nadia Selim, nadia.selim@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Presentation	Presentation student in-class presentation (individual and/or group, includes a written presentation plan upload)	25%	Multiple weeks	15 minutes/equivalent to 1500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Evaluation	4xOnline Peer Review Blog Posts online peer review posts on CANVAS/student peer commentary	8%	Multiple weeks Due date: 22 May 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 22 May 2026	4x100 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	4xOnline Blog Posts online blog post on CANVAS/individual student reflection	12%	Multiple weeks Due date: 22 May 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 22 May 2026	4x150words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Early Feedback Task multiple-choice test, online via Canvas	0%	Week 03 Due date: 15 Mar 2026 at 23:59	15 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Experimental design	Project Outline Draft outline description provided by student on their final project for feedback	20%	Week 09 Due date: 03 May 2026 at 23:59	500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	Final Project individual student unit project, submitted via Canvas	35%	Week 13 Due date: 31 May 2026 at 23:59	3000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Students will be required to critically summarise and reflect in groups and/or independently on relevant course materials and learning objectives and produce in guided steps an individual final project task submission. Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The late penalty policy as per Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences applies to all assessment items in this unit.

Result code

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.

Distinction

75 - 84

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.

Credit

65 - 74

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.

Pass

50 - 64

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

Absent fail

0 - 49

When you haven’t completed all assessment tasks or met the attendance requirements.

Cancelled

No mark

When your enrolment has been cancelled.

Discontinued not to count as failure

No mark or 0

When you discontinue a unit under special circumstances (outlined in clause 92 of the Coursework Policy), after the relevant census date.

Discontinue – fail

No mark or 0

When you discontinue a unit after the relevant census date but before the DF deadline, and you have not been granted a discontinuation under special circumstances.

Failed requirements

No mark

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes to a satisfactory standard, for units which are marked as either Satisfied requirements or Failed requirements.

Satisfied requirements

No mark

When you meet the learning outcomes to a satisfactory standard, for units which are marked as either Satisfied requirements or Failed requirements.

Withdrawn

No mark

When you discontinue a unit before the relevant census date. WD grades do not appear on your academic transcript.

Not examinable

No mark or 0

When you have exhausted your options to sit replacement exams or replacement assessment tests. An NE does not count as a fail on your transcript and won’t be included in your weighted average mark (WAM).

Result code	Result name	Mark range	Description
HD	High distinction	85 - 100	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
DI	Distinction	75 - 84	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
CR	Credit	65 - 74	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
PS	Pass	50 - 64	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
FA	Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.
AF	Absent fail	0 - 49	When you haven’t completed all assessment tasks or met the attendance requirements.
CN	Cancelled	No mark	When your enrolment has been cancelled.
DC	Discontinued not to count as failure	No mark or 0	When you discontinue a unit under special circumstances (outlined in clause 92 of the Coursework Policy), after the relevant census date.
DF	Discontinue – fail	No mark or 0	When you discontinue a unit after the relevant census date but before the DF deadline, and you have not been granted a discontinuation under special circumstances.
FR	Failed requirements	No mark	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes to a satisfactory standard, for units which are marked as either Satisfied requirements or Failed requirements.
SR	Satisfied requirements	No mark	When you meet the learning outcomes to a satisfactory standard, for units which are marked as either Satisfied requirements or Failed requirements.
WD	Withdrawn	No mark	When you discontinue a unit before the relevant census date. WD grades do not appear on your academic transcript.
NE	Not examinable	No mark or 0	When you have exhausted your options to sit replacement exams or replacement assessment tests. An NE does not count as a fail on your transcript and won’t be included in your weighted average mark (WAM).

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

FASS late penalty policy applies.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Introduction to unit; assessment information; welcome activity;	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 01	Introduction to unit; assessment information; welcome activity;	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 02	Introduction to Theory	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 02	Introduction to Theory	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 03	Introduction to Theory	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 03	Introduction to Theory	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 04	Introduction to Theory	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 04	Introduction to Theory	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 05	Applied Contexts	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 05	Applied Contexts	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 06	Applied Contexts	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 06	Applied Contexts	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 07	Applied Contexts	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 07	Applied Contexts	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 08	Applied Contexts	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 08	Applied Contexts	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 09	Critical Thinking: Challenges, Developments, Opportunities	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 09	Critical Thinking: Challenges, Developments, Opportunities	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 10	Critical Thinking: Challenges, Developments, Opportunities	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 10	Critical Thinking: Challenges, Developments, Opportunities	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 11	Critical Thinking: Challenges, Developments, Opportunities	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 11	Critical Thinking: Challenges, Developments, Opportunities	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 12	Critical Thinking: Challenges, Developments, Opportunities	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 12	Critical Thinking: Challenges, Developments, Opportunities	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 13	Final unit session: wrapping up; cultural hybridity and language fusion in review, presenting a final project summary	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 13	Final unit session: wrapping up; cultural hybridity and language fusion in review, presenting a final project summary	Tutorial (1 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance for this unit is mandatory. The minimum attendance policy of FASS applies and students must be present for 85% of the unit in-person teaching events to pass the unit. Attendance covers each 2h weekly seminar meeting. Active participation in class or via online blogs to demonstrate student engagement is required.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings and materials will be provided via Canvas. No additional purchases are necessary.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. work in groups or individually to prepare and present an argument on a class topic
LO2. identify and describe processes of language hybridity and cultural fusions
LO3. communicate complex ideas and data effectively to diverse audiences through context-dependent forms of communication
LO4. compare processes of language hybridity and cultural fusions in different national and cultural contexts
LO5. apply the class content to research, find, and analyse examples of language hybridity and cultural fusions in other settings
LO6. demonstrate a deeper understanding of issues arising from clashing cultures and multilingual societies in writing and in oral presentations

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

The final student task has been updated to reflect a real-world engagement scenario and apply theoretical learning to actual academic practice.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

SLCS1200: Language Hybrids and Cultural Fusions

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links