LING6101 Second Language Acquisition
| Offered By | School of Language Studies |
|---|---|
| Academic Career | Graduate Coursework |
| Course Subject | Linguistics |
| Offered in | Second Semester, 2011 |
| Unit Value | 6 units |
| Course Description |
This course gives an overview of the field of second language acquisition research. The study of second language acquisition started out as a primarily pedagogical enterprise and now has taken a distinctly cognitive slant. This course will trace the factors leading to this development, in particular theory formation and the analysis of observational data. A number of approaches to the explanation of language acquisition will be reviewed and evaluated against the background of empirical data. |
| Learning Outcomes |
Students will have gained insight into the complex nature of learning a second language. They will be able to identify aspects of learning which are shared by all learners as well as many areas of difference between them. Students will have gained an initial understanding of specific language acquisition theories and be able to assess their suitability for describing and/or explaining different dimensions of language learning. They will have conducted a small study on the acquisition of English as a second language demonstrating their ability to: (a) collect their own data based on methodological principles taught in the course; (b) apply Processability Theory in analysing their data and determining which stage of acquisition their learner has reached with respect to word order as well as morphology, (c) produce a research report which presents their data and findings in ways appropriate to the discipline. They will also have undertaken and written up a small research project on second language acquisition in a specific area of their interest. |
| Indicative Assessment |
2 assignments (30%), Pilot project (20%), Graduate project (50%). |
| Workload | In addition to the contact hours, students will be expected to spend an average of 6 hours per week reading and completing assignments. |
| Course Classification(s) | TransitionalTransitional courses are designed for students from a broad range of backgrounds and learning achievements, which provide for the acquisition of generic skills; or an informed understanding of contemporary issues; or fundamental knowledge for transition to Advanced or Specialist courses. |
| Areas of Interest | Linguistics and Applied Linguistics |
| Prescribed Texts |
General reading brick (Available on WebCT); Graduate reading list (Available from Chifley Short Loan); Further background reading (Available from Chifley Short Loan);
|
| Programs | Graduate Diploma in Applied Linguistics, Graduate Certificate in Applied Japanese Linguistics, Master of Applied Linguistics, and Master of Linguistics |
| Academic Contact | Dr Louise Jansen |
The information published on the Study at ANU 2010 website applies to the 2010 academic year only. All information provided on this website replaces the information contained in the Study at ANU 2009 website.
