ALM5250

Second language acquisition

(ART)

Cathy Jenkins

12 points + Second semester + Distance + 2 hours per week

Synopsis: The relation between first and second language acquisition; learning/acquisition contexts; foreign language learning vs second language acquisition; contrastive and error analysis; interlanguage; learner variability - age, aptitude, cognitive styles, attitude and motivation; theories of second language acquisition; learning strategies; classroom interaction analysis; implications for curriculum content; and attrition as the inverse of acquisition. Students work on problems in a language of interest to them.

Assessment: Two assignments (3000 words each): 30% each + Open-book test (approx. 4 hours: 3000 words equivalent): 40%